Which part of a spreadsheet displays information about the context or status of the worksheet?

The status bar is a critical component of a spreadsheet application as it provides real-time information about the current context and status of the worksheet. This area usually displays key information such as the average, count, and sum of selected cells, as well as the current mode of operation (for example, if the sheet is in edit mode or ready mode). Additionally, shortcuts for different actions or alerts regarding the worksheet’s state can also appear here.

The other components serve different functions: the formula bar displays the contents of the currently selected cell or allows users to input or edit formulas, while the cell reference shows the specific address of the active cell. The sheet tab identifies the name of each worksheet within a spreadsheet file and allows navigation between different worksheets, but it does not convey real-time status information about the worksheet itself. Thus, the status bar is essential for providing context and feedback to users as they work within a spreadsheet.