How to Use Excel

Microsoft Excel is a computer software for the creation of spreadsheets. It is part of Microsoft Office. The programs allow users to build spreadsheets, calculate formulas and create diagrams. This page is an introduction on how to use Excel.

• Microsoft Excel is a useful computer software for the creation of spreadsheets. Learning to use all functions of the program can be quite time-consuming, but it's not necessary to know all of the applications to use the program. Excel can be used on a basic level by building simple spreadsheets or on more advanced levels for the creation of complex formulas and diagrams.

(Creative Commons photo by computerjoe)

• Start by learning the very basics of Excel.

1. Documents in Excel are built in spreadsheets.
2. A spreadsheet consists of columns and rows.
3. The area where a column and row intersects is called a cell.
4. Columns are labeled by letters, while rows are labeled by numbers.
5. The cell in column A, row 1, for example, is named cell A1.
6. The cells can be filled with letters, numbers or formulas.
7. Formulas are used to tell the computer to automatically perform certain calculations.
8. Click on a cell to enter information in it.
9. Press enter or click on the next cell to move on.
10. You can see the name of the cell you are in a box above column A.

• A main feature or Excel is formulas. Formulas allows you to tell the computer to perform certain calculations so you don't have to do it.

1. Different calculations have different formulas. For example, there are formulas for subtractions, additions, division and multiplications.
2. To enter a formula, you also need to specify on which numbers (cells) it will be performed on. For example, if you enter a numbers in a column, you can use a formula to add those numbers together.
3. If you enter a formula correctly, the computer will then perform the calculations for you.
4. When you change a number in a column, the result is automatically re-calculated.
5. To learn the details of Excel formulas, visit Excel support online or consult an Excel manual.

• There are many easy to learn and useful features in Excel.

1. Auto-complete allows for an easy completion when filling out several rows after each other which contains the same information. Excel will automatically make a suggestion, based on the previous entry, when you continue down a column. Press enter to accept it, or continue writing to decline it.
2. Auto sum will quickly add up numbers in a column for you without the need to enter a formula. Simply click on the autosum symbol after finishing a column. The formula will automatically be entered for you. Click enter. When you change the numbers, the result will be re-calculated.
3. Excel allows you to easily move around on the spreadsheets by using different commands. Some examples are:

• • Press Cltr and home to return to cell A1.
  • Press Cltr and end to arrive at the last cell of the spreadsheet.
  • Press Cltr and down to get to the last row.
  • Press Cltr and up to get to the first row.

• • For more features, such as the creation of diagrams, consult Excel support online or an Excel instruction manual.

Excel is a convenient program for bookkeeping, calculations and the creation of diagrams. Learning basic use of Excel is easy; but it will take time and effort to learn all the functions the program has to offer.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Basics
• Step 2: Formulas
• Step 3: Other Features
• Conclusion