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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 modern spreadsheet application, which file extension is used by default when you save a workbook?

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

Explanation

The default workbook format is .xlsx, an XML-based format that stores multiple worksheets together with formulas, formatting and charts. Plain-text formats such as .csv and .txt cannot hold formatting or multiple sheets, and .pptx belongs to presentation software.

Question 2Using the Application

Which keyboard shortcut saves an open spreadsheet using its current file name and location?

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

Explanation

Ctrl+S issues the Save command, which writes the current contents to the existing file without asking for a name. It only prompts for a location the first time a new file is saved.

Question 3Using the Application

How does a workbook differ from a worksheet?

  1. A worksheet can hold only text, while a workbook can hold numbers as well.
  2. The two words describe exactly the same thing in a spreadsheet application.
  3. A workbook is the file that holds one or more worksheets. Correct answer.
  4. A workbook is a single grid of cells, while a worksheet is the file that contains it.

Explanation

The workbook is the file you save on disk, and it can contain several worksheets, each shown as its own tab. A worksheet is one sheet of cells inside that file.

Question 4Using the Application

Which action makes the contents of a worksheet appear smaller on screen without altering the data?

  1. Turn off the gridlines
  2. Increase the zoom level
  3. Apply a smaller font to every cell
  4. Reduce the zoom level Correct answer.

Explanation

Zoom changes only the on-screen magnification and never affects the stored values or the printed result. Lowering the zoom percentage shrinks everything so that more of the sheet fits on screen.

Question 5Using the Application

Which function key typically opens the Help facility in a spreadsheet application?

  1. F5
  2. F12
  3. F7
  4. F1 Correct answer.

Explanation

F1 is the standard shortcut for opening Help, where you can search for instructions and explanations. The other function keys perform different tasks in most spreadsheet programs.

Question 6Using the Application

A user has just deleted a column by mistake. Which action restores it most quickly?

  1. Recalculate the workbook
  2. Use Redo
  3. Close the file without saving and reopen it
  4. Use Undo Correct answer.

Explanation

Undo reverses the most recent action, so the deleted column and its contents come back immediately. Closing without saving would also discard every other change made since the last save.

Question 7Using the Application

What is a template in a spreadsheet application?

  1. A backup file created automatically at each save
  2. A pre-designed file used as a starting point Correct answer.
  3. A list of the most recently opened workbooks
  4. A copy of a workbook that can be read but never edited

Explanation

A template is a ready-made workbook layout, often containing headings, formulas and formatting, that is used to create new files of the same kind. Opening a template normally produces a new workbook based on it, leaving the template itself unchanged.

Question 8Using the Application

Which shortcut creates a new, blank workbook?

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

Explanation

Ctrl+N stands for New and opens a fresh blank workbook in its own window. The other combinations deal with opening, printing and closing files.

Question 9Using the Application

A user wants to keep the original file unchanged while producing a second version under a different name. Which command should be used?

  1. Save As Correct answer.
  2. Save
  3. File properties
  4. Close and reopen

Explanation

Save As writes the current contents to a new file name or location and then works on that new file, so the original stays as it was. Save would overwrite the existing file instead.

Question 10Using the Application

A workbook with three worksheets and heavy formatting is saved in CSV format. What happens?

  1. The workbook is saved as a read-only .xlsx file
  2. Only the active sheet's data is saved, without formatting Correct answer.
  3. All three worksheets are saved in one file, but all the formatting is lost
  4. The file cannot be saved until the extra sheets are deleted

Explanation

CSV is a plain-text format that records values separated by commas, so it can hold only one sheet and no formatting. The application normally saves the active sheet and warns that other sheets will not be kept.

Question 11Using the Application

Which sequence opens an existing workbook stored in a folder on a network drive?

  1. Home > New, then choose Blank workbook from the gallery
  2. File > Open, then select the file in the folder Correct answer.
  3. File > Save As, then type the folder path
  4. File > Print, then choose the file

Explanation

The Open command displays a dialog in which you browse to the drive and folder, select the file and confirm. Save As is for storing a file, not for retrieving one.

Question 12Using the Application

A user closes a workbook that contains unsaved changes. What does the application typically display?

  1. The file is saved automatically under a new name
  2. The file is closed and the changes are lost without any message
  3. A dialog asking whether to save the changes before closing Correct answer.
  4. The workbook is locked for editing by another user

Explanation

Before discarding unsaved edits the application shows a prompt so you can save, discard or cancel the close. This protects work from being lost accidentally.

Question 13Using the Application

What is the main purpose of an AutoRecover feature?

  1. To convert the workbook to a read-only file
  2. To share the workbook with other users automatically
  3. To compress the workbook so that it takes up less space on disk
  4. To keep a temporary copy that can be recovered after a crash Correct answer.

Explanation

AutoRecover saves temporary copies of open files at intervals so that recent work can be restored if the program or computer stops unexpectedly. It is a safety net, not a substitute for saving the file properly.

Question 14Using the Application

How is a worksheet tab renamed?

  1. Press F2 while any cell is selected
  2. Right-click a cell and choose Rename
  3. Double-click the tab and type a new name Correct answer.
  4. Single-click the tab once and start typing a new name

Explanation

Double-clicking a sheet tab places it in edit mode so a new name can be typed and confirmed with Enter. The Rename command on the tab's shortcut menu achieves the same result.

Question 15Using the Application

Where can a user quickly reopen a workbook that was edited yesterday?

  1. In the formula bar
  2. In the print preview list
  3. In the recent files list Correct answer.
  4. In the Help task pane

Explanation

The application keeps a list of recently used files, usually on the File tab or start screen, so a document can be reopened without browsing to its folder. Entries usually show the file name and its folder.

Question 16Using the Application

A user saves an .xlsx workbook in the older .xls format. Why might some features behave differently?

  1. Saving in .xls automatically deletes all worksheets but the first one
  2. The .xls format can only be opened by web browsers and not by spreadsheet software
  3. The .xls format supports more functions than .xlsx does
  4. The older format may not support every newer feature, so some are lost Correct answer.

Explanation

File formats differ in the features they can store, so saving to an older format can drop or alter elements the older version never supported. The application usually warns about this and may offer a compatibility check.

Question 17Using the Application

Where would a user change the default folder in which files are saved?

  1. In the Page Setup settings of the Print dialog box
  2. In the application options Correct answer.
  3. In the Number tab of the Format Cells dialog box
  4. In the Name Box at the left of the formula bar

Explanation

Default file locations, user name and similar environment behaviour are set in the application's options or preferences. These settings apply to all files, not just the one that is open.

Question 18Using the Application

A user has two workbooks open and wants to see both at the same time on screen. Which feature helps?

  1. Freeze Panes on both workbooks
  2. Merge and Center the headings
  3. Arrange All Correct answer.
  4. Split the worksheet into four panes

Explanation

Arrange All lays out the open workbook windows side by side or in another tiled arrangement so that more than one file is visible at once. It changes only the window layout, not the data.

Question 19Using the Application

A file opens with the words '(Read-Only)' in its title bar. What does this mean?

  1. The file is corrupted and can no longer be opened by anyone
  2. The file is currently open in a web browser
  3. Changes cannot be saved back to the original file Correct answer.
  4. The file will be deleted when it is closed

Explanation

A read-only file can be viewed and even edited on screen, but the changes cannot be written back to that file. To keep edits, the user must save under a new name or remove the read-only attribute.

Question 20Using the Application

Which approach best shares a spreadsheet with someone who needs to view it but not edit it?

  1. Export it as a PDF file and send that Correct answer.
  2. Save it with a password and send the workbook
  3. Email the .xlsx file and ask them not to edit it
  4. Save it as a template and email the template

Explanation

A PDF fixes the layout and is intended for viewing, so the recipient cannot easily change the data. Emailing the workbook format relies only on the recipient's goodwill and leaves editing possible.

Question 21Using the Application

A user opens report.xlsx and then uses Save As with the name report_v2.xlsx. Which statement is true?

  1. report_v2.xlsx becomes active and report.xlsx keeps its content Correct answer.
  2. report.xlsx is overwritten and report_v2.xlsx is created as a backup
  3. report.xlsx is deleted automatically
  4. Both names point to the same file on disk

Explanation

Save As creates a new file and makes it the one currently being edited; the file opened earlier stays on disk unchanged. Further saves go to the new name until another Save As is used.

Question 22Using the Application

Freeze Panes is applied with the cell pointer positioned in cell B3. Which rows and columns stay visible when the sheet is scrolled?

  1. Rows 1-3 and columns A-B
  2. Column B only
  3. Rows 1-2 and column A Correct answer.
  4. Only row 1 and column A

Explanation

Everything above and to the left of the active cell is frozen, so freezing at B3 keeps rows 1 and 2 and column A on screen. The frozen area does not scroll while the rest of the sheet moves.

Question 23Using the Application

A CSV file is opened, edited and then stored with the Save command. What is the likely result?

  1. The file stays in CSV format and any formatting is lost Correct answer.
  2. A new .xlsx copy is created next to the original
  3. The file is automatically converted to the .xlsx format when saved
  4. The formatting applied is kept permanently

Explanation

Save keeps the file in its existing format, so the data is written back as comma-separated text and formatting such as colours, fonts and column widths is not retained. The application normally warns about this before completing the save.

Question 24Using the Application

Which setting ensures that a workbook can only be opened by someone who knows a password?

  1. Mark the workbook as final
  2. Apply an open password Correct answer.
  3. Hide all the worksheets in the file
  4. Save the workbook as a CSV file

Explanation

An open password is requested before the file is displayed, so anyone without it cannot view the contents. It is set in the save options or the file protection settings of the application.

Question 25Using the Application

Which statement about the Undo command is correct?

  1. Undo applies only to formatting changes, not to typed values
  2. Undo restores a deleted worksheet even after the file is closed
  3. Undo history is cleared once the file is saved Correct answer.
  4. Undo can reverse an unlimited number of actions in any order

Explanation

The list of reversible actions belongs to the current editing session and is reset when the file is saved or closed. Within that session Undo works back through recent actions in reverse order.

Question 26Using the Application

Which part of the spreadsheet window displays the reference (such as C7) of the cell that is currently selected?

  1. The formula bar
  2. The worksheet tab
  3. The status bar
  4. The Name Box Correct answer.

Explanation

The Name Box sits at the left end of the formula bar and always shows the address of the active cell, and it can also be used to jump to a named range. The other window elements show content, status information or sheet names rather than the active cell reference.

Question 27Using the Application

A workbook contains a single worksheet. Which standard method adds another worksheet to the same workbook?

  1. Press Ctrl+N on the keyboard
  2. Use File > Save As and give the workbook a different file name
  3. Right-click a cell and choose the Insert Cells command
  4. Click the new-sheet button located beside the worksheet tabs Correct answer.

Explanation

New worksheets are added inside the existing workbook through the new-sheet control next to the sheet tabs, or through the Insert command on a sheet tab's shortcut menu. The workbook stays open and a fresh tab appears, ready to be renamed or populated.

Question 28Using the Application

In a worksheet, one cell displays the text =SUM(A1:A3) exactly as typed, while all the other formula cells show their calculated results. Which explanation is most likely?

  1. The workbook has been opened as read-only
  2. Automatic calculation has been switched off for the entire workbook
  3. The cell is formatted as Text rather than General Correct answer.
  4. The cells referenced by the formula contain no numbers

Explanation

When a cell is formatted as Text, anything entered into it, including an entry beginning with an equals sign, is stored and displayed as literal text and is never evaluated. Because the other formula cells still calculate, workbook-wide settings and the referenced values cannot be the cause.

Question 29Cells

Which character makes a cell reference absolute in a formula?

  1. $ Correct answer.
  2. &
  3. @
  4. #

Explanation

The dollar sign before a column letter or row number locks that part of the reference, so it does not change when the formula is copied. For example, $A$1 keeps both the column and the row fixed.

Question 30Cells

In a spreadsheet, what does the range A1:B5 refer to?

  1. The first five rows of the sheet
  2. All cells from A1 through B5 Correct answer.
  3. The two columns A and B
  4. Only cells A1 and B5

Explanation

A colon between two cell addresses defines a rectangular block with those cells as opposite corners. A1:B5 therefore includes every cell in columns A and B, rows 1 to 5.

Question 31Cells

What is the main purpose of the fill handle at the bottom-right corner of a selection?

  1. To copy or extend data into nearby cells Correct answer.
  2. To open the Format Cells dialog box
  3. To lock a cell so it cannot be edited
  4. To change the background colour of a cell

Explanation

Dragging the fill handle copies the selection's content or continues a recognised series into adjacent cells. It is the standard way to fill formulas, dates and lists quickly.

Question 32Cells

Which key removes the content of a selected cell but keeps its formatting?

  1. Ctrl + Z
  2. Backspace with Shift held
  3. Ctrl + D
  4. Delete Correct answer.

Explanation

Pressing Delete clears the entry while leaving borders, fill colour and number formats intact. To remove formatting as well, the Clear All command must be used.

Question 33Cells

When several adjacent cells are merged into one cell, what happens to the content?

  1. All values are combined into one
  2. The values move to a comment
  3. Each value moves to its own row
  4. Only the top-left value is kept Correct answer.

Explanation

Merging keeps only the value of the upper-left cell of the selected block. Values in the other cells are discarded, so data should be consolidated before merging.

Question 34Cells

What does the Wrap Text command do to a cell?

  1. It hides any text wider than the cell
  2. It shows long text on multiple lines Correct answer.
  3. It shrinks the text to fit the column
  4. It joins the cell to the one beside it

Explanation

Wrap Text breaks the entry at word boundaries and increases the row height so all the text is visible. The column width itself stays the same.

Question 35Cells

Which number format displays a value with a currency symbol and two decimal places by default?

  1. Percentage
  2. Scientific
  3. General
  4. Currency Correct answer.

Explanation

The Currency format adds a currency symbol and typically two decimal places. The symbol and decimal count can be adjusted afterwards in Format Cells.

Question 36Cells

How do you select an entire column?

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

Explanation

Clicking the letter at the top of a column highlights the whole column, header included. The same principle applies to row numbers.

Question 37Cells

In the reference $A1, what is fixed when the formula is copied?

  1. The column only Correct answer.
  2. Both row and column
  3. The row only
  4. Neither row nor column

Explanation

The dollar sign sits before the column letter, so column A stays fixed while the row number adjusts. This is a mixed reference and is useful when copying across columns but down rows.

Question 38Cells

A formula in cell B2 is =A2*2. It is copied one row down to B3. What does B3 contain?

  1. =A2*2
  2. =B2*2
  3. =A3*2 Correct answer.
  4. =A2*3

Explanation

Relative references shift by the same number of rows and columns as the copy. Moving down one row changes A2 to A3, while the constant 2 is unaffected.

Question 39Cells

A range named TaxRate holds the value 0.2. Which formula multiplies cell B2 by this rate?

  1. =B2*@TaxRate
  2. =B2*TaxRate Correct answer.
  3. =B2*TaxRate!
  4. =B2*$TaxRate$

Explanation

A defined name is used in a formula exactly like a cell address, with no extra symbols. The name TaxRate refers directly to the stored value.

Question 40Cells

Which Paste Special option pastes only the calculated results, without the formulas?

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

Explanation

Choosing Values pastes the displayed results as constant entries. The original formulas are not transferred, so later changes to source cells no longer affect the pasted data.

Question 41Cells

Which Paste Special option swaps rows and columns when pasting?

  1. Reverse
  2. Swap
  3. Transpose Correct answer.
  4. Rotate

Explanation

Transpose pastes a horizontal selection vertically, or a vertical one horizontally. The cell values stay the same but their orientation changes.

Question 42Cells

A cell in row 5 is selected and a row is inserted. Where does the new row appear?

  1. Above row 5 Correct answer.
  2. At the end of the sheet
  3. At the top of the sheet
  4. Below row 5

Explanation

Inserting a row places the new blank row directly above the current selection and shifts existing rows down. The original row 5 content moves to row 6.

Question 43Cells

Which setting places text at the top of a tall cell?

  1. Vertical alignment Correct answer.
  2. Indent
  3. Horizontal alignment
  4. Orientation

Explanation

Vertical alignment controls the position of content between the top and bottom edges of a cell. The Top, Middle and Bottom options sit in the Alignment tab of Format Cells.

Question 44Cells

A cell contains January. Dragging the fill handle down one cell produces which entry?

  1. January again
  2. February Correct answer.
  3. Jan
  4. January

Explanation

Spreadsheets recognise month names as part of a built-in series, so dragging continues the sequence. The next entry in the list after January is February.

Question 45Cells

Which dialog lets you set a fixed number of decimal places for selected cells?

  1. Format Cells Correct answer.
  2. Page Setup
  3. Name Manager
  4. Data Validation

Explanation

The Number tab of the Format Cells dialog contains the decimal places setting for numeric formats. It applies to all cells in the current selection.

Question 46Cells

What does a small red triangle in the corner of a cell usually indicate?

  1. The cell is part of a range
  2. A note or comment is attached Correct answer.
  3. The cell is locked
  4. The cell contains an error

Explanation

The indicator marks a cell that carries a note or comment, which appears when the pointer hovers over the cell. Error values are instead shown by an error code such as #DIV/0! in the cell itself.

Question 47Cells

Which action removes both the content and the formatting of a cell?

  1. Pressing Backspace
  2. Pressing Delete
  3. Using Clear All Correct answer.
  4. Using Cut

Explanation

Clear All removes the entry together with its formatting, comments and other attributes. Delete or Backspace clears only the content.

Question 48Cells

Text in cell A1 is longer than the column, and the adjacent cell B1 contains a value. What happens to the display in A1?

  1. It is cut off at the column edge Correct answer.
  2. The text in A1 is deleted
  3. The text in A1 wraps automatically
  4. The column widens automatically

Explanation

Text spills into neighbouring cells only when they are empty. When the adjacent cell holds data, the display is truncated at the column boundary even though the full entry remains stored.

Question 49Cells

Cell C3 contains =$A$1+B3. It is copied to D4. What formula results?

  1. =$A$1+C4 Correct answer.
  2. =$B$1+C4
  3. =$A$1+B4
  4. =$A$2+C3

Explanation

The absolute part $A$1 stays the same, while the relative part B3 shifts one column right and one row down to become C4. The copied formula is therefore =$A$1+C4.

Question 50Cells

Which formula adds the value in cell A1 from three different sheets named Sheet1, Sheet2 and Sheet3?

  1. =Sheet1!A1+Sheet2!A1+Sheet3!A1
  2. =SUM(Sheet1:Sheet3!A1) Correct answer.
  3. =SUM('Sheet1'!A1:A3)
  4. =SUM(A1:A3)

Explanation

A 3D reference uses a colon between the first and last sheet names, followed by the cell address. SUM(Sheet1:Sheet3!A1) totals A1 on every sheet in that span.