You are now entering the PC Anatomy portal

A spreadsheet is a software application designed for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in a tabular format consisting of rows and columns, where cells can contain numbers, text, or formulas that automatically recalculate based on referenced cell values. This structure enables users to perform complex calculations, model mathematical relationships, and generate visual representations such as charts and graphs from numeric data. The concept originated with VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet program, released in 1979 for the Apple II computer by developers Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston, which introduced the paradigm of visible, interactive computation on personal computers.

VisiCalc's innovation as a "killer application" significantly boosted the adoption of microcomputers by demonstrating practical business and analytical utility without requiring traditional programming skills. Subsequent programs like Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel expanded these capabilities, incorporating advanced features such as macros, pivot tables, and data visualization tools, making spreadsheets indispensable for financial modeling, scientific analysis, and data management across industries.