P

page break

A code that indicates to Excel where one page ends and the next page begins.

See also [horizontal page break]

See also [vertical page break]

pattern

A combination of two colors arranged in any number of ways and used as the background for a cell or a worksheet.

pivot table

A report that consolidates data in worksheets and databases and enables you to restructure the data to compare and analyze it.

portrait orientation

A way of printing on a page so that when you hold the page to read it, the page is taller than it is wide. Most magazines are printed in portrait orientation, but landscape orientation often is more accommodating for wide worksheets.

See also [landscape orientation]

precedence

In formulas, the operations that Excel performs before performing other operations. Excel performs mathematical operations in a predetermined sequence called the order of operations: exponential equations first, followed by multiplication, division, addition, and then subtraction. Exponential equations are said to have "precedence" over all other operations.

See also [order of operations]

precedent

A cell that the current cell relies on to supply a value used in the current cell's formula. Compare to dependent .

print preview

A feature that shows onscreen how an Excel worksheet will appear in print.