Cell references: Why are cells in Excel referenced by Column/Row instead of Row/Column?

[mrblister]

Example 2x2 matrix:

Ant	Bun
Cat	Dog

When referencing a specific element in a 2D matrix, I believe the standard is to refer to an element by row then column. So for example, (1,2) above is "Bun".
However, in Excel's default configuration (A1 Notation), it's column then row (with column in letters). So for example, the index for "Bun" would be "B1" (instead of "1B").

One would think that the two would follow the same convention to avoid confusion? Or am I missing something? Can someone explain why it's like this?
(edited for clarity)

 

[6StringJazzer]

This probably goes all the way back to Visicalc, the first commercially successful spreadsheet software, then Lotus 1-2-3, then Excel. Actually it may even go back to the ancestors of Visicalc, but I don't know how they worked.

A spreadsheet grid is not a mathematical matrix, nor a Cartesian plane, so there is no reason it would use the same notation.

It makes sense to use letters for columns, because for the majority of users it will be confusing to use numbers for both, and typically users set up tables with a relatively small number of columns but potentially large numbers of rows.

There may be an implementation reason why it's easier to parse A1 vs. 1A but only the developers could answer that.

For this type of "why" question, it is nearly impossible to get an authoritative answer because the people who made this decision aren't talking.

 

[mrblister]

A spreadsheet grid is not a mathematical matrix, nor a Cartesian plane, so there is no reason it would use the same notation.

Thanks for the in-depth answer! It does give some insight. In reference to your line above, it's true that a spreadsheet table isn't a matrix, but I do feel they are similar enough to follow similar standards.
It also just occurred to me that the INDEX function returns elements using the row-then-column format. Which for me, further confuses the issue. Anyway I'm just ranting at this point because this really irritates my OCD lol.
Anyway, thanks again for the insight.

 

[RoryA]

You could always use R1C1 notation if it bothers you that much?

 

[mrblister]

You could always use R1C1 notation if it bothers you that much?

Haha yes! Absolutely true. But I was just wondering how A1 style became default.

 

[6StringJazzer]

The OFFSET method also uses (rows, columns). Also, in VBA the methods that require row and column use the (row, column) notation, like Cells.

But as to the origins, you'll have to talk to someone who was around in 1979 when Visicalc was released. They're all at least in their 70s now, the ones who are still around.