How-To Geek's A to Z of Key Microsoft Excel Jargon

This glossary defines key Excel terms, perfect for beginners or those needing a refresher. Understanding this jargon will significantly improve your Excel proficiency.

Microsoft offers a comprehensive Excel glossary, but this article focuses on frequently used terms. We've included links to relevant How-To Geek articles for deeper dives (Ctrl F or Cmd F to search this article).

A

• Active: A selected worksheet, cell, or content within a cell. The active worksheet's tab is bold, and the active cell has a bold border.
• Add-in: Extensions adding extra functionality, like translation or calendar tools.
• Array: Data within a cell range (e.g., A1:A20 contains the array; A1:A20 is the range). Array formulas handle multiple calculations simultaneously.

B

• Border: Lines around cells or objects. Unlike gridlines, borders print by default.

C

• Cell (reference): An individual box identified by gridlines, with its own data and reference (e.g., B2 is column B, row 2).
• Conditional Formatting: Automatic formatting based on specific conditions (e.g., "DONE" cells get green backgrounds). Access via Home > Conditional Formatting.
• Criteria: Conditions determining which cells are filtered, evaluated, or counted (used in functions like COUNTIF).

D

• Data Validation: Limits cell input (Data > Data Validation). Define allowed data types, create error messages, or add drop-down lists.
• Drop-down: A list appearing after clicking a trigger (ribbon option, filter, or data validation cell).

E

• Embed: Inserting a file snippet or chart directly into a worksheet (Insert > Object).

F

• Fill Handle: The small black square at a cell's bottom-right corner. Drag to copy formulas or continue sequences across cells.

• Filter: Displays only values meeting specified conditions. The FILTER function allows for multiple criteria.
• Formula (bar): A combination of functions, references, values, and operators (starting with '=') to calculate a new value. The formula is displayed in the formula bar, while the result appears in the cell.

• Function: A pre-built formula performing a specific calculation (e.g., AVERAGE).

G

• Gridlines: Non-printing lines separating cells. Can be added to charts for readability.

H

• History: View or revert to previous versions of a workbook.

L

• Legend: In charts, explains what colors or patterns represent.

M

• Merge: Combines adjacent cells into a single larger cell.

N

• Name (box): A word or phrase representing a cell, table, or formula. Used in formulas for easier referencing. The name box (left of the formula bar) displays workbook names.

O

• Operator: Symbols indicating calculations ( , -, AND, OR, =, >, etc.).

P

• Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts: Visualize and summarize data to identify patterns.
• Power Query: Imports and transforms data from various sources.
• Protect: Prevents changes to a workbook or worksheet (password protection).

R

• Range: Two or more cells, adjacent or non-adjacent.

S

• Series: Data in a range used in charts.
• Sort: Rearranges data by value, formatting, or conditional formatting.

T

• Table: Formatted data (Home tab) linking rows and columns, allowing for easy naming and data addition.

V

• View: Different workbook views (Normal, Page Break, Page Layout, Custom).

W

• Workbook: An Excel file (.xlsx).
• Worksheet: A single spreadsheet within a workbook.

Mastering these terms will greatly enhance your Excel skills. Explore useful Excel keyboard shortcuts for even greater efficiency!

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