Excel Basics

Active Cell

A selected cell in an Excel worksheet that is identified by a thick dark border, that is ready for the input of data.

Formula Bar

A bar that lets you insert or edit the contents of a cell, it will also display a formula when a cell contains a calculated value.

Workbook

A collection of related worksheets saved in a single Excel file.

Spreadsheet

A grid of rows and columns containing numbers, text, and formulas used to perform calculations

Formula

An equation that calculates a new value from existing values.

Worksheet

An excel spreadsheet comprised of rows and columns of information that is used for performing numeric calculations

Column

Appears vertically in the worksheet; identified by letters at the top of the worksheet window.

Pie Chart

Use this chart type to show proportions of a whole, use it when the total of your numbers is 100%.

Line Chart

Use this chart type to show trends over time; such as year, months or days.

Column Chart

Use this chart type to visually compare values across categories.

Row

The horizontal placement of cells in a table or worksheet.

Cell

The intersection of a row and a column in an Excel worksheet or word table.

Merge and Center

The process of merging cells and centering the data in the cells.