What does the term 'cell reference' mean in a spreadsheet?

The concept of 'cell reference' in a spreadsheet is fundamental for understanding how data is organized and manipulated within the spreadsheet environment. A cell reference is the identification of a specific cell, which is done through its column letter and row number. For example, in the case of cell A1, 'A' refers to the first column and '1' refers to the first row, effectively pinpointing that individual cell on the spreadsheet grid.

Using cell references allows users to write formulas and perform calculations based on the values contained in these cells. This capability is essential for tasks such as summing numbers, averaging values, or any other operations that depend on the data placed within the cells. When creating formulas, referring to the precise location of the data is crucial for accuracy and functionality.

Other options relate to different aspects of spreadsheet functionality but do not accurately capture the essence of cell referencing. Labels for worksheet tabs focus on the organizational aspect of the spreadsheet rather than the identification of individual cells. Formatting methods pertain to the visual presentation of cells rather than how they are referenced or identified. Lastly, references to links outside the spreadsheet deal with external data connections, which is a different concept from identifying cell locations within the spreadsheet itself. Understanding how cell references work is essential for