3.1.7: Excel Terminology
- Page ID
- 57062
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\dsum}{\displaystyle\sum\limits} \)
\( \newcommand{\dint}{\displaystyle\int\limits} \)
\( \newcommand{\dlim}{\displaystyle\lim\limits} \)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)
\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)
\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\(\newcommand{\longvect}{\overrightarrow}\)
\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)
\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 3D map | a type of map that is three dimensional and appears to have all three spatial dimensions including length, width, and depth |
| Absolute | a cell reference that refers to cells by their fixed position in a worksheet; an absolute cell reference remains the same when the formula is copied and is indicated by the $ sign |
| absolute cell reference | one in which the cell reference is fixed regardless of where you copy the formula |
| Active Cell | The currently selected cell where data entry or editing will occur outlined by a bold border. |
| array | selection of rows or columns that do not have to be contiguous |
| auditing formulas | process of using Excel tools to monitor and fix errors in worksheets |
| AutoFill | A tool that automatically continues patterns or series in data (e.g. filling months numbers or days of the week). |
| average | number found by adding up a group of values and then dividing it by the number of values; also called the mean |
| background | canvas that is displayed behind the cell contents of a worksheet |
| Backstage View (File Tab) | The area accessed by clicking File where users can create open save print and manage Excel files and options. |
| basic financial functions | main functions for calculating loan installments investment returns net present value mortgage comparisons and other real-world applications |
| Cell | The intersection of a row and column identified by a unique address such as A1. Each cell can contain text numbers or formulas. |
| Cell Formatting | Visual modifications applied to a cell or range including text color borders alignment and background shading. |
| cell range | selection of rows or columns that is given a name to make it easier to find that group later |
| Cell Range | A group of adjacent cells selected together identified by the top-left and bottom-right cell references (e.g. A1:D5). |
| cell reference | address of a cell relative to the other cells in a worksheet |
| Cell Reference | The column letter and row number that identify a cell’s location on a worksheet (e.g. B3). |
| Cell Style | tool that lets you select other font sizes and background colors |
| Chart Elements | Title legend axes axis titles data labels gridlines plot area—components used to clarify a chart. |
| Column/Bar Chart | Visual compares values across categories (vertical vs. horizontal bars). |
| Combo Chart | Combines two chart types (often column + line) to compare magnitude and trend; can use a secondary axis. |
| comparison operators | inequality symbols used in math including < > ≥ ≤ = and <> |
| complex formula | one that uses several operators to calculate an output |
| conditional formatting | feature in Excel that analyzes the cell contents and applies preset designs or layouts based on the content |
| Ctrl+Select | command that allows you to select two or more areas that are not contiguous |
| data analysis | scientific discipline that uses mathematical and statistical tools to measure trends |
| Data Labels | Numeric/text values shown on chart marks to provide exact readings. |
| Data Table | scenario-building tool that outputs different solutions or forecasts based on selected scenarios |
| Excel Table | Structured data range that auto-expands and supports structured references. |
| File Extension | The suffix at the end of a filename that identifies its type (e.g. .xlsx .csv .xlsm). |
| filter | tool that lets the user select criteria so only matching data is shown |
| Format Painter | tool that copies a range’s formatting and applies it to another range |
| formatting | applying colors font types and borders to cells for styling purposes |
| Formatting | Adjusting the visual appearance of data in cells to improve readability and presentation. |
| formula | mathematical operation that may use constants or cell references or a combination of both |
| Formula Bar | The area above the worksheet grid that displays the contents of the active cell and allows users to enter or edit data and formulas. |
| freeze panes | fixing the headers on the screen while allowing users to scroll through the rest of the data |
| function | mathematical or analytical operation that uses words instead of mathematical operators |
| Gridlines (Major/Minor) | Horizontal/vertical guides that aid value estimation. |
| header | label added to tables at the top of columns or to the left of rows to make the data understandable |
| hide | temporarily remove designated rows or columns from view |
| Line Chart | Shows trends over continuous time or sequence. |
| logical functions | long formulas with embedded logical tests often using comparison operators to search for delimited data |
| MAX | function that finds the highest value in a dataset |
| merge | combine content from two or more cells |
| MIN | function that finds the lowest value in a dataset |
| mixed cell reference | one that uses a combination of both relative and absolute cell references |
| Number Format | A style that determines how numerical data is displayed such as Currency Percentage Date or Accounting. |
| numeric data | information made of numerals that Excel reads like a calculator to perform mathematical equations |
| order of operations | universal math law prescribing the order of calculations in an equation |
| Pie/Donut Chart | Displays parts of a whole best with few categories. |
| PivotChart | A chart linked to a PivotTable supporting interactive filtering grouping and drill-down. |
| PivotTable | tool that lets users create interactive charts and tables from raw datasets |
| PivotTable | Tool to summarize or aggregate data by categories. |
| Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) | A customizable toolbar above the Ribbon that provides one-click access to frequently used commands like Save Undo or Redo. |
| relative cell reference | one in which the reference updates automatically when copied to another cell |
| Ribbon | The command area at the top of Excel that organizes tools into tabs (Home Insert Page Layout Formulas Data Review View). |
| Secondary Axis | Additional axis to scale a second data series with different units or magnitudes. |
| Sheet Tab | The labeled tab at the bottom of the workbook used to navigate between worksheets. |
| Shortcut Key | A key or combination of keys (e.g. Ctrl+S Ctrl+C) that performs a command quickly. |
| Small Multiples | Several similar charts with the same axes for easy comparison. |
| SmartArt | Built-in diagrams to visualize processes hierarchies cycles and relationships. |
| spreadsheet | software application with rows and columns in a grid pattern where you can enter data to design tables graphs and perform data analysis |
| Status Bar | The bar at the bottom of the Excel window displaying information about the current worksheet view zoom level and summary calculations. |
| Structured References | Table-based formula references using column names (e.g. =SUM(Table1[Revenue])). |
| Tab (on the Ribbon) | A labeled section of the Ribbon grouping related commands (e.g. Home tab for formatting and editing Insert tab for charts or tables). |
| Template | A predesigned workbook with predefined structure formatting and formulas used to save time when creating common spreadsheets. |
| text data | information made up of words letters numerals or a combination |
| workbook | file that contains one or more worksheets |
| Workbook | The main Excel file that contains one or more worksheets used to store and organize data. File extension: .xlsx (or .xlsm for macro-enabled workbooks). |
| Workbook Navigation | The process of moving between cells ranges or worksheets using the mouse keyboard shortcuts or navigation tools. |
| worksheet | tab within a workbook where you can input data and design tables and graphs |
| Worksheet | A single spreadsheet within a workbook consisting of rows and columns that form cells where data is entered. |
| Wrap Text | feature that arranges the text in a cell so that it extends onto another line and increases the row height |
Attributions
Intro to Microsoft (opens in new window)Office(opens in new window) by Abby Rusu & Maricopa Millions, CC BY 4.0.
Introduction to Spreadsheets(opens in new window) (BSOT 112) by Gabrielle Brixey, Business LibreTexts, CC BY‑NC‑SA 4.0.
Workplace Software and Skills (OpenStax), CC BY 4.0.