Dictionary

Dictionary of terms and definitions in Excel.

Excel from A to Z Glossary

Array is a collection of values stored in memory and one of Excel’s favourite types of arguments.

Array formula– Excel formulas, to perform calculations that generate single or multiple results depending on selection during constructed. Created with one formula. Array formulas are confirmed with CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER therefore often called CSE. In the preview, these formulas are enclosed in braces {}.

Boolean Excel’s version of a grumpy bouncer: it only lets TRUE or FALSE into the cell.

Cell is a single box in the grid, created where a column crosses a row.

Checkbox — A form control that turns a cell into a TRUE/FALSE indicator with one click.

Conditional Formatting allows you to apply specific formatting to cells that meet certain criteria.

Data Validation — This feature helps to prevent incorrect data from being entered into your worksheet. This most commonly used to create drop-down lists for common terms. Data validation promotes consistency and accuracy in the data to be entered.

Dynamic array formula (DAF) – Excel formulas that can return arrays of variable size based on a single formula entered in one cell. Unlike Array Formula, is selected in one cell and confirm with ENTER only.

EXACT is a function allows you to recognise case‑sensitive matches.

Formula is an expression that operates on values in a range of cell addresses and operators. Formulas perform calculations in Excel. They always begin with the equal ( = ) sign, which is where you want the answer or results to appear. Formulas can contain values, constants, cell references, functions, and operators. Here’s a brief look at these components and what they mean.

A sequence inside a cell that is used to produce a value. It must begin with an equal (=) sign. This could be a mathematical equation, cell references, functions or operator. A formula is also known as an expression.

Functions are formulas that are pre-built into Excel. They are designed to help simplify potentially complex formulas in a worksheet.

GROUPBY is a function that provides a simple, formula‑based alternative to a PivotTable.

Item — These are sub-categories of fields in your pivot table.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator) that any Excel user should have listed on their CV.

LOOKUP – is the godfather of all lookup functions .

LLM (Large Language Models) – an AI model that learns from huge amounts of text to produce human‑like responses.

Named range refers to a defined name that represents a cell, range of cells, formula, or constant value.

Macro is the first step to automating repetitive tasks, built from recorded or written instructions.

Operators are symbols or signs that indicate which calculation must be made in an expression. Operators do not necessarily refer to simple mathematical types; comparison, text concatenation or reference operators also exist.

Pivot Table tool that allows you to summarize, analyse, explore, and present your data.

Python – a simple, powerful programming language often used for data analysis and automating Excel tasks.

Queries pull data from many sources and reshape it into the form you need.

Reference uniquely locates a cell by pairing a column label with a row index, such as A2 [R2C1].

Slicer – is a visual object allow to filters data along with excel tables or pivot tables. Slicer could be connected to multiple charts.

Spill – refers to a behaviour where dynamic array formulas that return multiple results “spill” these results into multiple cells automatically.

Spill array – refers to the range of values returned by a DAF that spills results onto a worksheet. Once you enter a spilled array formula, when you select any cell within the spill area, Excel will place a highlighted in blue border around the range. The border will disappear when you select a cell outside of the area.

Spreadsheet  is a software that allows the entry, calculation, and storage of data in columns and rows that offers the user a visual display.  Microsoft Excel is the most popular and widely used spreadsheet program, but there are also some alternatives such as OpenOffice or Google Sheets.

Template is a formatted workbook (.xltx) or worksheet designed to help users fulfil a specific need in Excel.

UNIQUE is a function that finally gives you distinct values without using Remove Duplicates.

VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a programming language in Excel that has been declared dead many times, yet it’s still alive.

Workbook is a document created in an Excel spreadsheet.

Worksheet is a page or section of a workbook, usually in a spreadsheet application.

Zoom controls the magnification of the worksheet.