Excel Vocabulary (MIS)

Worksheet (Spreadsheet)

the grid where you enter data and build formulas

the full page of columns and rows

Sheet/Tab

One worksheet inside the file, a file can hold many

the small named tabs at the bottom of the window

Column

runs up and down (vertical)

labeled with letters: A, B, C

Row

runs left to right (horizontal)

labeled with numbers: 1, 2, 3

Cell

one box, where a column and a row meet

named column first, then row: C5

Range

a group of cells written with a colon

C2:C27 means every cell from C2 down to C27

Avoid Sheet1, Instead…

Q1_Sales

Avoid Data, Instead..

Event_Costs

Avoid Sheet2 (2), Instead…

Member_Roster

Avoid Stuff, Instead…

Budget_2026

What are the 4 steps to setting up your data?

1. Create column headers - one clear label per column, in row 1

2. List you data in rows - one record per row (one event, one employee, one sale)

3. Enter the figures where the rows and columns intersect

4. Reserve space for totals - leave the row directly under the data for SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, and MAX

Named Range

a friendly nickname for a group of cells, instead of referring to cells by coordinates like Sheet1!B2:B10, you use a meaningful name like QuarterlyRevenue or OperatingExpenses

What alignment should you use for text (names and descriptions)?

Left alignment

What alignment should you use for numbers (currency, percentages)?

right alignment

What alignment should you use for headers?

Center alignment (optional)

Currency

$203.00 - the $ sits right next to the number

Used it for single values in a sentence or a summary cell

Accounting

$ 203.00 - the $ is pushed to the left edge so symbols and decimals line up

Use it for columns of money, financial reports

When do you use percentages?

For ratio metrics such as success rates, growth rates, proportions

When to use a bar chart (horizontal)

Compare values across categories with long names

When to use a column (vertical)

Compare values across categories with short names

When to use a line chart

show a trend over time

When to use a Clustered Column or Clustered bar

compare several series within each category

Bar Charts are best for…

Displaying a large number of categories on the category axis
Ranking data from largest to smallest
Showing survey results
Negative values, which appear as bars extending to the left

How to Setup a Bar Chart

1. Select your data range, including the headers.
2. Go to Insert > Charts > Bar.
3. Choose the bar chart type you need.
4. Adjust the axis labels and the title.
5. Format colors and styles for clarity.

Line Charts are best for…

Tracking changes over time
Showing trends
Comparing multiple series over the same time period

How to Setup a Line Chart

1. Select your data range, including the headers.
2. Go to Insert > Charts > Line.
3. Choose the line chart type you need.
4. Adjust the axis labels and the title.
5. Format colors and styles for clarity

Why do Clustered Column and Clustered Bar charts matter?

• They give an immediate visual comparison between categories AND between series
• The side-by-side arrangement lets you compare series within each category
• Clustered Column works best for time-based comparisons; Clustered Bar works best for ranking with multiple
variables