What is a formula used for in a spreadsheet?

A formula in a spreadsheet serves as a set of instructions used to perform a calculation. Formulas can include operators, functions, and references to cells containing data. They allow users to automate calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, a formula can sum a range of cells to provide a total without the need for manual addition. This functionality is essential for data analysis, as it enables quick and accurate computations that can be easily updated when data changes.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different aspects of spreadsheet functionality. Data presentation generally refers to how data is formatted and displayed, rather than calculated. Data retrieval involves querying or extracting specific information from a dataset, and while it can sometimes be done using functions, it is not the direct purpose of a formula itself. Data visualization refers to creating graphs or charts to represent data visually, which is distinct from the computational purpose served by formulas. Thus, the role of a formula is primarily tied to calculations, making the second choice correct in this context.