1961
Computerized spreadsheets for use in business accounting developed

In the realm of accounting jargon a "spread sheet" or spreadsheet was and is a large sheet of paper with columns and rows that lays everything out about transactions for a business person to examine. It spreads or shows all of the costs, income, taxes, etc. on a single sheet of paper for a manager to look at when making a decision.

An electronic spreadsheet organizes information into software defined columns and rows. The data can then be "added up" by a formula to give a total or sum. The spreadsheet program summarizes information from many paper sources in one place and presents the information in a format to help a decision maker see the financial "big picture" for the company.

Beginnings and the "Tale of VisiCalc" In 1961, Professor Richard Mattessich pioneered the development of computerized spreadsheets for use in business accounting. Some historical information on the computerization of accounting spread sheets using mainframe computers is discussed on Mattessich's page "Spreadsheet: Its First Computerization (1961-1964)". Mattessich's work and that of other developers of spreadsheets on mainframe computers probably had no influence on Bricklin and Frankston who later developed VisiCalc.