In spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, the term “rectangle” refers to a selected range of cells forming a rectangular block.

This selection is fundamental for various operations, including data entry, formatting, applying formulas, and creating charts.

Selecting Rectangles:

• Mouse Selection: Click and drag to highlight the desired range of cells.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Use Shift + Arrow keys to extend the selection.

Uses of Rectangular Selections:

• Data Entry: Input data across multiple cells simultaneously.
• Formatting: Apply styles, such as font size or color, to a group of cells.
• Formulas: Execute calculations over a range of cells.
• Charting: Generate charts based on data within the selected area.

In the context of crossword puzzles, particularly in The New York Times, the clue “spreadsheet rectangles” often corresponds to the answer “cells,” as each rectangle in a spreadsheet is known as a cell.

Understanding how to effectively select and manipulate these rectangular ranges enhances data management and analysis efficiency in spreadsheet software.

For a comprehensive guide on utilizing spreadsheet rectangles, you can refer to this resource: