Spreadsheet Vocabulary Terms

DATA

This is distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way -- variety of forms -- as numbers or text.

CELL

In spreadsheet applications, this is a box in which you can enter a single piece of data. The data is usually text, a numeric value, or a formula.

Each has its own address, such as B3.

COLUMN

This consists of a vertical line of characters extending from the top to the bottom of the screen.

ROW

This consists of a horizontal line of characters extending from the top to the bottom of the screen.

VALUE

In spreadsheet programs, it is any numerical data placed in a cell.

LABEL

In spreadsheet programs, it is any descriptive text placed in a cell.

CELL REFERENCE

The location of a cell in a spreadsheet. This address consists of a column letter (A) followed by a row number (1). Together they make A1.

GRAPH/CHART

A picture created from a set of numbers. They can help you recognize trends that are not obvious in a simple list of numbers. Popular types include line, bar, area, and pie.

FORMULA

This is an expression/equation that defines how one cell relates to other cells.

=A4*D7

FUNCTION

This feature performs calculation that reuse frequently repeated complex worksheet formulas.

OPERATORS

+, (add)

-, (subtract)

/ (divide)

* (multiply)

AVERAGEThe arithmetic mean

It is calculated by adding a group of numbers and then dividing by the count of those numbers. For example, 2, 3, 3, 5, 7, and 10 is 30 divided by 6, which is 5.

RANGE

The labels of columns and rows on a worksheet which refer to the cells within those columns and rows

MEDIANThe middle number of a group of numbers; that is, half the numbers have values that are greater than this, and half the numbers have values that are less than this. For example, 4 is this for the following numbers. 2, 3, 3, 5, 7,10.

MODE

The most frequently occurring number in a group of numbers. For example 3 is this for the following numbers - 2, 3, 3, 5, 7,10.

SORT

To organize a list of information in a different order. For example, you can place items in alphabetical order (a to z), ascending order (a to z, 1 to 10), or descending order (z to a, 10 to 1).

COLLECT

To bring together in a group or mass; to gather.

ORGANIZE

To arrange in a desired pattern or structure.

CLASSIFY

To arrange or organize according to class or category.

MANIPULATE

To move, arrange, operate, or control data.

DISPLAY

To present or view data.

CALCULATE

To ascertain by computation.

PREDICT

To state, tell about, or make known in advance.