Opening a new Excel file reveals a grid of columns and rows. This is your canvas. The columns are lettered (A, B, C...) and the rows are numbered (1, 2, 3...). The intersection of a column and a row is a single box called a cell. Each cell has a unique address, like A1, B2, or C15. This grid is the heart of your worksheet.

Above the main grid, you'll see the Formula Bar. This bar displays the contents of the active cell. If you have a number in a cell, it shows the number. If you have a formula, it shows the formula itself, not the result. To the left of the formula bar is the Name Box, which shows the address of the selected cell.