Gap between ruler and left frame Excel 2010

[wilcowoods]

I should probably know this but it just hasn't come up!

I've just received a spreadsheet and on one sheet the ruler to the far left down the page is inset and there is a gap between the ruler and frame. At the top (just below the Name Box where you name ranges or set co-ordinates) and in the gap are two small squares with numbers inside. If you click on them they depress like buttons but don't appear to do anything.

Can anyone tell me what this is all about? I've also seen this gap between the ruler and the lettered rule across the top...

Thanks for any help!

 

[repairman615]

Hello,
Sounds like "group". Try to zoom out and see if you can see any other abnormalities in that space. Or scroll as far as the used range.

Grouping is like hiding.

Could that be it?
Also what version?

 

[wilcowoods]

Excel 2010 - and you're right there is a little square with + or - open and close between the two groups. I haven't used this before so I'll have to investigate what's going on. Now I know it's called "Group" I can investigate...

 

[repairman615]

Yes, that should expand and contract columns in this case. This is also available for rows on the vertical.

Using 2007 here it is on the data tab...If that helps any as I have not used 2010.

 

[wilcowoods]

Thanks for your help. It's funny how many years I've been using Excel / VBA and I haven't used this!

 

[Peter_SSs]

G'day Will, hope things are well with you!

Those buttons and + - boxes can certainly appear when rows (or columns) are grouped manually using the 'Group' feature on the Data tab, but they also appear for rows if Excel's 'Subtotal' feature (also on the Data tab) has been used.

 

[wilcowoods]

Hey Peter - good to hear you're still around on Mr Excel! Hope things are going well.

I'm investigating that bit of the ribbon as we speak - can't believe I've not played around with it before this - quite useful..

Thanks again!