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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

Which file type keeps formulas, charts, and formatting when you save an Excel workbook?

  1. .csv
  2. .txt
  3. .xlsx Correct answer.
  4. .prn

Explanation

The native Excel workbook format (.xlsx) stores cell values, formulas, charts, and formatting in a single file. The other listed formats are plain-text formats that keep only cell values, so formulas and formatting are lost.

Question 2Using the application

In a spreadsheet application, what does Save As do that Save does not?

  1. Creates a backup copy each time the file is saved
  2. Saves only the active worksheet as a separate file
  3. Updates the file in its current location without asking for a name Correct answer.
  4. Saves the file under a new name or location

Explanation

Save writes changes to the existing file and keeps its name and location. Save As opens a dialog where you can choose a new name, location, or file type, effectively creating a new file.

Question 3Using the application

Which key is the standard shortcut for opening Help in a spreadsheet application?

  1. F9
  2. Esc
  3. F5
  4. F1 Correct answer.

Explanation

F1 is the standard shortcut for opening the Help system in spreadsheet applications. Help provides searchable topics and instructions for commands.

Question 4Using the application

Which keyboard shortcut creates a new, blank workbook?

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

Explanation

Ctrl+N creates a new, blank workbook using the default template. The other shortcuts are used for saving, opening, and printing.

Question 5Using the application

What does the Name Box display in a spreadsheet window?

  1. The number format applied to the active cell
  2. The text of the last comment in the workbook
  3. The reference of the active cell Correct answer.
  4. The formula stored in the active cell

Explanation

The Name Box sits to the left of the formula bar and shows the reference of the active cell or selected range. You can also type a reference there to jump to it.

Question 6Using the application

Which area of the window shows the underlying content of the selected cell so that it can be edited?

  1. Quick Access Toolbar
  2. Status bar
  3. Sheet tab
  4. Formula bar Correct answer.

Explanation

The formula bar displays the underlying content of the selected cell, including formulas, and allows editing. The status bar shows summary information, not cell content.

Question 7Using the application

What zoom level do new workbooks normally use when first opened?

  1. 50%
  2. 150%
  3. 75%
  4. 100% Correct answer.

Explanation

New workbooks open at 100% zoom by default, which displays cells at their normal on-screen size. The zoom level can be changed without affecting stored data or printed output.

Question 8Using the application

Which shortcut reverses the most recent action in a workbook?

  1. Ctrl+X
  2. Ctrl+Y
  3. Ctrl+Z Correct answer.
  4. Ctrl+C

Explanation

Ctrl+Z reverses the most recent action and can usually be repeated to step back through several changes. Ctrl+Y redoes an action that was undone.

Question 9Using the application

What is the purpose of the Freeze Panes command?

  1. Locks cells so their contents cannot be edited
  2. Keeps chosen rows or columns visible while scrolling Correct answer.
  3. Hides rows or columns from other users
  4. Prints the selected rows at the top of every page

Explanation

Freeze Panes keeps specified rows or columns on screen while the rest of the worksheet scrolls. This is useful for keeping headings visible in long tables.

Question 10Using the application

You want to freeze only the top row of a worksheet. Which cell should be active when you apply Freeze Panes?

  1. A1
  2. C1
  3. A2 Correct answer.
  4. B2

Explanation

Freeze Panes locks everything above and to the left of the active cell. Selecting A2 therefore freezes row 1 only, because there are no columns to its left.

Question 11Using the application

Which statement about changing the zoom level of a worksheet is true?

  1. It rescales all numeric values stored in the cells
  2. It changes the size of the text when the sheet is printed
  3. It permanently changes the default font size of the workbook
  4. It changes only how the sheet appears on screen Correct answer.

Explanation

The zoom control changes only the on-screen magnification of the worksheet. It does not alter stored values, fonts used in printing, or the workbook's default text size.

Question 12Using the application

When a workbook with several worksheets is saved as a CSV file, what is typically stored?

  1. All worksheets with their formatting
  2. Only the active worksheet's displayed values Correct answer.
  3. The entire workbook including formulas
  4. All worksheets but without charts

Explanation

CSV is a plain-text format that can hold only one set of values. When exporting, the spreadsheet application saves the active worksheet's displayed values and drops other sheets, formulas, and formatting.

Question 13Using the application

A workbook title bar shows Compatibility Mode. What does this indicate?

  1. The file uses an older format that lacks newer features Correct answer.
  2. The workbook has been damaged and needs repair
  3. The workbook is shared with other users on a network
  4. The file is read-only until it is printed

Explanation

Compatibility Mode appears when a workbook is saved in an older format such as .xls. Newer features may be unavailable until the file is saved in the current format.

Question 14Using the application

Which method lets you move between several workbooks that are already open?

  1. Press Ctrl+S and then choose the other file
  2. Click the sheet tabs at the bottom of the window
  3. Use the Switch Windows command or the taskbar Correct answer.
  4. Close the current workbook and reopen the other file

Explanation

The View tab's Switch Windows command lists all open workbooks so you can activate one. The taskbar also shows each open workbook as a separate button.

Question 15Using the application

What is the main benefit of creating a workbook from a template?

  1. It provides ready-made layouts and formulas to adapt Correct answer.
  2. It reduces the file size by compressing the workbook
  3. It guarantees the file opens in any spreadsheet program
  4. It prevents other users from editing the workbook

Explanation

A template supplies pre-designed structure, labels, and formulas that you can adapt. It saves setup time but does not guarantee compatibility or reduce file size.

Question 16Using the application

What is the Quick Access Toolbar?

  1. A panel used only for changing the number format
  2. A list of recently opened workbook files
  3. An area that displays calculations for selected cells
  4. A row of frequently used commands kept visible Correct answer.

Explanation

The Quick Access Toolbar holds a small set of commands that remain visible regardless of which ribbon tab is active. You can add or remove commands to suit your workflow.

Question 17Using the application

Which feature searches for specified text and substitutes new content for every match?

  1. Find and Replace Correct answer.
  2. Go To
  3. AutoCorrect
  4. Spell Check

Explanation

Find and Replace searches for specified text or values and can substitute new content for every match. It can search the current sheet or the entire workbook.

Question 18Using the application

Which feature moves the cursor directly to a specified cell such as D250?

  1. The Sort dialog box
  2. The zoom slider
  3. The Freeze Panes command
  4. The Go To dialog box Correct answer.

Explanation

The Go To dialog box accepts a cell reference or named range and moves the cursor there immediately. This is faster than scrolling in large worksheets.

Question 19Using the application

Where do you record a workbook's title, author, and keywords?

  1. Home tab, then Format
  2. View tab, then Workbook Views
  3. File tab, then Info and Properties Correct answer.
  4. Review tab, then Protect Workbook

Explanation

Document properties such as title, author, and keywords are stored in the file and are edited through the Info section's Properties. They help identify and search for the workbook.

Question 20Using the application

Gridlines have been turned off on screen. Which location turns them back on?

  1. Formulas tab, Calculation Options
  2. Page Layout tab, Margins
  3. View tab, Gridlines check box Correct answer.
  4. Home tab, Cell Styles

Explanation

Screen gridlines are controlled by the Gridlines check box on the View tab. Turning them off affects only the display, not cell borders that are printed.

Question 21Using the application

The active cell is C3 when Freeze Panes is applied. Which areas remain fixed on screen?

  1. Rows 1 to 3 only
  2. Rows 1 and 2 only
  3. Columns A and B and rows 1 and 2 Correct answer.
  4. Columns A to C only

Explanation

Freeze Panes freezes the rows above and the columns to the left of the active cell. With C3 active, rows 1-2 and columns A-B remain fixed.

Question 22Using the application

A worksheet is exported to PDF. Which statement describes the result?

  1. The formulas remain editable in the PDF
  2. The layout is preserved but formulas cannot be edited Correct answer.
  3. Charts are converted into editable data
  4. Only the active worksheet is included

Explanation

Exporting to PDF captures the layout, fonts, and charts as fixed pages. The resulting PDF is not a spreadsheet, so its formulas and cells cannot be edited.

Question 23Using the application

A workbook that contains VBA macros is saved with the .xlsx extension. What happens to the macros?

  1. They are converted into formulas
  2. The workbook is saved with a password
  3. They are removed from the saved file Correct answer.
  4. The file opens only in Compatibility Mode

Explanation

The .xlsx format cannot store VBA macros. When a macro-enabled workbook is saved as .xlsx, the application warns that the macros will be removed.

Question 24Using the application

You need to view two different worksheets from the same workbook side by side. Which command should you use?

  1. Open a second workbook from a template
  2. Split the current worksheet into panes
  3. Open a new window for the same workbook Correct answer.
  4. Create a copy of the workbook on disk

Explanation

The New Window command opens an additional window for the same workbook, and each window can display a different worksheet. Split, by contrast, divides one window into panes on the same sheet.

Question 25Using the application

Which setting controls how many worksheets are created in a new workbook?

  1. The default zoom level applied to each sheet
  2. The number of sheets included when a workbook is created Correct answer.
  3. The number of rows displayed on the screen
  4. The number of files kept in the Recent list

Explanation

The option that sets how many worksheets a new workbook contains is found in the application's options, usually under General. Changing it affects only workbooks created afterward.

Question 26Using the application

A workbook has been edited and you want to keep the original file unchanged on disk while the edited version is stored under a different name. Which command should you use?

  1. Print
  2. Save As Correct answer.
  3. Save
  4. Close

Explanation

Save As writes the current workbook to a new file name, location, or format, so the previous file on disk remains exactly as it was before. Save, by contrast, overwrites the existing file at its current name and location without creating a second version.

Question 27Using the application

The power fails while a workbook with unsaved changes is open. After restarting the computer and launching the spreadsheet application again, which route typically offers the automatically saved copy?

  1. Review, then Protect Workbook, followed by Save a copy
  2. File, then New, followed by a workbook template
  3. Data, then Get Data, followed by From File
  4. File, then Open, followed by Recover Unsaved Workbooks Correct answer.

Explanation

The application saves a temporary recovery copy of open workbooks at regular intervals, and after an unexpected shutdown those versions are listed under the recovery option in the Backstage view. Opening the recovered file restores the content as at the last automatic save, which is why frequent saving still matters.

Question 28Using the application

A worksheet is several pages wide when printed, and row 1 holds column headings that should appear at the top of every printed page. Which action achieves this?

  1. Set the print area to row 1 only
  2. Enter $1:$1 in the Rows to repeat at top box Correct answer.
  3. Tick the Print Gridlines checkbox on the Sheet tab
  4. Change the page orientation to landscape

Explanation

The Rows to repeat at top setting on the Sheet tab of Page Setup makes the chosen rows print at the top of every page of the printout. Entering $1:$1 in that box therefore repeats the heading row on each page while the rest of the data flows normally.

Question 29Using the application

You need a second copy of an existing worksheet inside the same workbook, leaving the original sheet untouched. Which action produces this result?

  1. Click Insert on the Home tab and choose Insert Sheet
  2. Right-click the tab, choose Move or Copy, and tick Create a copy Correct answer.
  3. Select the entire sheet and press Ctrl+V on a new tab
  4. Rename the original tab and then use Save As

Explanation

The Move or Copy dialog duplicates a worksheet when Create a copy is ticked, placing an identical sheet, including its formulas and formatting, next to the original. The source sheet keeps its name and content unchanged while the copy receives a numbered name such as Sheet1 (2).

Question 30Using the application

A workbook is protected using the Protect Workbook command with the Structure option. What is the effect on users who open the file without the password?

  1. Charts and pivot tables can no longer be refreshed or resized
  2. Cells remain editable, but sheets cannot be added, deleted, renamed, moved, or hidden Correct answer.
  3. Every cell on every sheet becomes read-only until protection is switched off
  4. A password must be typed each time the user switches between sheets

Explanation

Protecting the workbook structure guards the arrangement of the file, so sheets cannot be inserted, removed, renamed, moved, hidden, or unhidden without the password. Editing the contents of cells is a separate matter governed by worksheet protection, which is why the cells stay editable here.

Question 31Cells

In a spreadsheet, what does the cell reference B7 identify?

  1. The seventh sheet named B
  2. Row B, column 7
  3. Column B, row 7 Correct answer.
  4. The range from B to 7

Explanation

A cell reference combines the column letter with the row number, so B7 points to the cell at column B and row 7. The column letter always comes first in the standard A1 reference style.

Question 32Cells

Which character separates the first and last cell in a range such as A1:C5?

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

Explanation

A colon between two cell references defines a rectangular range from the first cell to the last. For example, A1:C5 includes every cell in columns A through C and rows 1 through 5.

Question 33Cells

After typing data into a cell, which key confirms the entry and moves the selection down one cell by default?

  1. Esc
  2. Enter Correct answer.
  3. Tab
  4. Shift

Explanation

Pressing Enter commits the entry and normally moves the active cell one row down. Tab commits the entry and moves to the right instead.

Question 34Cells

What typically happens when you type a long text entry into a cell and the cell to its right is empty?

  1. It overflows into the next cell Correct answer.
  2. The entry is converted to a number format
  3. The entire text entry is deleted
  4. The row height is doubled automatically

Explanation

Text that is wider than its cell spills into adjacent empty cells so it remains readable. If the neighbouring cell contains data, the display is clipped instead.

Question 35Cells

How do you select an entire column in a spreadsheet?

  1. Press Ctrl+A once
  2. Double-click any cell in the column
  3. Click the column header letter Correct answer.
  4. Drag across the first row

Explanation

Clicking the column header selects every cell in that column. This is useful before applying formatting or inserting a column.

Question 36Cells

By default, how are text entries and numbers aligned in a cell?

  1. Both are right-aligned
  2. Text right, numbers left
  3. Text left, numbers right Correct answer.
  4. Both are centered

Explanation

Spreadsheets usually align text to the left and numbers to the right so numeric values line up for comparison. You can change this with the alignment buttons.

Question 37Cells

What is the fill handle in a spreadsheet?

  1. The square at the selection corner Correct answer.
  2. A formula bar button that adds values
  3. The tab used to rename a worksheet
  4. The border around a selected range

Explanation

The fill handle is the small square at the lower-right corner of a selected cell or range. Dragging it copies content or extends a recognised series.

Question 38Cells

Which action lets you edit the existing content of a cell without retyping it?

  1. Press Ctrl+X
  2. Click the cell once and type
  3. Press Ctrl+P
  4. Double-click the cell Correct answer.

Explanation

Double-clicking a cell places it in edit mode with the existing content available for changes. The F2 key usually does the same.

Question 39Cells

In the formula =$A$1+B2, what does the reference $A$1 mean?

  1. Both column and row are fixed Correct answer.
  2. Column is fixed, row can change
  3. Row is fixed, column can change
  4. Both column and row can change

Explanation

A dollar sign before a column letter or row number locks that part of the reference. With $ before both A and 1, the reference remains A1 wherever the formula is copied.

Question 40Cells

What does the reference A$1 contain?

  1. A relative column and absolute row Correct answer.
  2. A relative column and relative row
  3. An absolute column and relative row
  4. An absolute column and absolute row

Explanation

Only the row number has a dollar sign in A$1, so the row is locked while the column can adjust when copied. This is a mixed reference.

Question 41Cells

A formula in cell C3 contains the reference A1. What happens to that reference when the formula is copied to cell D4?

  1. It becomes A2
  2. It becomes B2 Correct answer.
  3. It becomes B1
  4. It stays as A1

Explanation

A relative reference shifts by the same number of rows and columns as the formula. Copying from C3 to D4 moves one column right and one row down, so A1 becomes B2.

Question 42Cells

What is the effect of pressing Delete after selecting a cell that contains data?

  1. The cell is merged with the one below
  2. Its content is cleared; the cell remains Correct answer.
  3. The cell and its formatting are removed
  4. The entire row is removed

Explanation

Delete clears the cell's content while leaving the cell itself in place. Any formatting applied to the cell is normally retained.

Question 43Cells

When you use the Insert Rows command with cell A5 selected, where is the new row placed?

  1. Above row 5 Correct answer.
  2. Below row 5
  3. To the right of column A
  4. At the end of the sheet

Explanation

Inserting rows places the new row or rows immediately above the row containing the selected cell. Existing rows below shift down.

Question 44Cells

When several cells that each contain data are merged in a typical spreadsheet, what happens to the data?

  1. All entries are kept in the merged cell
  2. The entries are summed automatically
  3. Only the upper-left entry is kept Correct answer.
  4. The entries are moved to a new sheet

Explanation

Merging keeps the value from the upper-left cell of the selected range and discards the other values after a warning. You should move or combine data before merging if it must be preserved.

Question 45Cells

What does the Wrap Text command do to a cell?

  1. It converts text into a number
  2. It shows long text on several lines Correct answer.
  3. It merges the cell with the next one
  4. It hides text that is too long

Explanation

Wrap Text breaks a long entry into multiple lines within the same cell, and the row height usually adjusts. It does not alter the underlying text.

Question 46Cells

Which Paste Special option would you use to copy only the result of a formula, not the formula itself?

  1. Values Correct answer.
  2. Formats
  3. Column widths
  4. Comments

Explanation

The Values option pastes the calculated result as a fixed entry rather than the original formula. This is useful when you no longer want the result to recalculate.

Question 47Cells

What does the Transpose option do when pasting copied cells?

  1. Merges the copied cells
  2. Sorts the data alphabetically
  3. Swaps rows and columns Correct answer.
  4. Removes duplicate entries

Explanation

Transpose rotates the copied data so that values in rows appear in columns and vice versa. The cell values themselves are preserved.

Question 48Cells

You enter January in a cell and drag the fill handle down. What is the most likely result in Excel?

  1. A formula counting months appears
  2. The months continue in sequence Correct answer.
  3. The cells become blank
  4. Every cell shows January

Explanation

Excel recognises month names as a built-in series, so dragging the fill handle continues with February, March, and so on. You can use AutoFill Options to copy the value repeatedly instead.

Question 49Cells

A cell has bold text and a yellow fill, but you want to keep its value and remove only the formatting. Which command should you use?

  1. Clear Contents
  2. Clear Formats Correct answer.
  3. Clear All
  4. Delete

Explanation

Clear Formats removes formatting such as bold and fill colour while leaving the cell value in place. Clear Contents would remove the value, and Clear All would remove both.

Question 50Cells

What is the difference between cell borders and gridlines?

  1. Borders print; gridlines may not Correct answer.
  2. Gridlines are stored with the cell
  3. Borders can only be applied to whole rows
  4. Gridlines are printed by default

Explanation

Borders are formatting applied to cells and are normally printed with the sheet. Gridlines are screen guides that often do not print unless the print setting is changed.