Chapter 12 Introduction to Excel
Vocabulary
Adjacent: Close to or next to.
Cell: A single box on a table or spreadsheet that can contain text (e.g., letters, numbers, dates).
Cell reference: A unique name or address of cell that is based on a set of coordinates that a cell occupies on a worksheet. For example, a cell that appears in column C and in Row 8 is C8.
Column: The vertical series of cells separated by lines or space from other vertical series of cells and found in a table or spreadsheet.
Column heading: Also known as column headers. The shaded area at the top of the column and contains a letter or a series of letters (e.g., XA, BB). By clicking the column header, the user selects the entire column. The column width can be changed by dragging the line to the right of the heading.
Fill handle: A tool indicated by a plus sign cursor that is observed when the user moves the cursor to the bottom right corner of a selected cell or cell range in Excel. This tool is used to fill or extend a series or data.
Formula: A mathematical equation in a spreadsheet that performs a calculation and shows the result in a cell.
Function: A predefined formula in a spreadsheet that performs a calculation with specific values.
Hover over: Moving the mouse pointer over an option without selecting it.
Row: The horizontal series of cells separated by lines or space form other horizontal series of cells and found in a table or spreadsheet.
Row heading: Also called row header. The shaded area at the left side of each row. By clicking the row header, the user selects the entire row. The row height can be changed by dragging the line below the row heading.
Select: To highlight a cell or multiple cells (cell range) and the next command will impact these cells.
Workbook: A spreadsheet program file created in MS Excel and has the file extension .xls or .xlsx. Contains one or more worksheets.
Worksheet: Found within a workbook; also called a spreadsheet. Consists of cells that can contain data, formulas, and functions.
Introduction
Excel is a spreadsheet program and can be used for the following:
- Store and organize information such as supply and inventory lists.
- Analyze information, such as budgets, revenue, and expenditure.
Each Excel file is considered a workbook. Each workbook has one or more worksheets. When the user opens Excel, the Excel Start Screen appears (Figure 1). The user can open an existing workbook, select a template, or select a new workbook. To select a blank worksheet, use the keyboard shortcut keys (Ctrl + N).
The Excel Window
Several of the features of the Excel window are the same as Microsoft Word (Figure 2A). This includes the Quick Access toolbar and the Zoom Control. The format of the ribbon and tabs are also like Word, though different controls are available. The following describes some of the features of the Excel window:
- Quick Access Toolbar: Provides frequent commands in one convenient location for the user regardless of the tab being u