1 What is Microsoft Excel? Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet package. A spreadsheet (also called a worksheet) is a powerfultool which can be used to store, manipulate, calculate and analyse data such as numbers, textand formulae. In its simplest form, a spreadsheet consists of a grid into which you can enternumbers, text and formulae so that you can perform calculations quickly and easily. Therows and columns of the grid can be linked to each other so that when you make a change inone part of the grid any linked calculations in another part of the grid will be recalculatedautomatically. This feature makes a spreadsheet an excellent tool for investigating "what if"situations. For example, the effect which a change in the VAT rules would have on studentliving standards could be determined quickly and easily. Excel also provides a wide range of graphical tools. There are many different chart typeswhich you can use to illustrate the results of your data analysis; showing your data in a chartcan make it clearer, more interesting, and easier to read. Charts can also help you evaluateyour data and make comparisons between different worksheet values. Graphic objects suchas lines, arrows and added text can be placed on worksheets and charts to draw attention tospecific points. In addition you can use the drawing tools to produce flow charts, groundplans and other graphical material for insertion into essays or reports.