spreadsheet

A spreadsheet is a software application or document that organizes data in a grid of intersecting rows and columns. Each intersection forms a cell that can contain numbers, text, dates, or formulas. Formulas reference other cells to perform calculations, and built-in functions automate common tasks such as summing totals, averaging values, or performing statistical analyses. Spreadsheets support formatting, filtering, sorting, charts, and data validation, and many provide scripting options to automate repetitive workflows.

History and diffusion: Spreadsheets emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with VisiCalc (1979) widely credited as the first widely used spreadsheet. Lotus 1-2-3 (1983) popularized the category on personal computers, and Microsoft Excel (first released for Mac in 1985 and for Windows in 1987) became the dominant product in many markets. Since then, spreadsheets have evolved to support large datasets, pivot tables, and cloud-based collaboration.

File formats and interoperability: Common formats include native workbook formats such as XLS/XLSX, ODS, and CSV for plain data exchange. Modern spreadsheets are often available as desktop programs, web-based apps, or mobile applications, enabling real-time collaboration and version history.

Applications and limitations: They are widely used for budgeting, financial modeling, data analysis, inventory management, and scheduling. Limitations include susceptibility to human error in data entry and formulas, scalability issues with very large datasets, and concerns about data integrity and security.