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A

Absolute address:

Refers to a specific cell location or range; it always points to the location of a specific cell even if you copy the cell. Absolute addresses are created by adding a dollar sign ($) in from of each character in the cell address.

Active cell:

The cell that contains the current insertion point; it is identified by a dark border surrounding it.

Arguments:

Information in parentheses that follows the function name; arguments tell Excel which values to calculate.

Arithmetic operators:

Symbols used in formulas to calculate values; e.g., addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and exponentiation (^).

Average:

A function that provides the average of a range of references in an argument.

B

C

Calculated field:

A field in a database that contains a formula.

Cell:

A single box in a worksheet where you enter data. Cells are identified by column and row number (e.g.., the first cell in a worksheet is A1).

Cell Pointer:

A tool that selects or marks the cell where the next activity will occur; the pointer changes shape depending on location and corresponding action.

Cell References:

The column and row identification for a specific cell (e.g. A1). The current cell location is displayed in the upper left corner of the worksheet.

Colon symbol:

A symbol inserted between two cell references that defines a range of cells; e.g., cells C3 through G12 would be stated C3:G12.

Column:

A vertical group of cells in a worksheet. Each worksheet can contain up to 256 columns; letters are used to identify each column.

Column headings:

The gray boxes containing sequential letters at the top of a worksheet used to select or identify a column.

Comparison operators:

Symbols used to specify criteria in searches and formulas; the most common operators are: Equals, Greater than, Less than, Greater than or equal to, Less than or equal to, Not equal to.

Conditional formatting:

A means of formatting cells based on their contents; you can format up to three conditions per cell.

Count:

A function that returns the number of items in the range of the argument.

Criteria:

Specifications that identify what should be matched when you search for records; criteria are specified by using comparison operators.

Currency format:

A format that places dollar signs and comma separators in numeric entries; negative currency values are displayed in parentheses.

D

Data range:

The area of a worksheet that you identify for use in a chart. Dollar sign ($): A character that designates both a currency value as well as an absolute cell address in an Excel formula.

E

Exclamation point:

A character that separates the sheet reference from the cell reference in formulas using 3-D references.

F

Fill By Example:

A command used to create a series by entering the first two or three series values to create a pattern Excel can follow.

Fill handle:

A black symbol in the lower-right corner of an active cell; clicking and dragging the handle can copy cell contents or create a series (depending on whether Excel recognizes the contents as a series).

Formula:

A set of values, cell references, and operators that produce a new value from existing values; all formulas begin with the equal sign (=).

Function:

A pre-programmed formula; the function performs the calculation based on the cells referenced in the function. All functions begin with the equal sign (=).

Freeze Panes:

A command used to split your screen into panes or windows.

Function:

A preset formula that consists of the function name and its arguments; it tells Excel what calculation you want to perform.

G

H

I

If:

A function that performs a logical test on an argument and then performs an action based on whether the test is true or false.

J

K

 

L

Label:

Any cell entry other than a numeric value or a formula. A text entry in a cell is called a label; a range of values often will have a label for identification.

List:

A series of rows that contains data; Excel recognizes a list as a database.

Locked:

Cells protected from changes.

Logical function:

A formula that produces results based on conditions you specify.

M

Macro:

A recording of a series of commands; used to automate commonly-performed or complicated procedures.

Max:

Returns the largest value in the range in an argument.

Min:

Returns the smallest value in the range in an argument.

Mixed address:

Cell references that combine absolute and relative addressing, making either the row or the column absolute.

N

Number formatting:

A means of adjusting the way numbers appear on the screen.

O

Operators:

Symbols used to tell Excel what mathematical functions to perform in a formula; e.g., addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/).

Order of precedence:

The order in which Excel calculates a formula.

P

Parentheses:

Characters that can be used to enclose a portion of a formula; when present, Excel performs those calculations first.

PivotTable:

Interactive worksheet tables that allow flexible summarizing of data. Row and column headings can be adjusted to display data differently.

Protection:

A means of locking a portion of a worksheet to keep it from being altered by an outside source.

Q

R

Range:

A group of cells that can be selected, manipulated, named, or formatted as a group. Ranges can be selected by clicking and dragging over the cells.

Relative address:

A standard cell reference such as A1,E15,M42; this address changes if you copy a formula containing it to a new location on the worksheet.

Row:

A horizontal group of cells in a worksheet. Each worksheet can contain up to 63,536 rows; ascending numbers are used to identify each row.

Row headings:

Gray boxes containing sequential numbers along the left side of a worksheet used to select or identify a row.

Row-Select:

An action that allows you to select the entire range of cells in a row by clicking the row header.

S

Series:

The sequential ordering of text or numbers.

Sheet tabs:

Clickable tabs at the bottom of the Excel window that contain the names of the worksheets in a workbook.

Spreadsheet:

A generic term for applications like Excel that you can use to enter, analyze, and calculate data.

Subtotals mode:

An easy way to summarize information in an Excel list; this mode automatically calculates subtotal and grand total values, inserts and labels the total rows, and outlines the list for you.

Sum:

Adds the values in a function argument or the values in the cell references of an argument.

Syntax:

In relation to function, refers to the order of the function arguments.

T

U

Unlocked:

Cells that can be edited or changed.

V

Values:

The resulting number that appears in a cell containing a formula.

W

Workbook:

The Excel file that stores your information; each workbook can contain numerous worksheets (a new workbook contains three).

Worksheet (or Sheet):

An electronic spreadsheet that allows you to enter, analyze, and calculate data. Worksheets can share information within a workbook; calculations pertaining to several worksheets can performed at the same time.

X

.xlsm:

A new XML-based file format used for macro-enabled workbooks.

.xlsx:

A new XML-based default file format that uses compression technology to make file sizes smaller; it structures files modularly so different components are kept separate for better recovery and integrates easily with other program that support XML standards.

.xltx:

A new XML-based file format for workbook templates.

Y

Z