Excel basics: the words you need to know
Most Excel help assumes you know a handful of words. This guide explains them in the order you meet them: from the file you open, down to the single value in a cell and the formula that calculates it.
Each term has a short definition and a link to the lesson where you can practise it.
Workbook
The file itself, usually saved as .xlsx. One workbook holds one or more worksheets. Practise it in the grid lesson.
Worksheet and sheet tab
A single page of cells inside a workbook. The tabs at the bottom let you switch between worksheets, and you can rename, add or delete them.
Cell, row and column
A cell is one box in the grid. Its address combines its column letter and row number, such as B3. Rows run across and are numbered; columns run down and are lettered. Practise it in the grid lesson.
Range
A group of cells, written from the top-left cell to the bottom-right one with a colon, such as A2:C9. Most functions take a range rather than a single cell.
Value, text and number
A value is whatever a cell holds. Numbers can be added and compared; text cannot be added, but it can be joined. Text that looks like a number is still text, which is a common reason for formulas to fail.
Formula
Anything typed after an equals sign, such as =B2*C2. A formula calculates a result and updates when the cells it uses change. Practise it in the first-formulas lesson.
Function
A named formula built into Excel, such as SUM or VLOOKUP. It takes arguments inside brackets, separated by commas. The function reference pages on this site explain each one.
Argument
A value you pass to a function, such as the range or the criteria. Arguments appear in the order the function's syntax lists them.
Common mistakes
Mixing up a cell address and a value. B3 is a location; the number inside it is the value.
Fix: Refer to the address in formulas, such as
=B3*2, not the number you see.Forgetting the equals sign. Without it, Excel stores what you typed as text instead of calculating it.
Fix: Start every formula with =.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a workbook and a worksheet?
The workbook is the file. The worksheet is one page inside it. A workbook can hold many worksheets.
Where should I start?
Work through the grid lesson, then your first formulas, then the summing and lookup lessons.