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Intro to Spreadsheet
D100A Intro to Spreadsheet Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Absolute Cell Reference | A cell reference that remains constant when a formula is pasted into a new cell; contains two "$". |
| Algorithm | The part of a calculation that is applied to the measure. Example: average gas price. |
| Arguments | The information inputted to create a function |
| Bar Charts | Charts that depict values with boxes that span the horizontal axis of the chart.The length of the boxes represents the individual values. Larger values are depicted using longer boxes. |
| Cells | Small boxes that store individual pieces of data or calculations |
| Charts | Depictions of larger data sets which less-related categories |
| Column Charts | Charts that depict values with boxes that span the vertical axis of the chart. The length of the boxes represents the individual values. Larger values are depicted using longer boxes. |
| Column and Row Labels | Used to define how the data will be summarized and arranged on the PivotTable, defines how source data will be categorized |
| Data | A class of menu items used to aid in importing and working with large amounts of data. |
| Dynamic | A formula that references and responds to changes in values in other cells |
| Expression | The calculation prescribed by the a formula in a spreadsheet |
| File | A class of menu items used to manipulate workbooks. |
| Formula Auditing | Analyzing a calculation in a spreadsheet to ensure that it is correct |
| Formulas | The calculations performed in a spreadsheet. |
| Function Wizard | A window that allows you to select inputs for a function. Also provides a description of the function and lists the function result based on the inputs you enter |
| Graphs | A two-dimensional representation of numerical data using a line or a curve |
| Home | A class of menu items used to format the appearance of data in cells. |
| Insert | An area that includes features for specializing elements into workbooks, such as charts, pictures, and shapes. |
| Line Charts | Charts that depict values as discrete points of intersection for the values of the horizontal and vertical axes. The points are generally connected using a line. |
| Linear Trendline | A line usually dotted that is added to a line graph that shows a statistical trend in a set of data |
| Measure | The part of a calculation to which an algorithm is applied. Example: gas price. |
| Mixed References | When one part of the cell reference, either the column or the row, is fixed (absolute) and the other part is relative (changes based on proximity to other cells) |
| Optional Arguments | Appear with brackets in a function. Provide additional information or instructions for how to handle a calculation. Omission does not prevent completion of a calculation |
| Page Layout | A class of menu items used to format the appearance of worksheets. |
| Pane | The area of a worksheet that is visible on the screen |
| Pie Chart | A chart used to compare parts to a whole by dividing a circle into slices, or wedges, that represent individual data values. The slices of the pie chart are sized proportionally to the relative size of the values each slice represents. Large values are re |
| Qualitative | Data that are descriptive, such as name, location, gender, etc; Often used to classify data into groups. |
| Quantitative | Numerical data, generally used as the basis for calculations |
| Range | A continuous block of cells that are selected in an Excel worksheet. |
| Relative Cell References | Cell references that automatically update when a formula is pasted to a new cell |
| Report Filter | Used to screen the data as it is placed in a PivotTable |
| Required Arguments | Appear without brackets in a function and must be included or a function cannot be calculated |
| Review | A class of menu items that help in sharing an Excel workbook with colleagues. |
| Scatterplot | Similar to a line chart in that it depicts points of intersection between values on the horizontal and vertical axes. It generally replaces time on the horizontal axis with values of a second variable and may or may not use a line to connect the points on |
| Share | A class of menu items used to share workbooks. |
| Static | A formula that produces a consistent value (for example, =1+1 will always yield 2) |
| Syntax | The layout and order of the function and its arguments |
| Themes | Built-in colors and styles that can be applied to entire worksheets |
| Values | Defines which data will be displayed on the PivotTable |
| View | A class of menu items that are used to change how a worksheet is displayed on the screen. |
| Window | A view of the current workbook |
| Workbook | An Excel file that stores all the information, previous calculations, and analyses that you may have already completed; must contain at least one worksheet |
| Worksheet | A collection of cells arranged in the form of a table that contains the actual data and calculations |
| Spreadsheet | A digital tool used to organize, analyze, and store data in tabular form. |
| Accounting and Budgeting | Tracking financial data, managing budgets. |
| Data Analysis | Summarizing and evaluating data to support decisions. |
| Data Entry and Storage | Inputting and storing structured data. |
| Forecasting | Projecting trends and future values based on existing data. |
| Reporting | Generating summaries, dashboards, and visual representations of data. |
| Formula Bar | An input area for writing or editing formulas. |
| Navigation | Moving between cells, worksheets, and workbooks using the mouse or keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+Home). |
| Ribbon | The toolbar at the top of Excel, organized into tabs. |
| Tabs (e.g., Home, Insert, Data) | Groupings of related commands and tools. |
| Title Bar | Displays the workbook name. |
| AutoFill | Automatically fills a sequence or pattern across a range. |
| Copy and Paste | Duplicate and transfer data across cells. |
| Fill Handle | The small square in the corner of a selected cell used for AutoFill. |
| Accounting | Financial format with alignment and precision for figures. |
| Currency | Numbers formatted with monetary symbols (e.g., $). |
| Date | Formatted calendar dates (e.g., 12/18/1973). |
| General | Default format for cells that can contain various data types. |
| Number | Numeric values, with or without decimals. |
| Percentage | Numbers shown as percentages (e.g., 50%). |
| Text/Qualitative Data | Descriptive, non-numeric data (e.g., names, categories). |
| Time | Specific times of the day (e.g., 11:35 AM). |
| Borders | Outline cells with various line styles and thicknesses. |
| Cell Alignment | Adjust horizontal/vertical text positioning. |
| Clear Formats | Removes all applied formatting from cells. |
| Fill Color | Background color of cells. |
| Font Formatting | Change typeface, size, color, bold, italic, underline. |
| Format Painter | Tool for copying formatting from one cell to another. |
| Add/Delete Worksheets | Manage multiple sheets in a workbook. |
| Hide/Unhide | Temporarily remove or reveal rows/columns. |
| Insert/Delete Rows and Columns | Add or remove rows/columns. |
| Resize | Adjust row height or column width. |
| Page Margins | Blank space between worksheet content and page edges. |
| Page Orientation | Portrait or landscape layout for printing. |
| Print Area | Defined section of a worksheet to be printed. |
| Print Titles | Rows or columns repeated on each printed page. |
| Repeat Header Rows | Ensures headers remain visible on each page. |
| Clear Filter | Removes applied filters to display all data. |
| Filtering | Displaying only the rows that meet specific criteria. |
| Multi-level Sort | Sorting by multiple columns hierarchically (e.g., Industry → Stock Price). |
| Sorting | Rearranging data in ascending or descending order based on column values. |
| Ctrl+Home / Ctrl+End | Navigate to the first or last used cell in a worksheet. |
| Freeze Panes | Keeps selected rows/columns visible while scrolling. |
| Help System | Access Excel’s built-in support via the search bar or online resources. |
| Arithmetic Operators | Addition (+) Subtraction (–) Multiplication (*) Division (/) Exponentiation (^) |
| Audit Function | Tools used to review and verify the accuracy of formulas. |
| AVERAGE Function | Calculates the average value of a numeric range (e.g., =AVERAGE(A1:A5)). |
| Cell Reference | A reference to a specific cell (e.g., B3) used in formulas. |
| COUNTA Function | Counts all non-empty cells in a range (numbers + text). |
| COUNT Function | Counts only numeric entries in a selected range. |
| Date and Time Functions | Built-in functions that manage and extract parts of dates and times. |
| DAY Function | Extracts the day from a date (e.g., =DAY(A1)). |
| Dynamic Function | A formula that updates automatically when referenced cells change. |
| Equal Sign (=) | Symbol that begins any formula, telling Excel to perform a calculation. |
| Exponents | Raises a number to the power of another (e.g., 2^3 equals 8). |
| Formula | A custom expression used to perform calculations, beginning with =. |
| Formula Auditing | The process of reviewing formulas for logic or input errors. |
| Function | A predefined formula in Excel used to perform calculations or actions. |
| Function Button (fx) | A built-in feature to help users insert functions with guidance. |
| HOUR Function | Extracts the hour from a time value (e.g., =HOUR(B1)). |
| MAX Function | Returns the highest value in a range. |
| MIN Function | Returns the lowest value in a range. |
| Mixed Reference | A cell reference that is partially fixed (e.g., $A1 or A$1). |
| MONTH Function | Extracts the month from a date. |
| NOW Function | Returns the current date and time. |
| Order of Operations | Parentheses Exponents Multiplication/Division (left to right) Addition/Subtraction (left to right) |
| Precedents | Cells that are referenced by a formula in another cell. |
| Relative Reference | A reference that changes when copied to another cell (e.g., A1 becomes A2). |
| Reusable Template | A spreadsheet setup that can be reused with different inputs. |
| SECOND Function | Extracts the second from a time value (e.g., =SECOND(B1)). |
| Show Formulas | Displays all formulas in the worksheet instead of results. |
| Static Formula | A calculation that does not change unless manually updated. |
| SUM Function | Adds together the values in a range (e.g., =SUM(A1:A5)). |
| Template | A pre-designed spreadsheet that includes formulas and formatting for reuse. |
| TODAY Function | Displays the current date (e.g., =TODAY()). |
| Trace Dependents | Highlights cells that are affected by the active cell’s formula. |
| Trace Precedents | Highlights cells that affect the formula in the active cell. |
| YEAR Function | Extracts the year from a date (e.g., =YEAR(A1)). |
| Data Table | A tool for what-if analysis in Excel (not to be confused with an Excel Table). |
| Excel Table | A structured range that allows for easy sorting, filtering, formatting, and formula management. |
| PivotTable | A dynamic tool used to summarize, analyze, and group data by categories. |
| Banded Rows | Alternating row colors for enhanced readability, managed through Table Styles. |
| Calculated Column | Automatically applies the same formula to an entire column in a table. |
| Column Headings | The top row in a table used to label and describe the content in each column; enables sorting and filtering. |
| Total Row | A row at the bottom of a table that summarizes column values using functions like SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, etc. |
| Qualitative Data | Descriptive or categorical data used for classification (e.g., name, gender, region). |
| Quantitative Data | Numerical data used in calculations (e.g., salary, sales figures). |
| No Mixed Data | Each column should contain only one type of data (e.g., don't combine experience and salary). |
| One Instance per Row | Each row should represent a unique item or record (e.g., one employee). |
| Table Expansion | Excel tables automatically grow as new rows or columns are added. |
| Unique Column Headings | Avoid duplicate or ambiguous labels; each column should store a distinct type of data. |
| Insert Table | Use the "Insert > Table" command to convert a range into a table. |
| My Table Has Headers | An option in the Create Table dialog box confirming that the first row contains column headings. |
| Populating Tables | Adding data row by row below the headings; Excel auto-expands the table to include new entries. |
| Filter | Hiding rows based on specific conditions, accessible via column dropdowns. |
| Format as Table | A feature that applies built-in styling and converts a range into a fully functioning Excel Table. |
| Sort | Rearranging data in ascending or descending order based on column values. |
| Column Labels | Categorizes data across columns (e.g., by ownership type). |
| Report Filter | Filters the entire PivotTable based on a selected field (e.g., region or owner). |
| Row Labels | Categorizes data along rows (e.g., by region). |
| Values | Performs calculations like SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, etc., on numerical fields. |
| Analyze Quantitative Data | Perform calculations like totals or averages within those categories. |
| Data Patterns | Insights gained from comparing different fields, such as region vs. sales. |
| Optimize Source Data | Ensure clean, consistent, two-dimensional data for accurate PivotTable performance. |
| Summarize by Category | Organize data by qualitative fields (e.g., group sales by region or owner). |
| Average | Mean value. |
| Count | Number of entries. |
| Max/Min | Highest or lowest value. |
| Product | Multiplies values. |
| Standard Deviation/Variance | Statistical measures of data spread or variability. |
| Sum | Total of values in a field. |
| Date Calculations | Use fields like MONTH, QUARTER, or DAY to organize date-based data. |
| Group by Date | Summarize data by day, month, quarter, or year. |
| Time-Based Grouping | Enables viewing data trends across time intervals. |
| Consistent Labels | Maintain uniform naming conventions across rows (e.g., always use "East" instead of mixing "E"). |
| No Blank Rows | Tables should be contiguous with no empty rows to ensure proper function. |
| Axis Titles | Labels that describe what each axis in the chart represents. |
| Chart | A visual representation of data designed to highlight patterns, trends, and comparisons. |
| Chart Area | The space within which the chart's elements (plot area, labels, legends) are contained. |
| Chart Title | A heading that describes the purpose or content of the chart. |
| Chart Type | The specific visual form used to display data (e.g., pie, line, bar). |
| Data Series | A set of related data points that are plotted in a chart. |
| Graph | A type of chart that uses axes (typically x and y) to plot numerical relationships. |
| Legend | A key that explains the symbols or colors used to represent different data series. |
| Plot Area | The region where data is graphically displayed within the chart. |
| Bar Chart | Uses horizontal bars to show comparisons among discrete categories. |
| Column Chart | Displays data as vertical bars; used to compare values across categories. |
| Line Chart | Connects data points with lines to display trends over time. |
| Pie Chart | Divides a circle into slices to show proportions of a whole. |
| Scatterplot Chart | Plots individual data points to show the relationship between two variables. |
| Stacked Bar Chart | A variation of the bar chart that stacks data in segments to show part-to-whole relationships. |
| Chart Customization | Modifying elements such as colors, labels, and layout to improve readability and presentation. |
| Chart Recommendation Tool | An Excel feature that suggests the best chart type based on selected data. |
| Comparative Visualization | Using charts to compare multiple data points or categories. |
| Relationship Visualization | Using scatterplots to analyze correlations between variables. |
| Trendline | A line added to a chart to illustrate overall trends in data. |
| Add Chart Element | A tool used to add or modify chart features like titles, labels, axes, legends, and gridlines. |
| Change Chart Type | A command that lets users switch between chart types for better data representation. |
| Chart Design Tab | Offers tools for changing the chart type, style, layout, and data. |
| Format Tab | Provides options to customize chart appearance, such as fill color, shape effects, and text formatting. |
| Insert Tab | The Excel menu used to insert charts, graphs, and other elements. |
| Time Series Data | Data points indexed in time order, often visualized with line charts. |
| X-Axis (Horizontal Axis) | Usually represents categories or time intervals. |
| Y-Axis (Vertical Axis) | Represents values or frequency of data points. |
| Axis Labels | Descriptive text along the x- or y-axis indicating the data being measured. |
| Data Labels | Numeric or text annotations displayed directly on chart data points. |
| Data Table | A grid that displays chart data below the chart itself. |
| Chart Layouts | Predefined arrangements of chart elements like titles, labels, and legends. |
| Legend Placement | The positioning of the chart legend (e.g., top, bottom, right). |
| Title Formatting | Customizing font, color, and alignment for chart titles and axis titles. |