ICDL Spreadsheets (ICDL) key terms

A grid of rows and columns used to store, calculate, and analyse numbers and text. Each intersection of a row and column holds data or a formula.

The file that holds one or more worksheets. Saving, opening, and closing a workbook manages all the sheets it contains together.

A single page of rows and columns inside a workbook. A workbook can contain many worksheets, and each has its own tab.

The labelled control at the bottom of the window used to switch between worksheets. Tabs can be renamed, moved, copied, coloured, and deleted.

Changing the name shown on a worksheet tab so its contents are easy to identify. Names must be unique within the workbook and cannot be blank.

The basic storage unit formed where a row and a column meet. A cell can hold a number, text, date, or formula.

The address of a cell made from its column letter and row number, such as B7. References are used in formulas to point to data.

The currently selected cell, highlighted with a border, where typing or editing takes place. Only one cell is active at a time.

A rectangular block of two or more cells identified by its corner addresses, such as A1:C5. Ranges are used in formulas and for formatting groups of cells.

A cell address that changes when a formula is copied to another location, adjusting to the new row or column. Written without dollar signs, for example A1.

A fixed cell address that does not change when a formula is copied. Dollar signs lock the column and row, for example $A$1.

A cell address where only the column or only the row is locked, such as $A1 or A$1. This keeps one part fixed while the other adjusts when copied.

An instruction that begins with an equals sign and calculates a result from values, cell references, or operators. The result updates automatically when source data changes.

A built-in calculation with a name, such as SUM or AVERAGE, that takes arguments and returns a value. Functions save time compared with writing long formulas by hand.

A value, cell reference, or range supplied to a function inside its brackets. Multiple arguments are separated by a delimiter such as a comma or semicolon.

A symbol that performs a calculation in a formula, such as plus for addition, an asterisk for multiplication, or a colon for a range. Operator precedence decides the order of calculation.

The rule that brackets are calculated first, then exponents, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Brackets should be used to control results.

A function that adds together all the numbers in the arguments or ranges given to it. It is the most common way to total a column or row of figures.

A function that adds the numeric values supplied and divides by how many there are. Empty cells and text are ignored in the calculation.

A function that returns how many cells in a range contain numbers. It is useful for checking how many numeric entries exist.

A function that counts how many cells in a range are not empty, including text and numbers. It differs from COUNT, which counts numbers only.

A function that tests a condition and returns one value when it is true and another when it is false. It is used to make decisions inside a spreadsheet.

A message such as #DIV/0! or #REF! shown when a formula cannot be calculated. It usually signals a wrong reference, text in a sum, or division by zero.

The small square at the bottom-right corner of a selection that is dragged to copy data or continue a series into neighbouring cells.

A feature that extends a pattern, such as dates, weekdays, or formulas, into adjacent cells when the fill handle is dragged. It saves repetitive typing.

Arranging rows of data in ascending or descending order based on the values in one or more columns. Sorting helps to find and compare records quickly.

A temporary view that hides rows that do not match chosen criteria while leaving the underlying data unchanged. Clearing the filter restores all rows.

A setting that keeps chosen rows or columns visible while scrolling through the rest of the sheet. It is useful for keeping headings on screen.

Settings that control how tall rows and how wide columns appear. Adjusting them makes text fit or spreads data out for readability.

Changing how cell contents look, including font, size, colour, alignment, borders, and number display. Formatting changes appearance, not the underlying value.

A setting that controls how numbers are displayed, such as currency, percentage, decimal places, or dates. The stored value stays the same while the display changes.

A number format that adds a currency symbol and fixed decimal places to values. It is used to present money amounts consistently.

A number format that multiplies the stored value by 100 and displays it with a percent sign. Entering 0.25 displays as 25%.

Combining two or more adjacent cells into one larger cell that spans their area. Merging is often used for titles and centred headings.

A setting that makes long text flow onto several lines within a cell instead of overflowing into neighbouring cells. Row height may need adjusting.

Lines drawn around cells and background colour applied behind them. These help separate sections and highlight important data on screen and in print.

A visual representation of worksheet data, such as a column, pie, or line chart. Charts make trends and comparisons easier to see.

The style chosen for a chart, such as column, bar, line, or pie. The type should suit the data and the message being shown.

The set of related values plotted in a chart, usually taken from one row or column. Each series appears in a distinct colour or pattern.

The axis of a chart that shows the labels or groups being compared, usually along the bottom. It is also called the horizontal or X axis.

The axis of a chart that shows the numeric scale used to measure values, usually vertical. It is also called the Y axis.

A circular chart divided into slices that show each category as a share of the whole. It suits a single data series that adds up to a total.

Text that names a chart and a key that explains what each colour or pattern represents. Both help readers understand a chart without extra explanation.

Options that control printing, including orientation, paper size, margins, scaling, and headers and footers. It determines how a sheet appears on paper.

The specific range of cells chosen to be printed, so that other content on the sheet is left out. It can be set, changed, and cleared.

A view that shows how the sheet will look when printed, including page breaks and layout. It allows checking before sending to a printer.

Repeated text printed at the top or bottom of every page, often holding page numbers, file names, or dates. They are set through page setup options.

A command that stores the current workbook under a new name, location, or file format. It leaves the original file unchanged.

The type of file a workbook is saved as, such as a native spreadsheet format or a PDF. Choosing the right format affects compatibility and features.