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ICDL Spreadsheets study materials
ICDL Spreadsheets study resources

ICDL Spreadsheets (ICDL) practice questions

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Question 1Using the Application

In a spreadsheet application, which file format is the native default for saving a workbook in Microsoft Excel 2019 and later?

  1. PDF
  2. TXT
  3. CSV
  4. XLSX Correct answer.

Explanation

The Office Open XML workbook format with the .xlsx extension is the default save format for modern Excel versions. It preserves formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets. The other formats either store only plain data or are output-only renderings.

Question 2Using the Application

Which keyboard shortcut opens the Save As dialog in most spreadsheet applications?

  1. Ctrl+P
  2. F12 Correct answer.
  3. Ctrl+O
  4. Ctrl+S

Explanation

F12 is the standard shortcut that opens the Save As dialog, letting you choose a new name, location, or file type. Ctrl+S performs a normal save to the current file without prompting.

Question 3Using the Application

A user wants two worksheet windows visible side by side within the same workbook. Which feature accomplishes this?

  1. New Window Correct answer.
  2. Freeze Panes
  3. Split
  4. Page Break Preview

Explanation

The New Window command opens an additional window for the same workbook, and each window can be arranged to show a different sheet or area. Freeze Panes and Split only divide a single window's view, not create separate windows.

Question 4Using the Application

What is the purpose of the AutoRecover feature in a spreadsheet application?

  1. To periodically save a temporary copy so unsaved work can be restored after a crash Correct answer.
  2. To automatically correct spelling errors in cell text
  3. To convert formulas into their calculated values
  4. To compress the workbook to save disk space

Explanation

AutoRecover takes periodic snapshots of an open workbook and stores them temporarily, so if the application closes unexpectedly the user can recover recent changes. It does not alter the content or size of the file itself.

Question 5Using the Application

Which action changes the default number of worksheets created in every new workbook?

  1. Setting the print area on the active sheet
  2. Renaming the first worksheet tab
  3. Editing the value in the Options dialog under the General tab Correct answer.
  4. Adding a sheet with the Insert Sheet command

Explanation

The number of sheets included in new workbooks is a program-level setting found in the application Options dialog. Inserting, renaming, or configuring print areas affects only the current workbook.

Question 6Using the Application

A user needs to keep the top row of a long table visible while scrolling down. Which command should be used?

  1. Hide
  2. Freeze Top Row Correct answer.
  3. Group
  4. Split

Explanation

Freeze Top Row locks the first row in place so it remains visible during vertical scrolling. Split creates adjustable panes, while Group and Hide affect outline and visibility rather than locking a row on screen.

Question 7Using the Application

Which file type should be chosen to save a workbook so it can be opened by the widest range of spreadsheet programs while keeping only a single sheet of plain values?

  1. ODS
  2. CSV Correct answer.
  3. XLSM
  4. XLSX

Explanation

CSV is a plain-text, delimited format readable by virtually any spreadsheet or database tool. It stores only values from one sheet and loses formulas and formatting, which is the trade-off for portability.

Question 8Using the Application

What does the Compatibility Checker do when saving a workbook?

  1. It checks that all formulas return the expected results
  2. It reports features that will be lost or changed in the chosen older file format Correct answer.
  3. It confirms the file name follows naming rules
  4. It verifies the file against virus definitions

Explanation

When saving to an older format, the Compatibility Checker lists features that are not fully supported so the user can decide whether to proceed. It does not evaluate formula results or scan for malware.

Question 9Using the Application

Which setting determines whether a workbook opens with the cursor on a specific cell?

  1. The zoom level
  2. The default font size
  3. The calculation mode
  4. The active cell saved with the workbook Correct answer.

Explanation

The active cell at the moment of saving is stored with the workbook, so reopening returns the cursor to that position. Font size, calculation mode, and zoom are display or computation settings and do not control cursor placement.

Question 10Using the Application

A user wants to display the full path of the current workbook in the title bar. Which option controls this?

  1. Always create backup copy
  2. Show full path in title bar in Advanced options Correct answer.
  3. Enable AutoComplete for cell values
  4. Show formula bar

Explanation

The Advanced options include a setting to show the full document path in the title bar for easier identification of the open file. The other options control unrelated behaviors such as editing aids and backups.

Question 11Using the Application

Which shortcut closes the current workbook window without exiting the spreadsheet application entirely?

  1. Ctrl+Q
  2. Ctrl+F4
  3. Ctrl+W Correct answer.
  4. Alt+F4

Explanation

Ctrl+W closes the active workbook window while leaving the application running, so other open workbooks remain available. Ctrl+Q and Alt+F4 typically exit the application itself.

Question 12Using the Application

What is the effect of marking a workbook as Final?

  1. It converts all formulas to static values
  2. It makes the workbook read-only to discourage further edits Correct answer.
  3. It deletes all revision history
  4. It encrypts the file with a password

Explanation

Marking a document as Final sets it to read-only status and displays a notice, signaling that editing is complete. It does not add encryption or alter the stored content.

Question 13Using the Application

Which feature lets a user store author, title, and subject information about a workbook?

  1. Page Setup
  2. Conditional Formatting
  3. Data Validation
  4. Document Properties Correct answer.

Explanation

Document Properties hold metadata such as author, title, subject, and keywords that describe the file. Page Setup, Data Validation, and Conditional Formatting affect layout, entry rules, and appearance rather than metadata.

Question 14Using the Application

A user opens a workbook and sees a yellow bar reading 'Protected View'. What does this indicate?

  1. The file was opened from a potentially unsafe location and editing is restricted until enabled Correct answer.
  2. The workbook is encrypted and requires a password
  3. The workbook contains circular reference errors
  4. The workbook is currently shared with other users

Explanation

Protected View opens files from potentially unsafe sources in a restricted mode to reduce risk, and the user must choose to enable editing. It is a security measure, not an encryption or error state.

Question 15Using the Application

Which command is used to change the default location where new workbooks are saved?

  1. Review > Share Workbook
  2. File > Options > Save Correct answer.
  3. File > Info > Protect Workbook
  4. View > Page Layout

Explanation

The default save location is configured in the application Options under the Save category. The other commands deal with protection, sharing, or view modes.

Question 16Using the Application

What happens when a workbook is saved with the 'Read-only recommended' option enabled?

  1. Users are prompted to open it in read-only mode Correct answer.
  2. All worksheets are hidden
  3. The file cannot be opened by anyone
  4. The file is automatically deleted after closing

Explanation

Read-only recommended displays a prompt when the file is opened, suggesting the user open it without editing rights. The user may still choose to edit, so the file is not locked entirely.

Question 17Using the Application

Which keyboard shortcut inserts a new worksheet in most spreadsheet applications?

  1. Alt+Enter
  2. Shift+F11 Correct answer.
  3. Ctrl+Tab
  4. Ctrl+N

Explanation

Shift+F11 inserts a new worksheet into the current workbook. Ctrl+N creates a new workbook, while the other shortcuts perform unrelated actions.

Question 18Using the Application

A user wants to see two non-adjacent sheets at once but only has one window. What is the most appropriate approach?

  1. Use New Window to open a second view of the workbook and arrange the windows Correct answer.
  2. Convert both sheets to CSV
  3. Merge the two sheets into one
  4. Use Freeze Panes on each sheet

Explanation

Opening a New Window creates an additional view of the same workbook, and each window can show a different sheet, allowing side-by-side comparison. Freeze Panes and merging do not achieve simultaneous display of separate sheets.

Question 19Using the Application

Which of these actions permanently removes a worksheet and its contents from a workbook?

  1. Moving the sheet to another position
  2. Hiding the sheet
  3. Renaming the sheet
  4. Deleting the sheet Correct answer.

Explanation

Deleting a worksheet removes it and its data from the workbook, and this action cannot be undone after the file is saved. Hiding, moving, or renaming leaves the data intact.

Question 20Using the Application

What is the main purpose of the Trust Center in a spreadsheet application?

  1. To manage security and privacy settings such as macros and trusted locations Correct answer.
  2. To format cells with number styles
  3. To create charts from selected data
  4. To sort and filter data ranges

Explanation

The Trust Center centralizes security and privacy configuration, including macro settings, trusted locations, and protected view behavior. The other options are data and formatting features unrelated to security.

Question 21Using the Application

A user saves a workbook containing macros with the .xlsx extension and the macros stop working. What is the cause?

  1. The .xlsx format cannot store macros, so a macro-enabled format is required Correct answer.
  2. The macros were corrupted by AutoRecover
  3. The calculation mode was set to Manual
  4. The workbook exceeded the row limit

Explanation

The .xlsx format does not support stored macros; macro-enabled workbooks must use the .xlsm format. Saving to .xlsx strips the macro code, which is why the macros no longer run.

Question 22Using the Application

Which option controls whether recently used workbooks appear on the Backstage view?

  1. The number of recent documents shown in Advanced options Correct answer.
  2. The zoom slider on the status bar
  3. The print area setting
  4. The default font in the General options

Explanation

The Advanced options include a setting for how many recent documents are displayed in the Backstage view. Zoom, font, and print area settings do not affect the recent file list.

Question 23Using the Application

What does the 'Show Formulas' view option display in cells that contain formulas?

  1. The underlying formula text instead of results Correct answer.
  2. The formatting codes applied to the cell
  3. The cell's comment history
  4. The calculated results only

Explanation

Show Formulas toggles the worksheet to display formula text in cells rather than their calculated results, which helps in auditing. It does not reveal comments or formatting codes.

Question 24Using the Application

A user wants to prevent others from changing the structure of a workbook, such as adding or deleting sheets, while still allowing data entry. Which protection option should be used?

  1. Mark as Final
  2. Encrypt with password
  3. Protect Sheet
  4. Protect Workbook structure Correct answer.

Explanation

Protecting the workbook structure blocks actions like inserting, deleting, or renaming sheets while leaving cell editing available unless a sheet is also protected. Protecting a sheet restricts cell editing rather than workbook structure.

Question 25Using the Application

Which shortcut opens the Print preview and print settings in a spreadsheet application?

  1. Ctrl+Z
  2. Ctrl+P Correct answer.
  3. Ctrl+S
  4. Ctrl+F

Explanation

Ctrl+P opens the print area of the Backstage view, where print settings and a preview are available. The other shortcuts save, find, or undo.

Question 26Using the Application

A user wants the name of every worksheet in a workbook to appear along the bottom edge of the application window. Which workbook element provides this?

  1. The sheet tabs area Correct answer.
  2. The status bar
  3. The formula bar
  4. The name box

Explanation

Sheet tabs are displayed along the bottom of the workbook window and each tab carries the name of its worksheet. Clicking a tab activates that sheet, so the tabs also act as the navigation control between sheets.

Question 27Using the Application

A user has a workbook open and wants to create a brand-new blank workbook without closing the existing one. Which action achieves this?

  1. Use the Close command and reopen the application
  2. Use the New command and choose Blank workbook Correct answer.
  3. Switch the existing workbook to a different view
  4. Press the Save As command and rename the file

Explanation

The New command creates an additional workbook in the same application session, leaving any open workbooks untouched. The new file opens in its own window alongside the existing one.

Question 28Using the Application

A user wants to change the default font and font size that every new workbook starts with. Where is this setting configured?

  1. In the Format Cells dialog of an empty cell
  2. In the workbook's document properties
  3. In the application's general or options settings for new workbooks Correct answer.
  4. In the Page Setup dialog for the current sheet

Explanation

Defaults for new workbooks, including the standard font and size, are stored in the application's options rather than in any single file. Changing them affects workbooks created afterwards.

Question 29Using the Application

A user is working with several workbooks at once and wants to arrange their windows so they are tiled side by side on screen. Which command should be used?

  1. Freeze Panes
  2. Split
  3. Arrange All Correct answer.
  4. Zoom to Selection

Explanation

Arrange All lays out all open workbook windows together so each is partly visible at the same time. It affects window layout only and does not change any cell content.

Question 30Using the Application

A user wants the application to open directly into a specific folder each time a file dialog is used for saving. Which type of setting should be changed?

  1. The cell's number format
  2. The sheet's print area
  3. The default file location in the application options Correct answer.
  4. The workbook's calculation mode

Explanation

The default file location is an application-level option that determines the folder shown first in open and save dialogs. It does not affect the content or calculation of any workbook.

Question 31Using the Application

A user wants to check the author name and the date a workbook was last modified without opening every cell. Which area of the application provides this?

  1. The sheet tab shortcut menu
  2. The status bar's average indicator
  3. The formula bar
  4. The workbook's properties or info panel Correct answer.

Explanation

Workbook properties, often shown in an Info panel, record metadata such as the author, title, and modification date. This information is stored with the file rather than in its cells.

Question 32Using the Application

A user wants to find every workbook opened recently through the application without browsing folders manually. Which feature should be used?

  1. The Name Manager
  2. The list of recent files on the Backstage or File view Correct answer.
  3. The Go To command
  4. The Find and Replace dialog

Explanation

The application keeps a list of recently opened files, usually shown on the File or Backstage view, so a workbook can be reopened without navigating the file system. The list can typically be cleared or its length adjusted in the options.

Question 33Cells

In a spreadsheet, what is the standard term for the rectangular box formed by the intersection of a row and a column?

  1. A range
  2. A cell Correct answer.
  3. A label
  4. A sheet

Explanation

A cell is the basic storage unit of a spreadsheet, created where one row and one column cross. Ranges and sheets are collections of cells, and a label is a type of cell content.

Question 34Cells

Which cell reference uses an absolute column and an absolute row?

  1. A1
  2. $A1
  3. $A$1 Correct answer.
  4. A$1

Explanation

Dollar signs lock a reference. Both the column letter and row number carry a dollar sign in $A$1, so neither part changes when the formula is copied.

Question 35Cells

A user wants to select cells B2 through B9 in one action. Which entry in the Name Box achieves this?

  1. B2,B9
  2. B2:B9 Correct answer.
  3. B2-B9
  4. B2;B9

Explanation

The colon is the range operator, so B2:B9 describes the contiguous block from B2 to B9. Commas, hyphens, and semicolons do not define a contiguous range.

Question 36Cells

What happens to the contents of a cell when the Delete key is pressed while that cell is selected?

  1. The cell and its formatting are both removed
  2. The entire row is removed and shifted up
  3. The cell content is cleared but formatting stays Correct answer.
  4. The cell content is cut to the clipboard

Explanation

Delete clears the entry stored in the cell while leaving its formatting and any comments intact. Removing the cell itself or its formatting requires a different command.

Question 37Cells

Which action creates a new worksheet inside the current workbook?

  1. Renaming the active tab
  2. Dragging a cell to the tab bar
  3. Clicking the insert-sheet control next to the sheet tabs Correct answer.
  4. Pressing Ctrl+S

Explanation

Workbooks contain one or more worksheets, and the insert-sheet control beside the tabs adds a new one. Saving, dragging cells, or renaming a tab does not create a sheet.

Question 38Cells

A column is too narrow to display a long number. What is the most direct way to widen it to fit the content?

  1. Press Enter in the first cell
  2. Change the font size of the header
  3. Double-click the boundary between the column headers Correct answer.
  4. Merge the column with the next one

Explanation

AutoFit is triggered by double-clicking the divider on the column header edge, which sizes the column to its widest entry. Other actions do not resize the column.

Question 39Cells

A cell shows a series of hash marks (####) instead of a number. What is the usual cause?

  1. The number was entered as text
  2. The column is too narrow for the formatted number Correct answer.
  3. The formula contains a syntax error
  4. The cell is locked for editing

Explanation

When a numeric or date value is wider than the column after formatting, the cell displays hash marks. Widening the column or reducing decimal places reveals the value.

Question 40Cells

Which reference style is used when a formula refers to a cell on a different worksheet named Sales?

  1. Sales!B4 Correct answer.
  2. Sales#B4
  3. Sales@B4
  4. Sales.B4

Explanation

An exclamation mark separates the sheet name from the cell address in a cross-sheet reference, as in Sales!B4. Other punctuation is not valid for this purpose.

Question 41Cells

A formula in C2 reads =A2*B2. It is copied down to C3. What does C3 contain?

  1. =A2*B2
  2. =$A$2*$B$2
  3. =A3*B3 Correct answer.
  4. =A2*B3

Explanation

Relative references adjust by the same offset as the copy. Moving down one row changes both A2 and B2 to row 3, giving =A3*B3.

Question 42Cells

The formula =$B$4*C2 sits in D2 and is copied to D5. Which formula appears in D5?

  1. =$B$4*C5 Correct answer.
  2. =$B$4*C2
  3. =$B$7*C5
  4. =$B$7*C2

Explanation

The absolute part $B$4 stays fixed, while the relative part C2 shifts down three rows to C5. The copied formula is therefore =$B$4*C5.

Question 43Cells

A user needs the average of cells B2, B4, B6, and B8, which are not adjacent. Which formula is correct?

  1. =AVERAGE(B2:B8)
  2. =AVERAGE(B2;B4;B6;B8)
  3. =AVERAGE(B2-B8)
  4. =AVERAGE(B2,B4,B6,B8) Correct answer.

Explanation

Non-adjacent cells are listed individually and separated by commas inside the function. A colon range would include the in-between cells, and other separators are invalid.

Question 44Cells

What is the effect of selecting cells A1:A5 and pressing Merge & Center?

  1. The five cells become one cell holding the value of A1 Correct answer.
  2. The five cells are converted into a single row
  3. The values in A2:A5 are summed into the merged cell
  4. Each cell keeps its own value in a merged column

Explanation

Merging joins the selected cells into one larger cell that displays only the upper-left value. Any other values in the selection are discarded.

Question 45Cells

A user wants column headings in row 1 to stay visible while scrolling through rows 2 to 200. Which feature should be used?

  1. Group rows 2 to 200
  2. Split at row 2
  3. Hide row 1
  4. Freeze Panes at row 2 Correct answer.

Explanation

Freezing panes locks rows above the active cell in place during scrolling. Splitting creates separate scroll areas, hiding removes the row, and grouping only collapses rows.

Question 46Cells

A cell reference is written as Sheet2!$C$7. What does the dollar-sign notation indicate?

  1. The reference points to a named range
  2. The reference is invalid across sheets
  3. Only the row is fixed when copied
  4. The column and row are both fixed when copied Correct answer.

Explanation

Dollar signs before both the column letter and row number make the reference absolute in both directions. Copying the formula leaves $C$7 unchanged.

Question 47Cells

A user enters 25/12/2024 into a cell and the program stores it as a date. Which cell format change would display the same value as a plain number?

  1. Change the font to bold
  2. Increase the decimal places
  3. Change the number format to General Correct answer.
  4. Apply a cell border

Explanation

Dates are stored as serial numbers, and applying the General format shows that underlying number. Font, decimals, and borders do not change the format category.

Question 48Cells

A formula =SUM(A1:A4) is in B1. Inserting a new row directly above row 3 shifts what happens to the range?

  1. The range shrinks to A1:A3
  2. The range expands to include the new row Correct answer.
  3. The formula returns an error
  4. The range stays fixed at A1:A4

Explanation

When a row is inserted within a referenced range, spreadsheet programs adjust the range to include the new row. The SUM then covers A1:A5.

Question 49Cells

What does the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right of a selection) allow a user to do?

  1. Copy or extend a series of values by dragging Correct answer.
  2. Resize the cell's column width
  3. Open the format cells dialog
  4. Insert a comment into the cell

Explanation

Dragging the fill handle copies content or continues a recognized series such as months or numbers. It does not alter column width, open dialogs, or add comments.

Question 50Cells

A user types 007 into a cell and the leading zeros disappear. What is the simplest fix to keep the zeros visible?

  1. Type an apostrophe after the value
  2. Increase the column width
  3. Apply a currency format
  4. Format the cell as Text before entering the value Correct answer.

Explanation

Formatting the cell as Text tells the program to store the entry as a string, preserving leading zeros. Column width and currency formatting do not restore them.