What is a spreadsheet used for?

http://www.ehow.com/about_5212599_uses-spreadsheets.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spreadsheet

Thanks, another question...

are all column vertical and all rows horizontal?

Yes.

http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/c/g/Column_defined.htm

A spreadsheet is primarily used for organizing and manipulating data in a tabular form. It is an electronic document made up of rows and columns, divided into individual cells, where users can enter and store various types of information such as numbers, text, and formulas.

Spreadsheets have a wide range of applications and are commonly used for tasks such as:

1. Data analysis: Spreadsheets allow users to perform calculations, create charts, and generate reports based on the data entered. They can help analyze trends, identify patterns, and visualize data.

2. Budgeting and financial planning: Spreadsheets are commonly used for personal and business finance management. They enable users to track expenses, create budgets, calculate incomes, and perform financial projections.

3. Project management: Spreadsheets can be used to create task lists, set deadlines, allocate resources, and track progress. They provide a convenient way to organize and manage project-related data.

4. Inventory management: Spreadsheets can be used to keep track of stock levels, monitor sales, and manage inventory. Users can easily update and analyze data to better control their supply chain.

5. Data entry and record keeping: Spreadsheets can serve as efficient tools for storing and organizing data. They can be used to maintain records, track inventory, manage contacts, and more.

To use a spreadsheet effectively, you can start by selecting a spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, and familiarize yourself with its basic features and functionalities. Then, you can enter data into the cells, format it as needed, use formulas to perform calculations, and utilize functions and features to manipulate and analyze the data in various ways. There are numerous tutorials and resources available online to help you learn and improve your spreadsheet skills.