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Year 6

Spreadsheet formulas

I can calculate new data in a spreadsheet using formulas.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 6

Spreadsheet formulas

I can calculate new data in a spreadsheet using formulas.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Formulas in a spreadsheet are used to perform common mathematical operations using data from cells.
  2. Only cells that have a numerical data format can be used as part of a formula.
  3. Spreadsheet formulas can use cell references as a part of a calculation.
  4. Spreadsheet formulas can be duplicated to other cells and change their cell references accordingly.

Keywords

  • Calculation - working out an answer using numbers and mathematical operations

  • Operation - a mathematical action like adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing numbers

  • Formula - performs calculations in a spreadsheet

  • Replicate - to make a copy or repeat something in the same way

Common misconception

Spreadsheet forumlas need to use values that are typed directly into the formula.

A formula in a spreadsheet should use cell references where possible. Whilst a forumla can use a typed value, cell references saves having to retype values and also benefits from updating the results of the calculation if data changes.


To help you plan your year 6 computing lesson on: Spreadsheet formulas, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

additional-material

File needed for this lesson

  • Using formulas download 68.12 KB (XLSX)
An empty box is a useful metaphor for cell references. The label on the front of the box could be the actual cell reference, while the data value is what is placed inside the box. If the data needs changing, what is inside the box should be changed.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Pupils will need access to spreadsheet software.

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term with its definition.
Correct Answer:data,facts and figures in their raw form
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facts and figures in their raw form

Correct Answer:row,a line of data that runs from left to right
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a line of data that runs from left to right

Correct Answer:column,a group of data that runs from top to bottom
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a group of data that runs from top to bottom

Correct Answer:cell,a rectangular box used to store data
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a rectangular box used to store data

Q2.
What is a way to identify a cell?
Correct Answer: cell reference, reference
Q3.
Which of these is a cell reference?
5 x 5
BB
Correct answer: B5
5B
Q4.
How is data organised in a spreadsheet?
in circles and triangles
Correct answer: in rows and columns
in paragraphs
in sentences
Q5.
Why is it important to organise data?
to make it look pretty
to keep it secret
to delete it quickly
Correct answer: to make it easier to understand
Q6.
Why is data formatting used in a spreadsheet?
It delete data automatically
It make the data look colourful
Correct answer: It clarify what the data entered represents
to randomly shuffle the data

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term with its definition.
Correct Answer:calculation,working out an answer using numbers
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working out an answer using numbers

Correct Answer:operation,how a calculation is performed
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how a calculation is performed

Correct Answer:formula,something that performs calculations in a spreadsheet
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something that performs calculations in a spreadsheet

Q2.
Order the steps for creating a formula.
1 - Type the equals sign (=).
2 - Enter the first cell reference.
3 - Add the mathematical operation.
4 - Enter the second cell reference.
5 - Press enter.
Q3.
Which operator is used for division in a spreadsheet formula?
x
÷
Correct answer: /
*
Q4.
Write the formula you would use to add a value in cell A1 to a value in cell B1.
Correct Answer: =A1+B1, =B1+A1, =A1 + B1, =B1 + A1, = A1 + B1
Q5.
What happens when you replicate a formula in a spreadsheet?
The original formula is deleted.
The formula changes to text.
Correct answer: The formula is copied and the cell references are adjusted.
All data is removed.
Q6.
Order the steps to replicate a formula.
1 - Select the cell with the formula.
2 - Find the small black cross in the bottom right corner of the cell.
3 - Drag the cross to the new location.
4 - Release the mouse button.
5 - Check the new cell references.