Class1- Introduction

Introduction to Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet is a powerful tool used for data management, analysis, and organization. LibreOffice
Calc is a popular open-source spreadsheet software that provides a wide range of features for creating
and working with spreadsheets. The first spreadsheet software was VisiCalc, released in 1979 for the
Apple II computer. Important Spreadsheet software's are Lotus 1-2-3,Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets,
Apple Numbers, LibreOffice Calc, Apache OpenOffice Calc etc.

1) A spreadsheet is a digital document that consists of rows and columns, forming a grid.
2) It is used to store, manipulate, and analyze data in a structured and organized manner.
3) Spreadsheets are commonly used for tasks such as budgeting, financial analysis, data tracking,
and more.

Comparison of Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc

Feature Microsoft Excel LibreOffice Calc

Cost Paid Free and open-source

Platform Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Windows, macOS, Linux

Wide range of features, including advanced Good range of features, including basic
Features data analysis tools, charting capabilities, data analysis tools, charting capabilities,
and the ability to create macros and the ability to create macros

Compatible with other Microsoft Office Compatible with other LibreOffice

Compatibility
applications applications

Similar user interface to Excel, but may be

User interface Familiar user interface
less intuitive for beginners

Microsoft Excel was first introduced in LibreOffice Calc was first introduced in
Introduced In
1985 2010.

LibreOffice Calc Overview

LibreOffice Calc is part of the LibreOffice suite of productivity software and is a free, open-source
alternative to Microsoft Excel. It offers a wide array of features for creating and managing
spreadsheets. Let's explore the main elements of LibreOffice Calc.
1. Workbook
• A workbook is the primary document in LibreOffice Calc.
• It can contain multiple sheets, each represented by a tab at the bottom of the window.
• Workbooks are saved with a file extension of ".ods" (OpenDocument Spreadsheet).

2. Sheet Or Worksheet
• A sheet is a single page within a workbook.
• It consists of rows and columns that intersect to form cells.
• Each sheet can have its own unique content and formatting.
• By default there is one sheet in Calc
• Maximum number of sheet can exceed upto 10,000.(DOM)

3. Cell
• A cell is the smallest unit in a spreadsheet and is identified by a unique cell reference, such as
A1 or B5.
• Cells can contain various types of data, including numbers, text, dates, and formulas.
• The intersection of a row and a column creates a cell. The maximum number of characters
allowed in a cell is 32,767.

4. Rows and Columns

• Rows are horizontal collections of cells, numbered from 1 to the maximum row limit.The
maximum number of rows in LibreOffice Calc was 1,048,576.
• Columns are vertical collections of cells, labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc.).The maximum
number of columns was 1,024.

5. Data Types

• Text: Used for labels, titles, and descriptions.

• Numbers: Used for calculations, such as integers and decimals.
• Dates and Times: Used for managing date and time information.
• Formulas: Used for performing calculations based on cell values.

6. Formula
Formulas are used for making calculations in calc. A formula always begins with equals to sign(=).

7. Functions
Functions are built-in formulas that perform specific calculations.
They are used to simplify complex calculations and can be applied to one or more cells.
Common functions include SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, and IF.

7. Formatting
LibreOffice Calc provides extensive formatting options for cells, including font styles, colors, borders,
and alignment.
Formatting helps improve the visual appeal and clarity of your spreadsheet.

8. Charts and Graphs

Calc allows you to create various types of charts and graphs to visualize data.
Charts are helpful for presenting data in a more understandable format.

Basic shortcut keys used in Calc:

•Navigation
1. Ctrl+Home: Move to cell A1
2. Ctrl+End: Move to the last cell with data in the worksheet
3. Home: Move to the first cell in the row
4. End: Move to the last cell in the row
5. Shift+Home: Select from the current cell to cell A1
6. Shift+End: Select from the current cell to the last cell with data in the worksheet
7. Shift+Page Up: Select from the current cell up one page
8. Shift+Page Down: Select from the current cell down one page
9. Ctrl+Left Arrow: Move the cursor one cell to the left
10. Ctrl+Right Arrow: Move the cursor one cell to the right
11. Ctrl+Up Arrow: Move the cursor one cell up
12. Ctrl+Down Arrow: Move the cursor one cell down
•Editing
1. F2: Enter edit mode for the current cell
2. Delete: Delete the contents of the current cell
3. Backspace: Delete the character to the left of the cursor
4. Ctrl+Z: Undo the previous action
5. Ctrl+Y: Redo the previous action
 6. Ctrl+X: Cut the selected cells to the clipboard
7. Ctrl+C: Copy the selected cells to the clipboard
8. Ctrl+V: Paste the contents of the clipboard to the selected cells
•Formatting
1. Ctrl+B: Bold the selected text
2. Ctrl+I: Italicize the selected text
3. Ctrl+U: Underline the selected text
4. Ctrl+Shift+A: Increase the font size of the selected text
5. Ctrl+Shift+Z: Decrease the font size of the selected text
6. Ctrl+1: Open the Format Cells dialog box
•Formulas
1. Shift+Ctrl+F2: Open the Formula Bar
2. Enter: Calculate the formula in the current cell
3. F4: Absolute reference to the current cell
4. Ctrl+Shift+Enter: Array formula
•Other
1. F1: Open the Help dialog box
2. Ctrl+S: Save the spreadsheet
3. Ctrl+O: Open a spreadsheet
4. Ctrl+N: Create a new spreadsheet
5. Ctrl+P: Print the spreadsheet