Getting Started with Excel. Excel It!
1. Excel Definition and Its Use.
Excel is the most popular spreadsheet developed by Microsoft, which organizes data in Columns and Rows. It runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
GLOSSARY IN EXCEL
Cell:It is the rectangular intersection of a column and a row where data is stored and manipulated.
Column: It is a vertical set of cells in a spreadsheet, identified by letters(A, B, C, etc.). They run from top to bottom.
Data Validation: It is a feature that controls the kind of data that can be entered into a cell.
Formula Bar: It is the bar near the top of the spreadsheet where you can edit the contents of the currently selected cell.
Pivot tables: They summarize and reorganize data from a larger table. You can filter, group, and perform calculations to see patterns and totals.
Range: A group of selected cells in a spreadsheet, which can be a single cell, multiple adjacent cells, or non-adjacent cells. They are written like A1:B10.
Rows: A horizontal set of cells in a spreadsheet identified by numbers (1,2,3, etc). They run from left to right.
Workbook: This is the entire spreadsheet file that contains one or more worksheets.
Worksheet: This is a single sheet or tab within a workbook where you enter and work with data.
2. Overview of Excel Interface.
Ribbon This is the toolbar interface at the top of spreadsheet applications that organizes commands and features into tabs. Each tab contains a group of related tools and buttons, making it easier to find and use different functions.
Workbook
Worksheet
-At the bottom, you can see sheets labeled as Original, Sheet1, KPIs, etc.
3. Data Entry and Organization in Excel.
Data is organized in rows and columns. Columns have headings and cells where you enter data.
You can enter numerical data, strings, dates, times, percentages, currents, and formulas into cells. Numerical data is typically aligned to the right by default, whereas strings are aligned to the left.
Each cell has a unique address like A1, B8, H9 that can be used in formulas and reference data.
Cells can be formatted to display data in specific ways, like adding currency symbols and changing date formats, etc.
Sorting, filtering, and freezing planes are some of the data organizational tools.
Best Practices:
- Keep one type of data per column.
- Avoid blank rows or columns within your data range.
4. Data Cleaning and Manipulation/Formatting.
Removing Duplicates: Ensuring that each record appears only once in your dataset.
Finding and replacing values: Searching for specific data and replacing it with updated or corrected information.
Data alignment: Adjusting how data is positioned within cells.
Data consistency: Ensuring uniformity in text case throughout your data.
Trimming whitespaces: Removing extra spaces before, after, or between text that can cause errors in sorting, filtering, and formulas.
Removing special characters: Cleaning up unwanted symbols or line breaks.
Correcting data types: Converting each data type into the right data type.
Summary
Data cleaning and formatting involve preparing raw data for analysis by removing duplicates, correcting inconsistencies, standardizing formats, and removing errors.
5. Pivot Tables and Data Visualization.
Pivot tables analyze large data sets. They allow users to summarize, group, and perform calculations to reveal patterns and insights without altering original data.
Data visualization using charts makes the analysis clear. Excel offers various chart types- bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, and scatter plots- each suited to different analytical needs.
When combined with pivot tables, these visual tools create a powerful system for exploring data interactively and present findings as actionable insights.
6. Creating Dashboards.
Dashboards are visual displays that bring together charts in one place. They combine multiple charts, tables, and key metrics on a single screen, allowing you to monitor performance, track progress, and make informed decisions. Good dashboards use clear visual elements like slicers and filters that let you explore different aspects of your data with a simple click.
The main purpose of dashboards is to make complex data easy to understand and act upon. Dashboards save time by presenting everything you need in an organized view.
7. Conclusion.
Excel remains an essential tool for data analysis, offering accessible features from basic to advanced that enable users at any skill level to transform raw data into meaningful insights and informed decisions.
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