Excel for Beginners: The Complete Course

Introductory Remarks

• Create workbooks
• Save workbooks
• Understand the anatomy of a spreadsheet
• Understand the layout in Microsoft Excel

Creating and Saving Workbooks

• Start Excel: Start screen shows recent spreadsheets and the option for a new blank workbook
• Open a new blank workbook
• Discuss templates: Can click to open and use templates

Anatomy of a Spreadsheet

• Workbooks contain sheets (or spreadsheets/worksheets)
• Columns and Rows
  • Columns: Labeled by letters (A, B, C, etc.)
  • Rows: Labeled by numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.)
• Cells
  • Intersection of columns and rows
  • Each cell is identified by its column and row (e.g., E10, F8)
  • Active cell: The cell that is currently selected
• Ranges
  • Collection of cells grouped together (e.g., D4:J14)
  • Described using the top-left corner cell and bottom-right corner cell

Layout in Microsoft Excel

• Tabs across the top: Home, Insert, Page Layout, Data, etc.
• Ribbon: Changes when different tabs are clicked
• Groups: Different sections within a ribbon (e.g., Charts group, Tables group)
• Launch Button: Accesses more options within some groups
• Scroll Bars: For navigating both vertically and horizontally
• Zoom Slider: Zoom in/out without changing data
• View Buttons: Switch between different views (Normal, Page Layout, Page Break Preview)
• Name Box: Shows the name/description of the active cell
• Quick Access Toolbar: Customizable quick access to commonly used features
• Formula Bar: Enter formulas in Excel

Entering Cell Values

• Selecting Cells: “Select to effect” principle
• Entering Data: Type data and press Enter or Return
  • Autofill Handle: Extend patterns (e.g., lists of numbers)
  • Editing Cells: Difference between clicking on a cell vs. double-clicking in a cell
  • Copy/Paste: Use Ctrl+C (copy) and Ctrl+V (paste)
  • Clear Cell Content: Right-click → Clear Contents or use the Clear button in the Home tab

Managing Data

• Insert Rows/Columns: Right-click and choose Insert
• Column Titles/Headings: Use an empty row above data
• Resize Columns: Double-click between column letters
• Find and Replace: Ctrl+H to find and replace data
• Autocorrect Features: Adjust settings in File → Options → Proofing
• Move Data: Drag data by clicking on the edge of a cell

Using Formulas

• Basic Formulas: Start with “=”, use cell references
  • Example: = C2 * D2
  • Autofill Handle for copying formulas
  • Relative vs. Absolute References: Use $ to fix references

Using Functions

• Sum Function: =SUM(range)
• Autosum: Use from the Home tab
• Average Function: =AVERAGE(range)
• Named Ranges: Use name instead of cell references in functions
• Min and Max Functions: =MIN(range), =MAX(range)
• Count Function: =COUNT(range)

Formatting Data

• Number Formats: Change from General to Currency, Accounting, etc.
• Text Formats: Align text within cells
• Formatting Columns/Rows: Bold, alignment, background color
• Format Painter: Copy format from one cell/row/column to another
• Auto Format: Add to Quick Access Toolbar for quick formatting options

Creating Charts

• Quick Charts: Select data and use Alt + F1
• Adjust Chart Elements: Titles, axis titles, etc.
• Change Chart Type: From Chart Design tab

Printing and Publishing

• Print Preview: File → Print
  • Ensure data fits on the page
• Page Layout: Landscape vs. Portrait
• Page Break Preview: Check and adjust page breaks
• Print Options: Copies, printer selection, print range, scale to fit page
• Save as PDF: Useful for email or web publishing
• Sharing: Upload to OneDrive or share via Share button

Conclusion

• Summarize: Basics of using Excel effectively
• Next Steps: Watch other tutorials for more advanced topics such as intermediate courses or specific functions