> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://openup.gitbook.io/training-content/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://openup.gitbook.io/training-content/the-fundamentals-of-data-driven-storytelling/module-2-get/2.2-an-introduction-to-spreadsheet-software.md).

# 2.2 An introduction to spreadsheet software

At this point, since we need to get our data into a machine readable format, it is useful to become familiar with the tools for accessing those formats: spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are computer applications used to store, analyze, organize and manipulate data in the rows and columns of a grid. The program operates by taking in data, which can be numbers or text, into the cells of tables. 

{% hint style="info" %}
If the data is numbers, the program will compute it for you depending on the function you need to be completed. 
{% endhint %}

In this lesson we will explore common features of different spreadsheet software, including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and Libre Office, and give a brief introduction to spreadsheet rows, columns, cells and tabs. 

For the purposes of demonstration we will use examples based on Google Sheets.