Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program made by Microsoft that helps you store, organize, calculate, and analyze data in a clear, structured way.
Uses of Excel
Data entry & organization
You enter information in rows and columns
Calculations
Excel can automatically do math using formulas and functions (e.g. add totals, calculate averages, percentages).
Data analysis
You can sort, filter, and summarize large amounts of data.
Charts & graphs
Excel turns numbers into visual charts like bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs.
COMMON FEATURES OF EXCEL
Excel has many featuers,used to make it easier to get output from the spreadsheets.
##Common features include##
Formulas (e.g. =A1+A2)
Functions (e.g. SUM, AVERAGE, IF)
Formatting (colors, borders, fonts)
Sorting & filtering data
PivotTables for advanced analysis
Decisions with Logical Functions
Logical functions help you categorise data automatically based on rules.
The IF Function The IF function performs a test: it returns one value if the test is true, and a different value if it is false.
Example: Imagine you want to categorise salaries. If the salary in cell E2 exceeds 12040, it is "High"; otherwise, it is "Low".
Formula: =IF(E2 > 12040, "High", "Low").
Nested IFs. If you have more than two categories (e.g., Old, Middle-aged, Young), you can use a Nested IF, which places a second IF function inside the first one.
AND / OR Logic You can combine IF with AND (where both conditions must be met) or OR (where at least one condition must be met).
AND Example: Assign a bonus only if experience > 30 years AND projects > 10.
Formula: =IF(AND(P2 > 30, D2 > 10), "Assign Bonus", "Do not Assign Bonus").
##Pivot Tables##
Pivot tables are the ultimate tool for summarising data. They allow you to aggregate thousands of rows into a clear summary table without writing complex formulas.
How to create one:
Click a single cell inside your data range (avoid selecting the whole sheet).
Go to Insert > Pivot Table.
Drag and Drop fields:
Rows: For categories (e.g., Department).
Values: For numbers to calculate (e.g., Sum of Salary, Count of Employees).
Interactive Slicers: To make your report interactive, insert a Slicer. This is a visual button menu that filters your Pivot Table instantly when clicked.
A Pivot Table with a Slicer for 'Department' next to it.
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