And you can create them a couple of ways...

#1. Data|Subtotals
#2. Data|Group and Outline

And you can turn them off by undoing each of those or you can hide them:
tools|options|view tab|uncheck outline symbols

Kim wrote:

Yes, that's helpful. Thanks!

--
-Kim

"Ron Coderre" wrote:

If those gray areas have small numbers in boxes in the upper left (eg
[1][2][3]), then that's the Outline area. Clicking those numbers
expands/collapses the outline, displaying/hiding rows or columns.

Post back with more questions.

Does that help?
***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP


"Kim" wrote:

Hi,

I have a basic question. I'm looking at a spreadsheet created by someone
else that has gray areas running along the column letters and the row
numbers. I can click plus and minus signs to look at hidden rows and columns
there.

What are these called?

Thanks!
--
-Kim

--

Dave Peterson