2. Page 2
Definition
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet
program used to store and retrieve
numerical data in a grid format of
columns and rows. Excel is ideal for
entering, calculating and analyzing
company data such as sales figures, sales
taxes or commissions.
3. Page 3
Uses
Microsoft Excel is perhaps the most important
computer software program used in the workplace
today. That's why so many workers and prospective
employees are required to learn Excel to enter or
remain in the workplace.
From the viewpoint of the employer, particularly
those in the field of information systems, the use of
Excel as an end-user computing tool is essential. Not
only are many business professionals using Excel to
perform everyday functional tasks in the workplace,
an increasing number of employers rely on Excel for
decision support.
4. Page 4
Some Examples of Uses
1) Build great charts
Excel allows business users to unlock the
potential of their data, by using formulas
across a grid of cells. Data is inserted into
individual cells in rows or columns,
allowing it to be sorted and filtered, and
then displayed in a visual presentation.
Using pie charts, graphs and clustered
columns adds meaning to data, which
otherwise may just exist as row after row
of numbers.
5. Page 5
2) Use conditional formatting
Excel users can format their spreadsheets using
different colours, bolds and italics, to
differentiate between columns and bring the
most important data to the fore. The vast
number of tasks that can be achieved using this
tool is impressive, here are just a few: Display
simple icons which represent related data,
Highlighting a row based on a single value,
Comparing values, Comparing lists and Finding
duplicates. Find out more about conditional
formatting.
6. Page 6
4) Bring data together
Excel can be used to bring information
from various files and documents together,
so that it exists in a single location. As well
as raw data and information from other
spreadsheets, it is possible to import text
and images. Other objects can be added
using the Insert tab, or additional
spreadsheets can be added to the file.
7. Page 7
The Advantages of Microsoft Excel
With Excel, users can manage payroll records,
employee schedules or personal bookkeeping and
paperwork virtually, so data can be easily changed,
updated or moved around without having to deal
with paper and pen copies. Excel files can also be
sent as attachments or shared within a group of
users via various cloud storage systems so everyone
has access to the same files.
8. Page 8
Purpose of Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application
designed to perform basic and complex
mathematical computations and functions. In
addition to performing arithmetic operations, Excel
allows users to create graphical displays of data,
forms and pivot tables. It is also routinely used to
sort information and assist users in identifying data
trends.
9. Page 9
Working of Microsoft Excel
To make a List
1) On a new worksheet, type the entries that you want to appear
in your drop-down list. The entries should be in a single column
or row without any blank cells, like this:
10. Page 10
2) Select all of your entries, right-click, and then click Define
Name.
3) In the Name box, type a name for your entries, for
example, ValidDepts., and then click OK. Be sure your name
doesn’t have any spaces in it. This name won’t show up in your
list, but you need to name it so you can link it to your drop-down
list.
11. Page 11
4) Click in the cell in the worksheet where you want the drop-
down list.
5) Click Data >Data Validation.
13. Page 13
To Make a Graph
Step 1: Get your data into Excel
First, you need to input your data into Excel. This is the easy
part! You may have exported the data from elsewhere, like a
piece of marketing software or a survey tool. Or maybe you're
inputting it manually.
14. Page 14
Step 2: Choose a type of chart/graph to create.
In Excel, you have plenty of choices for charts and graphs to
create.
To make a bar graph, highlight the data and include the titles of
the X and Y axis. Go to the ‘Insert’ tab, click ‘Charts,’ click
‘Column,’ and choose the graph you wish.
15. Page 15
Step 4: Adjust your labels and legends, if desired.
To change the layout of the labeling and legend, click on the bar
graph, then click the ‘Layout’ tab. Here you can choose what
layout you prefer for the chart title, axis titles, and legend.