Computer Specialist in Spreadsheet & Database Level 1 key terms

The file that holds one or more worksheets in a spreadsheet program. It stores all sheets, formulas, charts, and formatting together, and is saved under a single filename.

A single grid of rows and columns inside a workbook where data is entered and calculated. Each worksheet has its own tab name and can be referenced by formulas in other sheets.

The currently selected cell that receives typed input and shows a highlighted border. Its address appears in the Name Box, and its stored content appears in the Formula Bar.

The small field left of the Formula Bar that displays the address or defined name of the selected cell or range. Typing an address there jumps directly to that location.

The input line near the top of the window that shows the underlying content of the active cell, including formulas rather than their results. Edits can be made there directly.

The address of a cell formed by its column letter and row number, such as B7. References let formulas use values stored elsewhere instead of hard-coded numbers.

A cell address like A1 that shifts automatically when a formula is copied to another row or column. It keeps the formula pointing at the same positional offset from its new location.

A cell address locked with dollar signs, such as $A$1, so it does not change when the formula is copied or filled. Used to anchor a constant rate, table, or lookup source.

A reference where only the column or only the row is locked, written as $A1 or A$1. Copying the formula adjusts the unlocked part while the locked part stays fixed.

A descriptive label assigned to a cell or range so formulas can refer to it by name, such as TaxRate, instead of an address. Names make formulas easier to read and maintain.

An expression beginning with an equals sign that calculates a result from values, cell references, and operators. The cell displays the result while the Formula Bar shows the expression.

A built-in named routine that performs a calculation on supplied arguments, such as SUM or VLOOKUP. Functions are called inside formulas with parentheses around their arguments.

A value, cell reference, range, or text string passed to a function inside its parentheses. Arguments are separated by commas or semicolons depending on regional settings.

The fixed order in which a spreadsheet evaluates arithmetic operators, with exponentiation first, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Parentheses override this default order.

A code such as #DIV/0!, #REF!, #VALUE!, or #N/A that appears when a formula cannot produce a valid result. Each code points to a specific cause such as division by zero or a broken reference.

A mistake in the structure of a formula, such as unbalanced parentheses or a missing argument separator, that prevents the spreadsheet from accepting the entry. It is usually flagged immediately on entry.

The small square at the lower-right corner of a selection that, when dragged, copies or extends content. It continues series patterns and adjusts relative references in formulas.

The pattern a spreadsheet recognizes and continues when the Fill Handle is dragged, such as months, weekdays, or numbered sequences. Custom lists can be defined to extend it.

A view setting that locks chosen rows or columns in place so they stay visible while scrolling through the rest of the sheet. Commonly used to keep header rows on screen.

The specific range of cells designated for printing, so surrounding data is excluded from output. It can be set, changed, or cleared for each worksheet.

A manual or automatic division that determines where a printed worksheet starts a new page. Manual breaks override the automatic pagination the program calculates.

A rule-based feature that changes a cell's appearance, such as fill color or icon, when its value meets a specified condition. It highlights trends and exceptions without altering the underlying data.

A rule that restricts what can be entered into a cell, such as a list of allowed values or a numeric range. It can also display an input message or an error alert.

A conditional formatting style that draws a horizontal bar inside a cell whose length reflects the value relative to other cells in the range. It gives an in-cell visual comparison.

A tiny chart drawn inside a single cell that summarizes a row or column of values as a line, column, or win-loss display. It shows trend at a glance without a full chart object.

A graphical representation of worksheet data, such as a column, line, or pie chart, linked to the source range. Changes to the source data are reflected automatically in the chart.

The set of values plotted from one row or column of source data, shown as one line, bar set, or slice group. Each series is identified in the chart legend.

The axis, usually horizontal, that displays the labels or groupings against which values are plotted. In a column chart it shows the items being compared.

The axis, usually vertical, that shows the numeric scale of plotted values and is often called the Y axis. Its minimum, maximum, and interval can be set manually.

The key on a chart that maps colors or patterns to the data series they represent. It helps readers identify which line or bar corresponds to which data.

An interactive summary table that groups and aggregates large data sets by dragging fields into row, column, value, and filter areas. It recalculates as fields are rearranged.

A chart tied to a PivotTable that updates whenever the table's fields or filters change. It visualizes the same summarized values rather than the raw source data.

A floating set of buttons that filters a PivotTable or table with a single click, showing the current selection. It offers a more visual alternative to filter drop-downs.

A set of tools that test how changing input values affects calculated results, including data tables, scenario manager, and goal seek. It answers questions without altering the original data permanently.

A tool that finds the input value required to make a formula reach a specified target result. It adjusts one variable cell while the formula cell is held at the desired output.

A saved set of alternative input values given a name, so different assumptions can be switched and compared. The Scenario Manager stores and displays these versions side by side.

A separate range that maps keys to corresponding values, used by lookup functions to retrieve related data. Keeping it separate makes maintenance and validation easier.

A column or set of columns whose values uniquely identify each row in a table. It cannot contain duplicates or nulls, and other tables reference it through foreign keys.

A column in one table that holds values matching the primary key of another table, creating a link between them. It enforces referential integrity between related records.

A collection of data organized into tables of rows and columns that are linked by shared key values. Relationships reduce duplication and let queries combine data across tables.

The process of structuring tables to reduce redundant data and avoid update anomalies, typically by splitting data into related tables. It proceeds through numbered normal forms.

A rule ensuring that every foreign key value matches an existing primary key value, or is null. It prevents orphaned records and keeps relationships consistent.

Structured Query Language, the standard language for defining, querying, and modifying data in a relational database. Statements include SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

The SQL statement that retrieves rows and columns from one or more tables. Clauses such as WHERE, GROUP BY, and ORDER BY refine which rows return and how they are sorted.

The SQL clause that filters rows, returning only those for which a condition is true. It can combine comparisons and logical operators with AND, OR, and NOT.

A SQL operation that combines rows from two or more tables based on a related column. Inner joins return matches only, while outer joins also keep unmatched rows from one side.

A request that extracts, filters, or summarizes data from tables according to specified criteria. In a database it is written in SQL; in a spreadsheet it can be built graphically.

The process of bringing data from an external file or source, such as CSV or another database, into the current spreadsheet or database. Column types and delimiters must be mapped correctly.

The process of saving data out of the current program into another format, such as CSV, PDF, or a database table. It enables sharing and transfer between systems.

Comma-Separated Values, a plain-text format storing tabular data with one record per line and fields separated by commas. It carries no formatting, formulas, or data types.

The character, such as a comma, tab, or semicolon, that separates fields in a text data file. Choosing the correct delimiter is essential when importing or parsing records.

A temporary view setting that hides rows not matching specified criteria while leaving the data intact. Clearing the filter restores all rows to view.

Reordering rows by the values in one or more columns, ascending or descending. Multi-level sorts apply a secondary key when primary values are equal.

A formula syntax that uses a table's name and column headers, such as Table1[Sales], instead of cell addresses. It expands automatically as rows are added to the table.

A defined range with a name, header row, and banded formatting that treats its rows as records. It supports structured references and auto-expands when new rows are added.