← VCE Spreadsheets, SQL & Visualisation

Naming worksheets consistently

A short, clear worksheet tab name that describes what the sheet holds. Use one consistent style with no spaces, and keep raw data on a separate tab from analysis, such as Summary.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U1O1 - Data analysis — Module 4, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Acquiring and Storing Data — Module 36

Understanding Naming worksheets consistently in VCE Spreadsheets, SQL & Visualisation

What it does: Sales_2024 joins its words with an underscore instead of a space, so it follows a consistent no-spaces style. Sheet1 is the default name and says nothing about the data. Renaming it to Raw_Data gives a clear, descriptive name. The tab name is changed on the tab itself. Typing in A1 only changes the cell contents and leaves the tab name unchanged. Keeping the original data on its own tab, such as Raw_Data, protects it from accidental changes. Calculations can go on a separate tab, such as Summary. A good tab name describes what the sheet holds. Summary tells another person exactly what to expect, while Stuff does not.

Common mistakes: Sheet3 is a default name that says nothing about what the tab holds. Give it a clear name such as Charts, like the other tabs. The name is long, vague and full of spaces and brackets. Use a short, clear name with no spaces, such as Raw_Data.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 4–20) and word search (Modules 4–34).

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Learning
Duo
Which worksheet tab name is better for a sheet holding the original survey results?
Sheet1Raw_Data
Matches
Sheet1
↓
This is the default tab name. It does not describe the data, so it should be renamed to something like Raw_Data.
Applying
Meanings
Term
Raw_Data
Meaning
A short, clear worksheet tab name that describes what the sheet holds. Use one consistent style with no spaces, and keep raw data on a separate tab from analysis, such as Summary.
Practice
=SUM(Raw_Data!B2:B30)
Testing
Gaps
=SUM(!B2:B30)
Check Answer
Spots
2Tab 2: Summary
3Tab 3: Sheet3

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Quick Questions

1. Which worksheet tab name is better for a sheet holding the original survey results?
A. Raw_Data ✓
B. Sheet1
Raw_Data is short and describes what the sheet holds. Sheet1 is the default name and tells you nothing about the data.
2. Which tab name follows a consistent style with no spaces?
A. sales summary final (2)
B. Sales_Summary ✓
Sales_Summary uses an underscore instead of spaces and stays short and clear. The long name with spaces and brackets is messy and hard to use in formulas.
3. How do you rename a worksheet tab in a spreadsheet?
A. Right-click the tab (or double-click it) and type the new name ✓
B. Type the new name into cell A1
The tab name is changed on the tab itself. Typing in A1 only changes the cell contents and leaves the tab name unchanged.
4. True or false: Raw data and analysis should be kept on separate tabs.
A. True ✓
B. False
Keeping the original data on its own tab, such as Raw_Data, protects it from accidental changes. Calculations can go on a separate tab, such as Summary.
5. Your class uses the style Raw_Data, Clean_Data, Summary. Which new tab name matches it?
A. my chart data!!
B. Chart_Data ✓
Chart_Data uses the same style as the others: capital letters, underscore, no spaces. Matching the agreed style keeps the workbook consistent.

Match the Pairs

Raw_Data → A tab name for the sheet that holds the original, untouched data
Summary → A tab name for the sheet that holds the analysis, totals and results
Use one agreed style with no spaces, such as underscores between words → Sales_2024
Rename a tab by double-clicking it and typing a new name instead of keeping the default → Sheet1 -> Raw_Data
Sheet1 → This is the default tab name. It does not describe the data, so it should be renamed to something like Raw_Data.
My final data for the whole year (copy 2) → The name is too long, unclear and full of spaces and brackets. It should be short and consistent, such as Raw_Data.

Key Term

Raw_Data
A short, clear worksheet tab name that describes what the sheet holds. Use one consistent style with no spaces, and keep raw data on a separate tab from analysis, such as Summary.

Fill in the Blanks

1. =SUM(Raw_Data!B2:B30)
Hint: Type the worksheet tab name that holds the original data, written in the agreed style with no spaces.
2. Analysis tab renamed to Summary
Hint: Type the tab name for the separate sheet that holds the analysis and results.
3. Raw_Data
Hint: Type the character used in place of a space to keep a worksheet tab name consistent.
4. Right-click tab > Rename > Summary
Hint: Type the menu option used to change the name of a worksheet tab.
5. =AVERAGE(Marks!B2:B30)
Hint: Type the function name that finds the mean of the range on the Marks tab.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Tab 1: Raw_Data
B Tab 2: Summary
C Tab 3: Sheet3
Line C — Sheet3 is a default name that says nothing about what the tab holds. Give it a clear name such as Charts, like the other tabs.
Question 2
A Right-click the sheet tab
B Choose Rename
C Type: raw data (final) v2 NEW
D Press Enter
Line C — The name is long, vague and full of spaces and brackets. Use a short, clear name with no spaces, such as Raw_Data.
Question 3
A Sheet1 name: raw data
B Sheet2 name: Summary
C Sheet3 name: Charts
Line A — The name has a space and does not follow the style of the other tabs. It should use an underscore and capitals, as in Raw_Data.
Question 4
A Raw_Data holds the scores
B Summary holds the analysis
C =AVERAGE(Summary!B2:B30)
Line C — The scores are on the Raw_Data tab, not Summary. The formula must point to Raw_Data!B2:B30.
Question 5
A Raw_Data: original scores
B Summary: totals and averages
C Keep the two tabs separate
D Put formulas on Raw_Data
Line D — Raw data and analysis should be on separate tabs. The formulas belong on Summary so Raw_Data stays unchanged.

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