In a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel, when data in a worksheet cell is changed, what normally happens to the related calculations in that worksheet?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests practical understanding of how spreadsheet software performs automatic calculations. One of the main advantages of programs like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets is that they can update results immediately when underlying data changes. Knowing this behaviour helps users design dynamic models for budgets, reports and data analysis. Computer awareness exams often include questions about what happens when a value in a spreadsheet cell is edited, because this concept separates spreadsheets from static tables created in word processors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The environment is a spreadsheet program that supports formulas.
• Data in a worksheet cell is changed by the user.
• The question asks what normally happens to calculations in that worksheet.
• We assume that automatic calculation mode is enabled, which is the default in most spreadsheet applications.

Concept / Approach:
In most spreadsheets, cells can contain either raw data or formulas that reference other cells. When you change the value in a referenced cell, the spreadsheet engine automatically recalculates any formulas that depend on that value. This feature is called automatic recalculation and is central to how spreadsheets are used. Users can usually switch to manual calculation if they need more control in very large models, but the default behaviour is automatic. Therefore, the correct answer is that all affected formulas and calculations are recalculated when data changes, not that nothing happens or that data cannot be changed.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Spreadsheet documentation and tutorials emphasise automatic recalculation as a key feature. They show examples where changing any one input cell immediately updates totals, charts and summary tables. The options dialogs in programs like Excel have a Calculation section where automatic is selected by default and manual is an advanced option. If changes did nothing until the program closed, spreadsheets would not be useful for interactive analysis. This strong focus on dynamic recalculation confirms that automatic updating of formulas is the correct answer to questions about what happens when data is changed in a worksheet.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Once entered, the data cannot be changed at all: Incorrect, because users routinely edit cells in spreadsheets.
• Nothing happens until the program is closed: Incorrect, as recalculation occurs immediately or when the user triggers it, not at shutdown.
• Only formatting changes, not the results of formulas: Incorrect, because formula results are designed to update when inputs change.
• All existing formulas are deleted from the worksheet: Completely wrong and not a behaviour supported by any normal spreadsheet program.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may have seen spreadsheets configured in manual calculation mode and think that nothing happens after changes. However, even in manual mode, users can trigger recalculation explicitly. Exam questions almost always refer to default settings, which is automatic recalculation. To avoid confusion, remember that the core idea of spreadsheets is that formulas stay in place and recalculate when inputs change, creating a dynamic model. Whenever a question mentions data changes in a spreadsheet, expect an answer related to recalculation rather than immobility or deletion of formulas.

Final Answer:
When data in a spreadsheet program is changed, All affected formulas and calculations are automatically recalculated under normal automatic calculation settings.