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Year 7

Spreadsheet calculations

I can use formulas in a spreadsheet to complete calculations.

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New
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Year 7

Spreadsheet calculations

I can use formulas in a spreadsheet to complete calculations.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Formulas are used in spreadsheets to perform arithmetic calculations.
  2. Cell references are used in formulas to use values stored in other parts of the spreadsheet.
  3. Formulas that use cell references recalculate when the values in those reference cells change.
  4. The fill handle tool can easily replicate formulas and data across a range of cells.

Keywords

  • Formula - performs calculations in a spreadsheet

  • Cell reference - tells you the location of a cell and is made from the column letter and row number, separated by a colon

  • Fill handle - a tool used in a spreadsheet to replicate cell data across a range of cells

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that each time data is changed in a spreadsheet the formulas will also need to be changed.

Using cell references within a formula means that the formula will recalculate when the values in those reference cells change.


To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Spreadsheet calculations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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  • Spreadsheet calculations 269.74 KB (XLSX)

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Cell references used in formulas are like variables in programs and identify a location where a value is stored. Use the anaology of a labelled container to hold single value with pupils so that they can understand the importance of clear referencing.
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equipment-required

Equipment

Pupils will require access to a device with software that provides spreadsheet capabilities.

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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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the primary purpose of the paint bucket fill tool in spreadsheets?
Correct answer: to apply colour to the background of selected cells
to fill cells with the same content
to merge cells into a single cell
to change the font colour of text in a cell
Q2.
Which of these icons would you use to apply a border to a cell?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q3.
Which of the following is a common use for the background fill tool?
Correct answer: to highlight important cells or rows for better visibility
to delete data from multiple cells at once
to merge multiple cells into a single one
to convert text into uppercase
Q4.
Name the cell range of these cells.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: A5:C7
Q5.
Name the cell range of these cells.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: A2:A6
Q6.
How does using the background fill tool enhance readability in a spreadsheet?
by adding borders around cells automatically
Correct answer: by creating a contrast between the background and the text
by sorting data alphabetically
by automatically resizing the columns

Exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is the primary function of the fill handle tool in spreadsheets?
to fill cells with colour
Correct answer: to copy cell content
to merge selected cells
to sort data in ascending order
Q2.
How can you activate the fill tool in most spreadsheet programs?
Right-click a cell and select "Fill Down."
Correct answer: Drag the fill handle (a small square in the corner of the selected cell).
Use the "Insert" menu and choose "Fill."
Press Ctrl + F.
Q3.
What is a cell reference in a spreadsheet?
a way to format cells with colours and borders
a formula that calculates the sum of a range of cells
Correct answer: an address or name of a cell in the spreadsheet
a feature that merges two or more cells together
Q4.
What must all formulas in spreadsheet calculations start with?
Correct answer: =
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