What is the primary format for storing data in Excel workbooks?

The primary format for storing data in Excel workbooks is tabular format. This structure organizes data into rows and columns, allowing for easy manipulation, calculation, and analysis of the dataset. Each row typically represents a single record, while each column represents a specific attribute or field related to that record.

Tabular format is optimal for performing operations such as filtering, sorting, and creating pivot tables, which are essential functionalities provided by Excel for data analysis. This organized layout ensures that users can efficiently navigate through large datasets and extract meaningful insights quickly.

Other data storage formats mentioned, such as flat files, NoSQL, and hierarchical formats, do exist but are not the primary structure used within Excel. Flat files usually refer to simple text files that can store data in a single table but lack the advanced features of Excel. NoSQL databases are designed to handle unstructured data in various formats and are typically used for larger-scale applications beyond what Excel offers. Hierarchical format refers to a tree-like structure useful for representing data with a parent-child relationship, which is not the main focus of Excel workbooks. Thus, the tabular format stands out as the fundamental way Excel organizes and presents data, facilitating robust data handling capabilities.