Basics

File Format

Excel is a spreadsheet application developed by Microsoft and is part of the Microsoft Office Suite. Excel stores data in a tabular format, with rows and columns, and can be saved in a variety of file formats, including:

User Interface

The Excel user interface is made up of several main parts:

Basic options from Home tab

The Home tab in Microsoft Excel is the default tab when the program is first opened and it contains many of the most commonly used tools and options. The main sections of the Home tab include:

Each of these sections contains a variety of options and tools that can be used to format and manipulate data in Excel. Understanding the options available in the Home tab is essential for effectively using Excel and getting the most out of the program

Format Cells

The "Format Cells" option in Excel allows users to customize the appearance of cells and the data they contain. This option can be accessed by right-clicking on a selected cell or range of cells and selecting "Format Cells" from the context menu, or by going to the Home tab, selecting the "Cells" section and clicking the "Format" button.

The "Format Cells" dialog box has several tabs that include different options for formatting the selected cells:

By using the options available in the "Format Cells" dialog box, users can customize the appearance of cells and data in a variety of ways. This can be useful for making data more easily readable or for highlighting important information.

It's worth noting that many of the formatting options in the "Format Cells" dialog box can also be accessed through the options available in the Home tab, such as font and alignment. However, the "Format Cells" dialog box provides more advanced options and greater flexibility in formatting cells.

Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting in Excel allows users to apply formatting to a cell or range of cells based on the cell's contents or value. This feature can be used to highlight important data or to create visual representations of data.

There are several ways to access the conditional formatting options in Excel:

Once the conditional formatting options are open, users can choose from a variety of predefined rules or create their own custom rule. The predefined rules include options like "Greater Than," "Less Than," "Between," "Equal To," "Text That Contains," and many more. Users can also create custom rules by using formulas.

Once a rule is selected or created, users can then define the formatting that will be applied to the cells that meet the rule's conditions. Formatting options include font style, color, and background color.

Users can also use the "New Rule" option to create a custom rule based on a formula. This allows them to apply formatting based on complex conditions or calculations.

Conditional formatting can be applied to a single cell or a range of cells, and multiple rules can be applied to the same range of cells. Users can also use the "Manage Rules" option to edit, delete, or reorder the applied rules.

In addition to these basic options, Excel also offers more advanced options for conditional formatting, such as data bars, color scales, and icon sets, which allow users to create more visually appealing and informative representations of data.

Overall, conditional formatting is a powerful feature in Excel that can be used to make data more meaningful and easier to understand. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as to highlight important information, identify trends, or to create visual representations of data.

Other Formatting options

In addition to the basic formatting options, such as font, alignment, and borders, and Conditional formatting, Excel offers several other formatting options that can be used to customize the appearance of cells and data. Some of these options include:

These are just a few examples of the many formatting options available in Excel. By understanding these options and how to use them, users can customize the appearance of their data and make it more meaningful and easier to understand.

Copy and Pasting options

Excel provides several options for copying and pasting data, including:

These are just a few examples of the many copy and paste options available in Excel. By understanding these options and how to use them, users can quickly and easily move data within and between worksheets, and also present the data in a way that is meaningful and easy to understand.

Sort options

Excel provides several options for sorting data in a worksheet, including:

By using these options, users can quickly and easily sort and filter data in a worksheet, making it easier to find and analyze specific information. These options are also useful for creating a specific order for data presentation or for creating custom reports.

Filters

Excel's filter feature allows users to quickly and easily sort and display specific data based on specific criteria. The filter feature can be applied to a single column or to multiple columns at once.

There are several ways to access the filter options in Excel:

Once the filter options are open, users can select the specific criteria for the filter. This can include options like "Greater Than," "Less Than," "Between," "Equal To," "Text That Contains," and many more. Users can also filter based on specific cell color or font color.

The filter can also be applied using the drop-down arrow located on the right side of the column header. It allows users to filter based on specific criteria, the filter can be applied by selecting the specific value or by typing the criteria.

Users can also use the "Advanced Filter" option to create a more complex filter based on multiple criteria or conditions.

It's worth noting that filters can be combined, for example, you can filter based on the date range, and then filter again based on a specific value within that date range, this will allow you to focus on a specific data set.

Filters can also be cleared by going to the "Data" tab and clicking on "Clear" in the "Sort & Filter" group, or by using the drop-down arrow located on the right side of the column header and selecting "Clear Filter".

Overall, Excel's filter feature is a powerful tool that can be used to quickly and easily sort and display specific data based on specific criteria, making it easier to find and analyze information.

Go to menu

The "Go To" menu in Excel allows users to quickly navigate to specific cells, ranges, and sheets within a workbook. The "Go To" menu can be accessed by pressing the F5 key on the keyboard or by going to the "Home" tab and clicking on "Find & Select" in the "Editing" group.

The "Go To" menu includes several options for navigating within a workbook, including:

By using these options, users can quickly and easily navigate within a workbook and find specific data, making it easier to work with large and complex data sets.

Format as Table

Excel's "Format as Table" feature allows users to quickly and easily format and organize data in a tabular format. The "Format as Table" feature can be applied to a single column or to multiple columns at once.

There are several ways to access the "Format as Table" option in Excel:

Once the "Format as Table" option is selected, Excel will display a gallery of table styles to choose from. Users can select a style that best matches their data and preferences. Once a style is selected, Excel will automatically format the data as a table, including adding a header row and color formatting.

The table will also have a filter drop-down arrow for each column, allowing users to filter the data based on specific criteria.

In addition to the standard table formatting options, Excel also allows users to customize the table further by using the "Table Tools" tab that appears when a table is selected. This tab includes options for design, layout, and formulas.

The "Format as Table" feature can be especially useful when working with large data sets, as it makes it easier to organize, analyze and share data.

It's worth noting that once a range is formatted as a table, Excel will treat it as a single entity, and any new rows or columns added to the table will be automatically formatted to match the table's style.

Pivot Table

A Pivot Table in Excel is a powerful tool that allows users to quickly and easily summarize and analyze large amounts of data. Pivot tables enable users to create cross-tabulations of data, which can be useful for understanding patterns and trends in the data.

To create a Pivot Table, follow these steps:

Once the Pivot Table is created, users can use the PivotTable Fields pane to add, remove or move fields, and also to filter or group data in the Pivot Table.

Users can also use the PivotTable Options tab on the ribbon to customize the Pivot Table, such as changing the calculation fields, format, sorting and more.

Pivot tables are especially useful when working with large data sets, as they allow users to quickly and easily summarize and analyze data in a variety of ways. Pivot tables can be used to create custom reports, identify trends and patterns in the data, and make data-driven decisions.

Inserting objects

Excel allows users to insert various types of objects into a worksheet, such as images, charts, shapes, and more. These objects can be used to enhance the visual appeal of a worksheet and to make data more meaningful and easy to understand.

Some of the ways to insert objects in Excel include:

Charts and Graphs

Charts and graphs are visual representations of data in Excel that can be used to make data more meaningful and easy to understand. Excel offers a wide variety of chart and graph types, each with their own strengths and best use cases.

Some of the most commonly used chart types in Excel include:

These are just a few examples of the many chart and graph types available in Excel.

Page Layout options

Excel's "Page Layout" tab provides options for customizing the appearance of a worksheet, including options for margins, page orientation, and print area.

Some of the options available in the "Page Layout" tab include:

By using these options in the "Page Layout" tab, users can customize the appearance of a worksheet to make it more visually appealing and to ensure that it prints correctly.

Essential Formulas

Excel has a wide variety of formulas and functions that can be used to perform calculations and analyze data. Some of the most essential formulas and functions in Excel include: 


Excel has a wide variety of formulas and functions that can be used to perform calculations and analyze data. Some of the formulas and functions listed above are:

Name Manager

The Excel Name Manager is a tool that allows users to create, edit, and manage named ranges and defined names in a worksheet. A named range is a named group of cells that can be referred to by a name instead of a cell reference. A defined name is a name that can be used to refer to a constant value, a formula, or a cell or range of cells in a worksheet or workbook.

The Name Manager can be accessed by going to the Formulas tab and clicking on the Name Manager button in the Defined Names group.

Once you are in the Name Manager, you can see a list of all the named ranges and defined names in the current worksheet or workbook. You can also create new named ranges and defined names, edit existing ones, or delete them.

You can also filter names by scope (workbook or worksheet) or by the type of reference (relative or absolute).

You can also sort the names by clicking on the column headers.

Using the named ranges can help you to make the formulas in your excel more readable and easier to understand, instead of using cell references in the formula you can use the named ranges.

Also, it makes it easier to navigate through large and complex worksheets, as you can use the named ranges to quickly jump to specific cells or ranges of cells instead of scrolling through the worksheet.

Formula menu options

The Formula menu in Excel provides options for working with formulas and functions in a spreadsheet. Some of the options available in the Formula menu include:

Text to Column

The "Text to Columns" feature in Excel allows you to quickly and easily separate data that is contained in one cell into multiple cells. This can be useful when you have data that is concatenated or combined in a single cell, and you need to separate it into separate columns for further analysis.

Here's how you can use the Text to Columns feature:

You can also use Text to Columns to separate data when the delimiter is not fixed, like spaces, tabs or a specific character.

You can also use Text to Columns to split a column based on the length of each cell, or based on a specific pattern using advanced options.

Please let me know if you need more information on this feature or any other Excel related questions.

Remove duplicates

Excel provides a "Remove Duplicates" feature that allows you to quickly and easily remove duplicate rows of data from a spreadsheet. This can be useful when you have a large amount of data and you want to ensure that there are no duplicate entries.

Here's how you can use the Remove Duplicates feature:

Excel will then remove any rows that have the same values in the selected columns, leaving only unique rows in the spreadsheet. You can also use the advanced filter option to find and select the duplicate values and then delete them.

Data Validation

Excel's Data Validation feature allows you to set rules and constraints for the data that is entered into a specific range of cells. This can be useful for ensuring that data is entered correctly and in the correct format.

Here's how you can use the Data Validation feature:

Excel will then only allow data that meets the specified validation rule to be entered into the selected range of cells. When a user attempts to enter invalid data, they will receive an error message, which you can customize.

You can also use data validation to create a drop-down list which users can select a value from a predefined set of values, which will ensure that data is entered consistently.

Flash Fill

Excel Flash Fill is a feature that allows users to quickly and easily clean and format data by using pattern recognition. It automatically fills in data based on examples you provide.

For example, if you have a list of names in the format "Last, First" and you want to separate them into separate columns for "Last" and "First," you can type the desired format into the next column, and Excel will automatically fill in the rest of the column based on the pattern you provided.

Another example, you have a list of phone numbers in different formats like (xxx)xxx-xxx,xxx-xxx-xxxx and you want to format them all in a specific way, you can use Flash fill to convert them all in the same format.

Flash Fill can also be used to format dates, split text, and concatenate data. It can save a lot of time and effort compared to manually cleaning and formatting data.

It is easy to use, simply type the desired format in the next column, and press Enter or use the Flash fill button. Excel will automatically fill in the rest of the column based on the pattern you provided.

It's worth noting that Flash Fill is a feature in Excel 2013 and later versions, and is not available in earlier versions.

In summary, Flash Fill is a powerful tool that allows users to quickly and easily clean and format data in Excel by using pattern recognition. It can save a lot of time and effort compared to manually cleaning and formatting data.

Outline options

Excel Outline options are a set of tools that allow users to group and summarize data in a worksheet. The Outline options include the following:

By using these options, you can quickly and easily organize, summarize and analyze your data in Excel.

Sheet and Workbook Protection

Excel Sheet and workbook protection are features that allow users to protect their data and prevent unwanted changes.

Sheet Protection:

Excel allows you to protect individual sheets within a workbook. When you protect a sheet, you can specify which elements of the sheet can be edited and which cannot. For example, you can allow users to edit specific cells or ranges of cells, but prevent them from making changes to other parts of the sheet. To protect a sheet, you can go to the Review tab, click on the Protect Sheet button, and then set the options for what you want to protect.

Workbook Protection:

Excel also allows you to protect an entire workbook. When you protect a workbook, you can specify which elements of the workbook can be edited and which cannot. For example, you can allow users to edit specific sheets or ranges of cells, but prevent them from making changes to other parts of the workbook. To protect a workbook, you can go to the Review tab, click on the Protect Workbook button, and then set the options for what you want to protect.

Both sheet and workbook protection can be useful for preventing accidental changes to data and maintaining the integrity of your data.

You can set a password to protect the sheet or workbook so that only authorized users can make changes. Also, you can allow users to only view the sheet or workbook but not make any changes, this is known as read-only.

It's worth noting that protection is not a foolproof method of securing your data, advanced users can still find ways to bypass protection, so it's recommended that you use additional security measures like encryption or password protection for sensitive data.

In summary, Excel sheet and workbook protection are features that allow users to protect their data and prevent unwanted changes by specifying which elements of the sheet or workbook can be edited and which cannot. Both sheet and workbook protection can be useful for preventing accidental changes to data and maintaining the integrity of your data.

Comments and Notes

Excel Comments and Notes are features that allow users to add notes or comments to specific cells in a worksheet.

Comments:

Excel comments allow users to add notes or comments to specific cells in a worksheet. When you add a comment to a cell, a small red triangle will appear in the top-right corner of the cell. When you hover over the cell, the comment will appear in a box next to the cell. Comments are useful for adding explanations or clarifications to specific cells in a worksheet. To add a comment to a cell, right-click on the cell and select "Insert Comment" or use the "New Comment" button in the "Review" tab.

Notes:

Excel Notes are similar to comments, but they are not associated with specific cells. Instead, they are added to the worksheet as a separate text box. Notes are useful for adding general information or instructions that apply to the entire worksheet. To add a note to a worksheet, go to the "Insert" tab, and select "Note."

Both comments and notes can be edited, deleted or even hidden. Comments and notes are useful for adding explanations or clarifications to specific cells or the worksheet, and can be a great way to collaborate and communicate with others.

In summary, Excel comments and notes are features that allow users to add notes or comments to specific cells in a worksheet. Comments are associated with specific cells, while notes are added as a separate text box to the worksheet. Both comments and notes are useful for adding explanations or clarifications to specific cells or the worksheet, and can be a great way to collaborate and communicate with others.

View Options

In Microsoft Excel, there are several view options that can be used to customize the way a worksheet is displayed. Some of the most commonly used view options include:

These options can be found under the "View" tab in the ribbon.

Macro overview

Relevant Shortkeys

Other basic options and features