47  Glossary of Spreadsheet Terms

AVERAGE:
A spreadsheet function that returns the average of the values within a selected range of cells.

Borders:
Lines that can be added around two or more cells in a spreadsheet to visually separate or emphasize data.

Cell Reference:
A specific cell or range of cells in a worksheet that is typically used in formulas and functions (e.g., A1 or A1:B5).

COUNT:
A spreadsheet function that counts the number of cells in a range that meet specific criteria.

Equation:
A calculation involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division; also referred to as a math expression.

Fill Handle:
A small box in the lower-right corner of a selected cell that can be dragged to automatically copy formulas or continue a sequence into adjacent cells.

Filtering:
The process of displaying only the data that meets specified criteria while temporarily hiding the rest.

Header:
The first row in a spreadsheet that labels the type of data contained in each column.

Math Expression:
A calculation that includes arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division (also called an equation).

Math Function:
A function used as part of a mathematical formula to perform specific calculations, such as SUM or AVERAGE.

MAX:
A spreadsheet function that returns the largest numeric value from a specified range of cells.

MIN:
A spreadsheet function that returns the smallest numeric value from a specified range of cells.

Open Data:
Data that is freely available to the public for use and redistribution without restrictions.

Operator:
A symbol used in a formula to represent a mathematical or logical operation (e.g., +, -, *, /).

Order of Operations:
The hierarchy that determines the sequence in which mathematical operations are performed in a formula, often clarified with parentheses.

Problem Domain:
The specific area of analysis encompassing all activities related to or affected by a given problem.

Range:
A collection of two or more adjacent cells in a spreadsheet (e.g., A1:A10 or B2:D5).

Report:
A static collection of organized data, typically prepared periodically and shared with stakeholders for review.

Return on Investment (ROI):
A financial formula that evaluates the success of an investment by comparing profit to investment cost.

Revenue:
The total amount of income generated from the sale of goods or services before expenses are deducted.

Scope of Work (SOW):
A detailed outline of tasks, deliverables, and objectives agreed upon for completion during a project.

Sorting:
The process of arranging data in a meaningful order—such as alphabetically or numerically—to facilitate analysis and visualization.

SUM:
A spreadsheet function that adds together the values from a selected range of cells.