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Glossary Terms (50.0K)
3-D effect  Command that applies a three-dimensional look to an object.
(See page(s) 10)
3-D reference  A cell address in a formula that refers to cells in another worksheet.
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Absolute reference  A cell address that does not change when copied in a formula.
(See page(s) 5)
Active cell  The cell that is ready for data outlined with a thick border.
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Add-in  Excel function, feature, or command that makes the workbook easier to use. It is installed separately from the main program.
(See page(s) 19)
Adjustment handle  Yellow diamond handle on an object used to change the shape and design of the object.
(See page(s) 10)
Annuity  A series of equal payments made at regular intervals for a set period of time.
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Argument  Values or cell ranges between parentheses in a function or what a function needs to complete its calculation.
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Arithmetic mean  An average of values calculated by adding the values and then dividing the total by the number of values.
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Arithmetic operators  Math symbols for calculations(+, -, /, and *).
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Array  A collection of cells or values that is used as a group in formulas or functions.
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Array formula  A formula that carries out multiple calculations showing one or more results.
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Ascending sort  Order in which data is arranged from lowest to highest value or A to Z.
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Ascending  Text data arranged alphabetically and values arranged low to high.
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Assistant  Organization chart shape that represents a helper.
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Auditing  Practice of examining cells and formulas for accuracy.
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AutoCalculate  Feature that displays sums, averages, counts, maximums, or minimums in the status bar.
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AutoComplete  Feature that displays a suggested label after the first character is keyed in a cell in the column.
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AutoCorrect  Excel feature that corrects common spelling errors as you type.
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AutoFill  Feature that copies or extends data from a cell or range to adjacent cells.
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AutoFit  To size a column to its longest entry or size a row to the font.
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AutoFormat  Built-in set of formatting instructions that applies fonts, colors, borders, and other formats to a range.
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AutoShape  Common, recognized figure, shape, or outline on the Drawing toolbar.
(See page(s) 10)
Background  An image that displays onscreen for the worksheet.
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Backsolve  What-if analysis in reverse. It involves knowing the results and then determining the formula arguments.
(See page(s) 19)
Book.xlt  Default workbook saved in XLStart folder.
(See page(s) 16)
Border  Line drawn around a cell or range of cells.
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Bounding box  Imaginary rectangular box or outline for objects.
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Button  Control or object on a toolbar.
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Callout  Descriptive text enclosed in a shape with a pointer or arrow connector.
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Category axis  What is shown in a chart, created from row or column headings.
(See page(s) 9)
Category title  Optional label for the axis in a chart.
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Cell  Intersection of a column and row in a worksheet with an address or reference such as B5.
(See page(s) 1)
Cell address  Column letter and row number that identifies a location in the worksheet.
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Cell alignment  Feature that describes and sets how the contents of a cell are positioned within the cell.
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Cell protection  The ability to set whether cell content can be edited.
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Cell reference  The cell address or location in the worksheet.
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Change history  List of changes made to cells in a shared workbook that can be printed.
(See page(s) 21)
Character string  Sequence of letters, numbers, or other symbols.
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Chart  Visual display of worksheet data.
(See page(s) 9)
Chart area  Background of a chart.
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Chart title  Optional title or name for the chart.
(See page(s) 9)
Circular reference  A cell address in a formula that refers to itself.
(See page(s) 15)
Code  Lines written in a programming language.
(See page(s) 17)
Code window  Part of Visual Basic Editor that displays the macro programming commands.
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Column  Vertical group of cells in a worksheet identified by an alphabetic letter.
(See page(s) 1)
Combination chart  Chart with series that use different chart types.
(See page(s) 9)
Comment  A pop-up cell attachment with descriptive or explanatory text.
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Conditional formatting  Cell formatting applied only when the cell contents meet the criteria.
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Consolidate by category  Consolidation in which data in multiple worksheets or workbooks is located in different locations.
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Consolidate by position  Consolidation in which data in multiple worksheets or workbooks is located in the same locations.
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Consolidation  Procedure in which data from more than one worksheet or workbook is combined and summarized.
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Constant  A value used in formulas that does not change.
(See page(s) 15)
Constraint  A restriction or requirement for a cell value when using Solver.
(See page(s) 19)
Control  Worksheet object that, when clicked, carries out a task.
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Cost  The original price of an item or asset.
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Coworker  Organizational chart shape that represents an employee or colleague.
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Criteria  Conditions or specifications for matching records.
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Criteria range  An area on a worksheet that holds conditions for a filter.
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Crop  Remove parts of an image from view.
(See page(s) 11)
Custom format  Format created using Excel's codes.
(See page(s) 22)
Custom template  A workbook model with sample values, labels, formulas, and images.
(See page(s) 14)
Data label  Optional title for each value in a chart.
(See page(s) 9)
Data marker  Object that displays individual values, such as a bar or column in a chart.
(See page(s) 9)
Data point  One value from the data series in a chart.
(See page(s) 9)
Data series  Collection of related values in the worksheet.
(See page(s) 9)
Data table  Cell range that displays results from changing values in a formula.
(See page(s) 24)
Data table range  Cell range that includes data table formula and all input values.
(See page(s) 24)
Data validation  Feature in which cell entry is checked as it is entered to verify that it matches specified conditions.
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DB  Financial function that determines the depreciation of an asset.
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Delimiter  Character in a text file that separates columns.
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Dependent  A cell that relies on another cell for its value.
(See page(s) 18)
Dependent workbook  A workbook that has linked formulas external references that refer to another workbook.
(See page(s) 20)
Descending sort  Order in which data is arranged from highest to lowest value or Z to A.
(See page(s) 13)
Diagram  Object that illustrates an idea or concept.
(See page(s) 11)
Digital signature  Electronic authentication stamp on a document.
(See page(s) 17)
Discussion comment  A worksheet attachment that is visible in a browser for online collaboration.
(See page(s) 10)
Drag-and-drop pointer  Fourheaded arrow pointer that appears when the pointer rests on the edge of a cell. It is used to copy or cut a cell or range by dragging.
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Draw layer  Invisible surface, separate from and on top of the worksheet, that holds drawing objects and images.
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Dynamic consolidation  A data consolidation that results in a formula.
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Dynamic link  A formula that refers to another cell.
(See page(s) 12)
Electronic spreadsheet software  Computer software that produces reports with business and personal calculations, database management, or charts.
(See page(s) 1)
Embedded chart  Chart that appears on the same sheet as the worksheet data.
(See page(s) 9)
End Sub  Code that ends a subroutine macro.
(See page(s) 17)
Exploded pie chart  Pie chart in which one or more slices is detached from the rest of the pie.
(See page(s) 9)
Export  Sending or saving Excel data for use in another program.
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External reference formula  Formulas that refer to cells in another workbook.
(See page(s) 20)
Field  A single category or column in a list.
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Field name  A label in the first (header) row of a list.
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Field value  An individual piece of data in a list.
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Filename  Document name or identifier.
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Fill handle  Small rectangle at the lower-right corner of a cell or range used for extending a series or copying data.
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Filter  Criteria that sets a specification for which data will be shown.
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Financial function  Formula that performs a common business calculation involving money.
(See page(s) 7)
Folder  Storage location for work files on a disk.
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Footer  Data that prints at the bottom of each page in a worksheet.
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Formula  Series of calculations, expressions, numbers, and operators to carry out an arithmetic command.
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Function  Built-in mathematical formula.
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Function Arguments palette  Dialog box that displays help and entry areas for completing a function.
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FV  Financial function argument that specifies the value of the cash at the end of the time period.
(See page(s) 7)
Goal Seek  Command that backsolves or adjusts the value in a cell value to reach a desired outcome.
(See page(s) 19)
Gradient  Blend of colors used to fill charts and other objects.
(See page(s) 9)
Gridline  Horizontal or vertical line in the plot area of a chart to mark values.
(See page(s) 9)
Header  Data that prints at the top of each page in a worksheet.
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Header row  First row in a list with unique labels or titles for each column.
(See page(s) 23)
HTML  Hypertext Markup Language, a widely used format for Web pages.
(See page(s) 11)
Hyperlink  A clickable text or object that, when clicked, displays another file, another program, or an Internet site/address.
(See page(s) 8)
Import  Placing data from another program into Excel.
(See page(s) 22)
Input cell  Placeholder cell used in a data table formula to represent the changing values.
(See page(s) 24)
Input values  Numbers keyed in either a row or column for a data table.
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Integer  A whole number or a number with no decimal or fractional parts.
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Interactive workbook  A workbook saved as a Web page that can be edited in a browser.
(See page(s) 23)
Interval  Number of steps between values or labels in a series.
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Label  An entry in a cell that begins with a letter.
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Landscape  Print orientation that prints a horizontal page that is wider than it is tall.
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Leading zero  A zero shown as the first digit in a value.
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Legend  Chart object that explains the colors, patterns, or symbols used in the chart.
(See page(s) 9)
Life  Number of periods over which an asset is depreciated.
(See page(s) 7)
Linking  Procedure in which formulas in a worksheet refer to cells in another workbook.
(See page(s) 20)
List  Table of information with rows of data and a row of labels.
(See page(s) 13)
Literal  Text, symbol, or values to be shown exactly as is in the format, enclosed in quotation marks in the code.
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Lock  Property that makes a cell available for editing.
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Logical function  Formula that determines whether or not something is true.
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Macro  A sequence of commands and keystrokes that perform a task.
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Macro security  Computer setting to determine how macros are accepted or reviewed.
(See page(s) 17)
Mail-enabled  The ability to e-mail a file without closing the application.
(See page(s) 8)
Marker  Small black rectangle at the location for margin and column edges in Print Preview.
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Math hierarchy  Alternative term for order of precedence.
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Mixed reference  A cell address that adjusts either the row or the column when the formula is copied.
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Name box  Text box in the formula bar that shows current cell address.
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Nested function  A function inside another function. The second or third functions are used as arguments in the first function.
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Nper  Financial function argument that specifies the total number of payments or time periods.
(See page(s) 7)
Numeric keypad  Set of number and symbol keys at the right of the keyboard.
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Object  Separate element or part of a worksheet.
(See page(s) 9)
Office Clipboard  Temporary memory area that can hold up to 24 copied elements.
(See page(s) 4)
Order of operation  Alternative term for order of precedence.
(See page(s) 5)
Order of precedence  Mathematical rules that determine which part of a formula is calculated first.
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Organization chart  Object that illustrates hierarchical relationships, usually among company workers.
(See page(s) 11)
Outline  Worksheet with data that is grouped into detail and summary rows/columns.
(See page(s) 23)
Output range  An area on a worksheet that holds the results of an advanced filter.
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Page break  Solid or dashed line to signal where printer will start a new page.
(See page(s) 7)
Page orientation  Print setting that determines landscape or portrait layout.
(See page(s) 5)
Parameter  The data or information needed by Solver to determine a solution.
(See page(s) 19)
Path  File identifier that includes the drive and series of folders to locate a file.
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Pattern  Cross-hatched, dotted, or other pattern used to fill chart and other objects.
(See page(s) 9)
Period  The time for which depreciation is calculated.
(See page(s) 7)
Pick From List  Feature that displays a list of all labels already in a column.
(See page(s) 4)
PivotTable List  A PivotTable report placed on the Web with interactivity.
(See page(s) 24)
PivotTable report  Excel table that summarizes data from a list.
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Pixel  A single screen dot.
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Plot area  Rectangular bounding area for the category and value axes in a chart.
(See page(s) 9)
Portrait  Print orientation that prints a page that is taller than it is wide.
(See page(s) 5)
Precedent  A cell that contributes or provides data to a formula's results.
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Preview image  Small replica or picture of a workbook for display in the Open and Templates dialog boxes.
(See page(s) 14)
Print area  Range of cells to be printed.
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Property  Setting or attribute for a workbook, a cell, or an object.
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Protection  Worksheet setting that prohibits some edits to cells and objects.
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PV  Financial function argument that specifies the current cash value of the money transaction.
(See page(s) 7)
Query  File that specifies and gets certain data from a list.
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Range  A group of cells that forms a rectangle.
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Rate  Financial function argument that specifies the interest rate for the time period.
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Record  A row of data in a list.
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Relative reference  A cell address that adjusts to the row or column where a copied formula is located.
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Replacement string  Sequence of characters that is exchanged for existing data in the Replace command.
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Rotation handle  Green oval handle circle on an object used to rotate the shape using the mouse.
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Rounding  To make a value larger or smaller depending on a specified digit to the left or right of the decimal point.
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Row  Horizontal group of cells identified by a number in a worksheet.
(See page(s) 1)
Salvage  The value of an asset after it has been depreciated.
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Scale  Resize an image by a percentage so that it is proportional.
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Scenario  A saved set of values for a worksheet.
(See page(s) 19)
Scenario summary report   A report in outline format that lists changing and results cells for each scenario in a worksheet.
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ScreenTip  A box on the screen with the name of a button. It appears when you rest the mouse pointer on the button.
(See page(s) 1)
Secondary axis  Separate set of values for a data series in a chart.
(See page(s) 9)
Selection handles  Black rectangles surrounding an active object; or, white circles surrounding the bounding box of a drawing object.
(See page(s) 9, 10)
Selection pointer  White crossshaped pointer used to select or activate cells.
(See page(s) 1)
Serial number  Number system assigned to dates, counting from January 1, 1900, as 1.
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Series  List of labels, numbers, dates, or times that follows a pattern.
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Shading  Background pattern or color for a cell or range of cells.
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Shared workbook  Workbook that can be used by several people at the same time.
(See page(s) 21)
Sheet.xlt  Default worksheet saved in XLStart folder.
(See page(s) 16)
Sizing pointer  Mouse pointer shaped as a two-headed arrow.
(See page(s) 10)
Smart tag  Labels with command options for recognized data.
(See page(s) 22)
Solver  An Excel add-in that backsolves the value for a cell with a formula.
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Source workbook  A workbook that contains cells used in an external reference in a dependent workbook.
(See page(s) 20)
Static consolidation  A data consolidation that results in a value.
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Style  Set of formatting specifications for labels and/or values.
(See page(s) 7)
Sub  Code that begins a subroutine macro.
(See page(s) 17)
Subordinate  Organizational chart shape that represents an employee.
(See page(s) 11)
Subroutine macro  Command sequence than can be run from a workbook or from within another macro.
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Superior shape  Top shape in an organization chart.
(See page(s) 11)
Synchronous scrolling  Feature that allows multiple windows to move in the same direction by the same number of rows/columns.
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Synonym  A word that means the same thing.
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Syntax  Structure or necessary parts and the order of those parts for a function.
(See page(s) 6)
Template  Model or sample workbook that can include font types, styles, alignment settings, borders, labels, values, and formulas. It is saved with an .xlt extension.
(See page(s) 5)
Template Gallery   Web site with templates for downloading.
(See page(s) 14)
Text box  Drawing object with no connector lines for displaying text.
(See page(s) 10)
Text file  File format that includes unformatted text separated into columns by tabs, commas, or another character.
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Texture  Grainy or nonsmooth surface appearance used to fill charts and other objects.
(See page(s) 9)
Thesaurus  Reference book that lists words with the same meaning.
(See page(s) 11)
Tick mark  Line or marker on an axis to display values.
(See page(s) 9)
TIF  Tagged Image Format, a popular file format for printed images.
(See page(s) 11)
Tiled  Object that repeats at a default size across the sheet.
(See page(s) 11)
Trace Error button  Icon with an exclamation point that notes a problem in a formula.
(See page(s) 1)
Trendline  A line added to a chart the points out and forecasts future directions and trends in values.
(See page(s) 19)
Type  Financial function argument that specifies whether the payment/ deposit is made at the beginning or end of the period.
(See page(s) 7)
User template  A template with values, formulas, labels, images, and more for daily use.
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Value  An entry in a cell that begins with a number or an arithmetic symbol.
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Value axis  Horizontal or vertical grouping of values from the worksheet.
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View  Display and print settings that can be saved with a workbook.
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Visual Basic Editor  Window used to view, edit, or create a macro.
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Watch window  A window that shows formulas and results while a worksheet is being edited.
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Web query  A request to get data from a table or preformatted data in a Web page.
(See page(s) 22)
What-if analysis  Business practice of testing values in a worksheet to forecast and predict future results.
(See page(s) 19)
Whole number  A value without a fraction or decimal.
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Wildcard  Character that represents one or more unknown letters or numbers.
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Windows Clipboard  Temporary memory area that holds cut or copied data.
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Wizard  Series of dialog boxes for making choices and building a chart.
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WordArt  Application that inserts shaped and colored text as an object.
(See page(s) 10)
WordArt Gallery  Collection of 30 styles for text images.
(See page(s) 10)
Workbook  Excel file that holds worksheets with data. A workbook has an .xls filename extension.
(See page(s) 1)
Workgroup  People who share work.
(See page(s) 21)
Worksheet  Individual page or sheet in a workbook, shown by a tab at the bottom of the screen.
(See page(s) 1)
Workspace  A file that specifies workbook names, screen positions, and window sizes.
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XML  Extensible Markup Language, used to create a text file for exchanging data on the Web.
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XML map  Tree layout of tags and elements in an XML file.
(See page(s) 22)
Zoom size  Setting that controls how much of the worksheet appears at once on the screen.
(See page(s) 1)







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