Excel Creating Formulas Vocabulary

Named range

• A group of cells, and occasionally a single cell, with a designated name.

• A method to format cells in a spreadsheet.

• A function that calculates the sum of a range of cells.

• A feature that allows for the automatic filling of cells.

Operand

• An element that identifies the values to be used in a calculation.

• A type of operator that performs a specific function.

• A variable that stores the result of a calculation.

• A constant value that does not change during execution.

cell reference

• A reference that identifies a cell's location in the worksheet based on its row number and column letter.

• A formula used to calculate the sum of a range of cells.

• A method for formatting cells in a spreadsheet.

• A tool for creating charts and graphs in a worksheet.

calculation operator

• Operators that specify the calculations to be performed.

• Symbols used for comparison between values.

• Functions that return a boolean value.

• Variables that store numerical data.

formula

• An equation that performs calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, on values in a worksheet.

• A graphical representation of data in a chart or graph format.

• A set of instructions for a computer program to execute tasks.

• A method for organizing and storing data in a database.

constant

• A number or text value entered directly into a formula.

• A number or text value entered directly into a formula.

• A function that returns a fixed value.

• An equation that represents a relationship between variables.

Nested parentheses

• Parentheses inside of parentheses within a formula.

• A type of mathematical operation involving addition and subtraction.

• A method for simplifying complex equations.

• A way to group terms in a polynomial expression.

external reference

• A cell or range in a worksheet in another Excel workbook, or a defined name in another workbook.

• A reference to a cell within the same worksheet.

• A formula that calculates the sum of a range of cells.

• A link to an external website or document.

Order of operations

• The rules Excel follows to calculate any formula that contains two or more operators.

• The sequence in which Excel saves files automatically.

• The method Excel uses to format cells in a spreadsheet.

• The guidelines for creating charts in Excel.

absolute cell reference

• A reference to a specific cell or range of cells regardless of where the formula is located in the worksheet. An absolute cell reference uses a dollar sign ($) in front of the column and row markers in a cell address.

• A reference that changes when the formula is copied to another cell.

• A reference that only works in the first row of a worksheet.

• A reference that is used to create hyperlinks in Excel.