Introduction
Microsoft Excel is a powerful software spreadsheet tool developed by Microsoft to be used for data collection, analyzation, organization, visualization and calculation for decision making purposes.
Excel is a tool that collects, organizes, allowing for data storage and analysis.
Key Components of Excel Interface
Ribbon- Contains tabs and commands (Home, Insert, ......)
Range- The group of cells selected (B:1:B44 represents range of cells in column B)
Row- Also known as a record and runs horizontally. They are labelled in numbers (e.g. 1,2)
Column- Also known as Field and runs vertically. They are labelled with letter (e.g. A, B)
Cell- Intersection of a column and a row. (e.g. A2)
Uses of excel in real-world
Data Analysis- It is used in cleaning, sorting and filtering data that is used by for both personal and business. This data is used in identification of trends and tracking data.
Accounting and Finance- It is used in preparing budgets and cashflow, recording transaction, calculating taxes and payroll etc.
Sales and marketing- To monitor sales performance, store the customer database and analyze the trends.
Project management: Monitor the project cost, track the projects, prepare reports and ensure the projects are concluded on time.
Excel can be used on the personal level to track expenses, monitor savings, budgeting and planning for financial goals.
Organizations can use the excel to track the employee's attendance sheet, maintain records and manage the leave schedules.
Key Excel Features
Data Sorting: Arranging data in specific order.
They are arranged in different types i.e. Text sorting (A to Z), Number sorting (smallest to largest or largest to smallest) and Date Sorting (Oldest to Newest or Newest to Oldest)
Filtering: Allowing the display of the only important row that meet the certain criteria that you need to use.
Data Validation: Allowing accurate and consistent data entry.
Freezing Panes: Keep headers or important columns in view as you scroll.
Excel Functions
Excel is made of different functions that summarize, analyze and automate data.
The functions perform specific task in the excel spreadsheet.
SUM () - Adds numbers in the range of a cell e.g. =sum (A1:A34) Adds numbers from A1 to A34.
MIN () - Finds the smallest number e.g. =min (D1:D7)
MAX () - Finds the largest number e.g. =max (F4:F13)
AVERAGE () - Calculates the mean value of the database selected e.g. =Average (C1:C5) Gives the mean from C1 to C5
COUNT IF () - Counts the number of cells that meet a specific criterion and can only use one condition e.g.=Count if (A1:A10,"SALARY")
COUNT IFS () -Counts the number of cells that meet a specific criterion and can use multiple conditions e.g.=Count ifs (A1:A10,"SALARY", C1:C10,">500")
Learning Excel changed how I see data by helping me view the data as information rather than just the numbers in the excel. Excel taught me how to sort, analyze, visualize and collect data making the work easier by uncovering the insights of large amount of information. As a result of Excel, I can make more informed decisions based on the information given and solve the problems efficiently and clearly. I can also give the correct prediction of the future information.
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