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Year 6

Using formulas in a spreadsheet

I can use spreadsheet functions that work with ranges of cells.

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New
New
Year 6

Using formulas in a spreadsheet

I can use spreadsheet functions that work with ranges of cells.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A range of cells is a collection of cells located directly next to each other.
  2. A function in a spreadsheet performs a preset formula to a cell using any number of other cells.
  3. Use of pre-built functions in spreadsheets makes it easier to perform complex calculations.

Keywords

  • Function - a ready-made instruction that performs a specific mathematical job

  • Range - a group of cells that are next to each other

Common misconception

You should create a formula in a spreadsheet yourself even if a pre-built function already exisits that does what you need your formula to do.

Use pre-built spreadsheet functions whenever possible to save time and avoid mistakes. Use of technology should help you find ways to assist in what you need to do.


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

additional-material

File needed for this lesson

  • Using spreadsheet functions 57.15 KB (XLSX)
Functions have similarities to function machines in maths. Draw on pupils experiences of using them to produce outputs based on a specified input.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Pupils 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.
What is the main purpose of using a table to organise data?
to confuse people
to hide data
to delete data
Correct answer: to make data easier to understand
Q2.
What does 'replicate' mean in the context of spreadsheets?
delete data
Correct answer: copy formulas
create a new spreadsheet
format data
Q3.
What is a rectangular box in a spreadsheet called?
Correct Answer: cell, a cell
Q4.
What is used to perform calculations in a spreadsheet?
Correct Answer: formula, formulae, formulas
Q5.
Type the formula to add cell A1 to B3:
Correct Answer: =A1+B3, =B3+A1
Q6.
Type the formula to divide B1 by C1:
Correct Answer: =B1/C1

6 Questions

Q1.
What does a range of cells refer to in a spreadsheet?
a single cell
a group of cells which are not touching
Correct answer: a collection of cells that are next to each other
a single column
Q2.
How would you type in the range of cells that include A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 and B3.
Correct Answer: A1:B3
Q3.
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using spreadsheet functions?
simplifying complex calculations
reducing manual errors
saving time
Correct answer: making data entry more difficult
Q4.
What should you do if a pre-built function exists for your calculation needs?
ignore it
Correct answer: use it to save time and reduce errors
create a new formula
Avoid using it
Q5.
How do you calculate the average of values in cells A1 to A5 using a spreadsheet function?
Correct Answer: =Average(A1:A5)
Q6.
Match the term to its definition:
Correct Answer:formula,A mathematical expression that calculates a value.
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A mathematical expression that calculates a value.

Correct Answer:function,An operation that performs calculations on a range of data.
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An operation that performs calculations on a range of data.

Correct Answer:sum,The total of a group of numbers.
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The total of a group of numbers.

Correct Answer:count,The number of items in a range.
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The number of items in a range.

Correct Answer:average,The mean value of a group of numbers.
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The mean value of a group of numbers.