gridlines in charts

Lines you can add to a chart that make it easier to view and evaluate data. Gridlines extend from the tick marks on an axis across the plot area.

goal seek

A method to find a specific value for a cell by adjusting the value of one other cell. When goal seeking, Excel varies the value in a cell that you specify until a formula that's dependent on that cell returns the result you want.

function

A prewritten formula that takes a value or values, performs an operation, and returns a value or values. Use functions to simplify and shorten formulas on a worksheet, especially those that perform lengthy or complex calculations.

Formula Palette

A tool that helps you create or edit a formula and also provides information about functions and their arguments.

formula bar

A bar at the top of the Excel window that you use to enter or edit values or formulas in cells or charts. Displays the constant value or formula stored in the active cell.

formula

A sequence of values, cell references, names, functions, or operators in a cell that together produce a new value. A formula always begins with an equal sign (=).

fill handle

The small black square in the lower-right corner of the selection. When you point to the fill handle, the pointer changes to a black cross.

field (PivotTable report)

In a PivotTable or PivotChart report, a category of data that's derived from a field in the source data. PivotTable reports have row, column, page, and data fields. PivotChart reports have series, category, page, and data fields.