Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet developed by
Microsoft for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
Excel is an incredibly powerful tool for
making huge data meaningful. But it also works really well for
simple calculations and tracking almost any kind of
information.
Excel organizes data in columns
and rows and
allows to do mathematical functions.
It features include
calculations, graphing
tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming language called Visual Basic
for
Applications.
Excel is
typically used for:
Data entry, Data management, Analysis, Accounting, Budgeting, Data analysis, Visuals and graphs, Programming, Financial modeling
Why use Excel?
Excel is a versatile
and powerful tool, it's important to note that for very large datasets
or highly complex analyses, more specialized software like databases, statistical packages,
or data
visualization tools may be more appropriate. However, for almost all the everyday tasks and
smaller-scale
data management and analysis needs, Excel remains a valuable and accessible choice.
Microsoft Excel is a widely used spreadsheet software application that offers numerous benefits across various industries and professions. The following are some of the reasons everyone uses Excel.
1. Data
Organization:
Excel is excellent for
organizing and structuring data. It allows users to input data into cells
and arrange it in rows and columns, making it easy to view, manipulate, and analyze.
2. Calculations and
Formulas:
Excel is equipped with
powerful mathematical functions and formulas. Users can perform complex
calculations, such as mathematical, financial, statistical, and logical operations, with ease.
3. Data
Analysis:
Excel provides tools for
data analysis, including pivot tables, charts, and data filtering. These
features enable users to visualize data trends and patterns, making it easier to draw insights and make
informed
decisions.
4. Graphs and
Charts:
Users can create a wide
variety of charts and graphs to represent data visually. Excel's charting
capabilities help in presenting information in a more understandable and persuasive way.
5. Budgeting and
Financial Planning:
Excel is commonly used
for budgeting, financial forecasting, and expense tracking. It allows
individuals and businesses to manage their finances effectively.
6. Project
Management:
Excel can be used for
project planning and tracking tasks, timelines, and dependencies. It's a
versatile tool for project managers and teams.
7. Inventory
Management:
Businesses often use
Excel to keep track of inventory levels, manage stock, and reorder products
when needed.
8. Reporting and
Dashboards:
Excel enables the
creation of customized reports and dashboards, providing a snapshot of key
metrics and performance indicators.
9. Data
Validation:
Excel allows you to set
rules and validations to ensure data accuracy and consistency, reducing
errors in data entry.
10. Data Import and
Export:
You can import data from
various sources into Excel and export it to different formats, making it a
valuable tool for data integration and exchange.
11. Time Tracking and
Scheduling:
Excel can be used for
time tracking, creating schedules, and managing appointments and deadlines.
12. Educational and
Academic Use:
Students and educators
often use Excel for various academic purposes, such as analyzing scientific
data, conducting experiments, and solving mathematical problems.
13. Human
Resources:
HR departments use Excel
for tasks like employee data management, payroll calculations, and
tracking employee performance.
14. Sales and
Marketing:
Sales professionals and
marketers use Excel for lead tracking, sales forecasts, and marketing
campaign analysis.
15. Personal
Finance:
Many individuals use
Excel to manage personal budgets, track expenses, and plan for savings and
investments.
16. Data
Storage:
Excel can be used as a
simple database for storing information, especially when the data volume is
relatively small.
17.
Customization:
Excel is highly
customizable. Users can create templates, macros, and add-ins to tailor it to their
specific needs.
18.
Compatibility:
Excel is widely supported
and can work seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications and
third-party software.
What is a primary function of Microsoft Excel?
Word Processing
Data Analysis and
Calculation
Graphic Design
Video Editing
2
Data Analysis and Calculation
Spreadsheet:
A spreadsheet is a software application or
program used for organizing, storing, manipulating, and
analyzing data in a tabular form.
The data in a spreadsheet
is typically arranged in rows and columns, forming a grid of
cells.
The key
for unlocking all that potential is the grid of cells.
Each cell
can contain text, numbers, formulas, or functions, allowing users to perform various
calculations, data analysis, and data visualization tasks.
That
allows us to add up our data, sort and filter it, put it in tables, and build good-looking
and useful charts.
Spreadsheet is a concept or a process / software and Microsoft Excel is one of the most popular Spreadsheet,
which is
widely used.
Workbook:
A workbook is a spreadsheet program file to be created in Excel by the
user. A workbook
contains one or more
worksheets. In simple terms, an Excel File is also referred to as a workbook.
A worksheet consists of cells which is used to
enter
and calculate data. The cells are
organized into columns and rows. A worksheet is a
part of a workbook. We may also
refer it as just 'Sheets'.
A workbook can contain many work
sheets. Think of it as a book. The book (workbook / file)
usually have many pages
(worksheet). The Sheets are also called as Tabs.
See the image below to know how an excel spreadsheet looks like. It is made up of Columns (A,B,C..) and Rows (1,2,3...) and the
intersection every row and column make a Cell, like A1 is the active cell.
Just below the quick access toolbar, you can see
File, Home, Insert and many more menu
buttons as well.
Create a workbook
Open MS-Excel.
Select Blank workbook Or press Ctrl + N.
Ctrl stands for Control and N stands for New. Most of the key board shortcuts in Excel works with Ctrl or Alt.
Save a workbook
Every time one works in an excel file, it must be
saved to ensure that your work is saved and
protected.
Press Ctrl+S to save an
existing workbook in its current location.
We can use Save As to save the
workbook in a different location, or to create a copy of the
workbook in the same or another location.
1. Click File > Save As.
2. Under Save As, pick the place where to save workbook. For example, to save to desktop or in a folder on computer, click Computer.
3. Click Browse to find the
location in Documents folder.
To pick another location on
computer, click Desktop, and then pick the exact place where to
save workbook.
4. In the File
name box, enter a name for a new workbook. Enter a different name if creating a copy
of an existing workbook.
5. To save workbook in a different
file format (like .xls or .txt), in the Save as type list (under
the File name box), pick the format as required. Usually .xls is used.
