Excel for Dummies: Everything You Need to Know

Excel spreadsheet is one of the most powerful software tools you can access. It has been around for almost forty years, yet new features are constantly added due to its popularity.

Over 800 million people are estimated to use Excel for various reasons, such as note-taking, charting, data analysis, and number crunching. However, finding somewhere that teaches you the basics of how to get started on Excel can be tricky until now. Here at Simple Sheets, we decided to keep things simple and teach you everything you need to know about the basics of Excel, such as formulas and functions, how to save worksheets, and many other essential tips.

Excel Spreadsheet Walkthrough

This Excel tutorial will show you how to execute some of the essential functions within Excel, which will help you get started and build your foundation for learning more complex features. These beginners guide will help you work smarter and will cover the following topics:

• How to Open an Excel Spreadsheet
• The Various Elements of an Excel Spreadsheet
• Inputting Data in an Excel Spreadsheet
• Simple Calculations in an Excel Spreadsheet
• How to Save an Excel Spreadsheet

Opening an Excel Spreadsheet

Firstly, let's look at how to open an Excel spreadsheet. 1) Select the Windows icon on your Taskbar's left-hand side. From here, scroll through until you see the Excel program icon near the other Microsoft Office icons. 2) select the "Blank Workbook" option to open an Excel document where the entire workbook is blank, or choose one of the basic pre-made Excel templates. 3) You can explore your Excel book once your new workbook has opened.

Understanding the Different Elements of an Excel Spreadsheet

To work out the various ways you can use Excel to save time, you need first to understand the various aspects of Excel. The terms "Excel Worksheet" and "Excel Workbook" are often used to describe the same thing, but many people are unaware that they have different meanings. An Excel Worksheet refers to one sheet within your Excel Workbook, whereas the Excel Workbook is the entire project.

Excel Ribbon.

You can find the Excel Ribbon at the top of your Excel Workbook, sat below the name of your Worksheet. Within the Ribbon is a range of tabs, including Data, Formulas, Page Layout, Insert, and Home. Within each tab, there is a specific range of commands.

• Page Layout Tab: This allows you to prepare your work for exporting or printing.
• File Tab: Use this tab to open a new or existing file, print, share a file, save, and so on.
• Home Tab: You can cut, paste, or copy cells and tweak formatted data.
• Data Tab: Extract external data, group existing data, and other functions.
• Review Tab: Insert comments, check to spell, protect the document, and track changes.
• View Tab: Use this tab to change the view of your Worksheet.
• Formula Tab: Insert, create the name range, define the name, and review your formulas.
• Insert Tab: Insert a chart, filter, hyperlink, or picture.

It is essential to familiarise yourself with these tabs to use Excel well. If you find it hard to use your tabs to add financial data or models, you can customize them. 1) Right-click on your Ribbon and select "Customize the Ribbon." 2) From here, the Excel Options dialog box will appear. From this dialog box, choose "New Tab." 3) Choose your newly created tab, select "Rename," and pick your new name. 4) Add the commands below each group by selecting the command you want from the Popular Command column and pressing Add.

Formula Bar.

The Excel Formula Bar comprises two aspects just below the Excel Ribbon. The name box is on the left side, and the contents from your selected cell are on the right. You can use this section to add text, values, or an Excel function or formula. If you do not want to see the formula bar, uncheck the "Formula Bar" box within View Tab.

Status Bar.

Next, let's focus on the Status Bar. You can find this at the bottom left-hand side of your workbook. You can see each Excel worksheet in the workbook and access any of them by clicking on that tab. Select the "+" sign next to your worksheets to add additional Excel sheets, and a new blank worksheet will appear. If you want to change the order of your worksheets, you can click and drag them into the order you want. You also have the power to rename each Excel worksheet. Right-click on the sheet name, select rename and then type your chosen name before hitting Enter.

Cell & Excel Spreadsheet Basics.

Any information, such as numbers, text, or Excel formulas, can be used as cell entries. You will notice that the alphabet is used to label each column, and each row is labeled with numbers. When a row meets a column, that section is called a cell.

Entering Data in an Excel Spreadsheet.

Next, let's look at how you can enter data into Excel with this step-by-step beginners guide: 1) Select the cell you would like to add data to. 2) Enter the information you want to add, such as "Date." When you do this, you will notice that the same information also appears in the Formula Bar. 3) Hit Enter. After this, your data will be stored on that chosen cell, and the Excel document will automatically move down to the next available cell below it.

Basic Calculations in an Excel Spreadsheet.

Now that you understand how to enter data in Excel, let's focus on making data calculations in a new Excel workbook. Follow the steps below as an Excel newbie to execute essential addition within Excel. As this is a dummies guide, we will only focus on basic calculations to help you save time and the basics. 1) Begin with the = symbol, which tells Excel you want to execute a calculation. 2) Input your first number, for example, 5. 3) Add the + symbol. 4) Type your second number, say it's 3 and hit Enter. You will notice that the number 8 becomes visible in your chosen cell while the formula remains in your formula bar.

Saving an Excel Spreadsheet

Would this dummies guide be complete if I didn't tell you how to save all the fantastic work you have done?! To save your project in Excel, select the "Save" button via the quick access toolbar or by pressing CTRL + S simultaneously. If it is the first time you are saving your Excel spreadsheet: 1) Hold CTRL + SHIFT + S, or select "Save As" from the File tab. 2) Select the "Browse" option and identify where you want to save your Worksheet. 3) Choose your name for your project from the "Filename" section. I always recommend naming schemes so you don't get confused when you try and refer back to them in the future. 4) Hit Save

Excel For Dummies: Summary and Key Takeaways

Now you know all of the basics of how to use Microsoft Excel. Now all that is left for you to do is practice your new skills. Before you know it, you will move on from the basics and utilize Excel for financial modeling and other advanced options. Once you get to grips with how formulas and functions work, the possibilities for what you can achieve in worksheets are almost limitless. Check out other exciting and informative Excel topics on the Simple Sheets blog!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I quickly learn Excel?

The best way to further understand Excel basics is to read all of the Simple Sheets content on our blog. You will find advice on inputting data tables, financial functions, and other useful Excel features here. It is perfect for learning Excel all in one place.

What does Excel for Dummies cover?

Excel for Dummies is your Excel bible for learning basic Excel skills. Sometimes Excel books expect you to know already things about Excel, which make them hard to follow. However, this free Excel training article will start with the basics to help you get up and running.

Can I teach myself Microsoft Excel?

Absolutely! The guide below is sure to improve your Excel skills, and for further free Excel training, check out the other articles on our blog. Almost everything you need to know can be found there, and it will save you a lot of time and money finding Excel books to read.