How are cell ranges defined in a spreadsheet?

A cell range in a spreadsheet is defined as a selection of multiple cells that can consist of cells located within either a single row, a single column, or a combination of both. This selection allows users to perform operations on groups of cells rather than individually. For instance, a range can include all cells from A1 to A10 in column A or from A1 to B10 across two columns.

This functionality enables effective data manipulation, including calculations, formatting, and data analysis tasks. By defining a range, users can efficiently reference a set of data for operations such as sum, average, or other functions that require multiple data points. Ranges are essential in spreadsheet applications as they enhance the ability to work with significant amounts of data.