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"Excel is everywhere. It is by far the most popular program in the history of business applications"
Microsoft Excel can be used to set up tables of information, both textual and numerical. It is particularly useful for calculating using formulas and functions (built-in more complex formulas). It can also be used to visualise numerical data with the use of charts and graphs. Excel can also be used as a simple database and can be queried and filtered to display only information meeting required criteria. This makes Microsoft Excel a very useful program for basic data analysis, statistics and graphs.
Microsoft Excel makes it possible to analyse, manage, and share information. You can do this by:
Using formulae and functions to carry out a variety of calculations, from simple arithmetic to complex logical and statistical tasks.
Creating a range of highly editable charts
Importing data from a variety of sources and using functions to clean and organise it.
Creating tables and lists that can be sorted and filtered.
Using standard MS Office tools such as shapes and SmartArt to create diagrams using your data.
Using macros to automate repetitive tasks.
You can also easily access your important data on the go from almost any Web browser, tablet or smartphone.
- Basic tasks in ExcelGood to get you started.
- Add or subtract timeYou can add and subtract time in Excel almost like you subtract other types of numbers. For example, you might do this if you want to know how long it took to complete a project’s tasks.
- Average a group of numbersWhen you need to find an average, you click a button or use a function in a formula.
Video guides
Many also have step-by-step instructions below the video.
- Basic maths in ExcelLet Excel be your calculator. Learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide using formulas and functions
- Cell references: understanding and usingWatch this video to learn the basics. When you use cell references in a formula, Excel calculates the answer using the numbers in the referenced cells. When you change the value in a cell, the formula calculates the new result automatically.
- Create a chart from start to finishCharts help you visualize your data in a way that creates maximum impact on your audience. Learn to create a chart and add a trendline.
- Filter dataUse AutoFilter or built-in comparison operators like "greater than" and “top 10” in Excel to show the data you want and hide the rest.
- Free or lock panesFreeze rows and columns to keep specific areas visible when you scroll in a worksheet.
- Sort dataYou might want to arrange a list of names in alphabetical order, compile a list of product inventory levels from highest to lowest, or order rows by colors or icons.
- Using AutoFillUse the Auto Fill feature to fill cells with data that follows a pattern or are based on data in other cells.
- Using FlashFillFlash Fill automatically fills your data when it senses a pattern. For example, you can use Flash Fill to separate first and last names from a single column, or combine first and last names from two different columns.
- Automate tasks with a macroYou want to automate a repetitive task in Excel so that you can do the task again with a single click. The best way to do that? Record a macro. And the macro recorder is the easiest way to create a new macro in Excel.
Video guides
Many also have step-by-step instructions below the video.
- Advanced IF functionsWatch this video for a recap on IF functions and learn more complex examples and variations, including nested IF functions, IF with AND and OR, COUNTIFs, SUMIFs, AVERAGEIFs and IFERROR.
- Using conditional formattingConditional formatting provides visual cues to help you quickly make sense of your data. For example, it’ll clearly show highs and lows, or other data trends based on criteria you provide..
- More with conditional formattingWatch this video to learn how to apply conditional formatting to specific cells, tables, PivotTables, and worksheets. You can also format cells that are blank or contain errors.
- VLOOKUP - when and how to use itLearn how to use the VLOOKUP function to find data in a large spreadsheet, and on other worksheets in a large workbook. These videos explain each of the VLOOKUP arguments, and mistakes to avoid.
