3-dimensional formula A formula that refers to cells in other worksheets.

Absolute cell reference The exact location of a cell without regard to the location of the formula that contains it. A dollar sign ($) precedes the column and row reference.

Accounting format A numeric format that displays numbers with leading dollar signs ($) and thousands separators (,), positioned in the cells so that the dollar signs and decimals are aligned vertically.

Active cell The cell that will be affected by the action you perform. The active cell contains the cell pointer.

Active worksheet The worksheet containing the active cell.

Argument The data you use in a function to produce a value. Each function requires at least one argument.

Attribute A characteristic of text formatting, such as bold, italics, or underline.

AutoCalculate A feature that calculates the total, average, or other basic mathematical results, for a selected range. The AutoCalculate results displays in the status bar.

AutoFill A method you use to copy data from a cell or range to adjacent cells or ranges by dragging the fill handle at the lower-right corner of the cell or range. You can also use AutoFill to complete a numeric or text series, such as 1, 2, 3, or Jan, Feb, Mar.

AutoFit a feature that determines the correct column widths for the data contained within the selected range.

AVERAGE function A function used to average a range of numeric values.

Cell The intersection of a column and row in a worksheet.

Cell reference The location of a cell, consisting of a column letter and a row number.

Comma format A numeric format that displays numbers with thousands separators (,) and a specified number of decimal places.

Contiguous range A range in which all the cells in the series are adjacent.

Currency format A numeric format that displays numbers with leading dollar signs ($) and thousands separators (,).

Date format A numeric format you use to enter a date into a cell.

Destination cell The cell in which you paste cut or copied data.

Drag-and-drop A method you use to copy or move a selected range by dragging it from one location and placing it at another location in the worksheet.

Fill handle The square at the lower-right corner of the selected cell. You drag the fill handle to copy the contents of the selected cell to adjacent cells.

Formula A worksheet entry that performs a calculation. A formula must begin with an equal sign (=).

Formula bar Displays the contents of the active cell.

Function A pre-defined formula that performs special or advanced calculations.

Function name A word or abbreviation you use to identify a function.

Function wizard A tool that guides you through each step of function creation and helps to eliminate potential errors or omissions that can occur when typing the full syntax of a function.

Gridlines Vertical and horizontal lines that extend across the worksheet and define the cells.

Insertion point A vertical line appearing in a selected cell or the formula bar that indicates where text will be entered or keyboard actions applied.

Name box The box located at the left end of the formula bar that displays the cell reference of an active cell.

Non-contiguous range A range in which not all cells are adjacent.

Number format A numeric format that displays numbers with a specified number of decimal places.

Operators Symbols you use in formulas that perform mathematical operations, such as addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and exponentiation (^).

Percent format A numeric format that displays numbers as percentages with trailing percent symbols (%) and a specified number of decimal places.

Range A series of one or more cells, contiguous or non-contiguous, upon which you perform operations, such as moving or copying. You specify a range by highlighting the cells or by typing the cell references.

Sheet tabs Tabs containing the names of the individual worksheets within a workbook. You move between worksheets by clicking on the sheet tabs. The tab for the active worksheet displays in bold.

Shortcut menu A pop-up menu that displays commands related to the current selection. You display the shortcut menu by right-clicking on a cell, range, or other worksheet items.

Spreadsheet A grid of rows and columns in which you enter data and perform numerical calculations.

Standard toolbar A set of shortcut buttons you use for common commands, located by default beneath the menu bar.

Status bar Displays messages about the active worksheet selection

SUM function A function you use to total a range of numeric values.

Workbook The electronic file in which you work and store data.

Workbook title bar The bar containing the name of the current workbook that displays at the top of the workbook window.

Worksheet The area of a workbook in which you enter and manipulate data. An Excel worksheet contains a grid of 256 columns by 65,536 rows.