Spreadsheet Terminology

Function

Built-in mathematical formula included in Excel.

Relative

Cell address that adjusts to the row or column where a copied formula is located.

Absolute

Cell address that does not change when copied in a formula.

Legend

Chart object that explains the colors, patterns, or symbols used in the chart.

Label

Entry in a cell that begins with a letter. Lables are aligned at the left edge of the cell and are not used in calculations.

Value

Entry in a cell that begins with a number or an arithmetic symbol. A value is right aligned and is included in the calculations.

Workbook

Excel file that holds worksheets with data.

Range

Group of cells that forms a rectangle.

Row

Horizontal group of cells indentified by a number in a worksheet.

Worksheet

Individual page or sheet in a workbook, shown by a tab at the bottom of the screen.

Cell

Intersection of a column and row in a worksheet with an address or reference such as Cell B5.

Formula

Series of calculations, expressions, numbers and operations to carry out an arithmetic command.

Column

Vertical group of cells in a worksheet, identified by an alphabetic letter or letters.