Active Cell

What is Active Cell?

Definition

An active cell is the currently selected cell in a worksheet where data can be entered or edited. It serves as the focus point for typing, formulas, and many spreadsheet commands, making it the cell that receives the next action. This is important because information and changes are applied to the active cell unless a different cell is selected.

Frayer Model Overview

Frayer model diagram explaining the computer term “Active Cell,” with sections for definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Download Active Cell Visual Study Guide (PDF)

Characteristics

  • Only one cell can be active at a time

  • Shown with a bold or highlighted border

  • Determines where typed data will appear

  • Identified by its address in the name box

  • Can change as selection moves

Examples

  • Seeing a thick border around cell B3

  • Typing a number and having it appear in the active cell

  • Entering a formula into the currently selected cell

  • Clicking a different cell and seeing the active cell change

  • Noticing the cell reference update in Excel’s name box

Non-Examples

  • A group of selected cells

  • A highlighted row or column header

  • A cell that contains data but is not selected

  • A worksheet tab

  • A chart or graph

Related Terms

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