Chapter 3 Excel Vocabulary
Radar Chart
A chart type that compares aggregate values of three or more variables represented on axes starting from the same point.
Data point
A numeric value that describes a single value in a chart or worksheet.
Combo chart
A chart that combines two chart types, such as column and line, to plot different types of data, such as quantities and percentages.
Histogram
A chart that is similar to a column chart. The category axis shows bin ranges (intervals) where data is aggregated into bins, and the vertical axis shows frequencies.
Exploded pie chart
A chart type in which one or more pie slices are separated from the rest of the pie chart for emphasis.
Bar chart
A chart type that compares values across categories using horizontal bars where the length represents the value; the longer the bar, the larger the value. In a bar chart, the horizontal axis displays values and the vertical axis displays categories.
Line chart
A chart type that displays lines connecting data points to show trends over equal time periods, such as months, quarters, years, or decades.
Surface chart
A chart type that displays trends using two dimensions on a continuous curve.
Area chart
A chart type that emphasizes magnitude of changes over time by filling in the space between lines with a color.
100% stacked column chart
A chart type that places (stacks) data in one column per category, with each column the same height of 100%.
Stacked column chart
A chart type that places stacks of data in segments on top of each other in one column, with each category in the data series represented by a different color.
X Y (scatter) chart
A chart type that shows a relationship between two variables using their X and Y coordinates. Excel plots one coordinate on the horizontal X-axis and the other variable on the vertical Y-axis. Scatter charts are often used to represent data in education, scientific, and medical experiments.
Pie chart
A chart type that shows each data point in proportion to the whole data series as a slice in a circle. A pie chart depicts only one data series.
Plot area
A chart type that shows each data point in proportion to the whole data series as a slice in a circle. A pie chart depicts only one data series.
Stock chart
A chart type that shows fluctuation in stock prices.
Chart style
A collection of formatting that controls the color of the chart area, plot area, and data series.
Chart element
A component of a chart that helps complete or clarify the chart.
Chart area
A container for the entire chart and all of its elements, including the plot area, titles, legends, and labels.
Data table
A grid that contains the data source values and labels to plot data in a chart. A data table may be placed below a chart or hidden from view.
Data series
A group of related data points that display in row(s) or column(s) in a worksheet.
Gridline
A horizontal or vertical line that extends from the horizontal or vertical axis through the plot area to guide the reader's eyes across the chart to identify values.
Legend
A key that identifies the color, gradient, picture, texture, or pattern assigned to each data series in a chart.
Axis title
A label that describes either the category axis or the value axis. Provides clarity, particularly in describing the value axis.
Trendline
A line that depicts trends or helps forecast future data in a chart. For example, if the plotted data includes 2005, 2010, and 2015, a trendline can help forecast values for 2020 and beyond.
Chart filter
A setting that controls what data series and categories are displayed or hidden in a chart.
Chart sheet
A sheet within a workbook that contains a single chart and no spreadsheet data.
Sparkline
A small line, column, or win/loss chart contained in a single cell to provide a simple visual illustrating one data series.
Column chart
A type of chart that compares values vertically in columns where the height represents the value; the taller the column, the larger the value. In a column chart, the vertical axis displays values and the horizontal axis displays categories.
Clustered column chart
A type of chart that groups, or clusters columns set side by side to compare several data points among categories.
Chart
A visual representation of numerical data.
Task pane
A window of options to format and customize chart elements. The task pane name and options change based on the selected chart element.
Alt text
An accessibility compliance feature where you enter text and a description for an objective, such as a table or a chart. A special reader can read the alt text to a user.
Data label
An identifier that shows the exact value of a data point in a chart. Appears above or on a data point in a chart. May indicate percentage of a value to the whole on a pie chart.
Sizing handles
Eight circles that display on the outside border of a chart—one on each corner and one on each middle side—when the chart is selected; enables the user to adjust the height and width of the chart.
Category axis
The chart axis that displays descriptive labels for the data points plotted in a chart. The category axis labels are typically text contained in the first column of worksheet data (such as job titles) used to create the chart.
Value axis
The chart axis that displays incremental numbers to identify approximate values, such as dollars or units, of the data points in a chart.
X-axis
The horizontal border that provides a frame of reference for measuring data left to right on a chart.
Chart title
The label that describes the entire chart. The title is usually placed at the top of the chart area.
Y-axis
The vertical border of plot area that provides a frame of reference for measuring data up and down on a chart.
Error bars
Visual that indicates the standard error amount, a percentage, or a standard deviation for a data point or marker in a chart.
