Digital spreadsheets are used to store, organize and manipulate data and were originally based on paper spreadsheets used for accounting. Data are stored in tables which are a collection of CELLS organized into rows and columns. Software programs such as Excel or Google sheets can store hundreds of tables or worksheets in one workbook. More recent versions of the software contain a million rows and more than 16K columns, or about 16 billion cells. The cell is the basic unit for storing data in the worksheet and each cell is identified by a cell reference which is a combination of the column letter and the row number. Each cell can contain numbers or text or dates/times or values or formulas or hyperlinks or pictures. Cells are awesome.

Data spreadsheet example

For the past 40 years I have been using spreadsheets – first Lotus 1-2-3, then Excel in my career as survey statistician. I use spreadsheets to track household expenses and plan travel. More recently I’ve developed spreadsheets to inventory my artwork, track calls for entry, submissions and invitations.

More examples of spreadsheets

I speak spreadsheet and at the end of this month, I’ll reveal my piece based on cells.    

Work in progress, May 2022

3 thoughts on “Another Kind of Cell

  1. I know our results will be wonderfully varied, as always. Soon, very soon!! I’m getting panicky because my school term ends on June 2, and everything need to be finished next week! The clock is ticking and won’t wait for me.

  2. A most wonderful reminder that we think in columns and rows these days- the cells that matter. And a terrific collection of fabrics, focus and colour to underline their value.

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