Microsoft Excel Overview

Introduction

• Presenter: Kevin
• Objective: Learn how to use Microsoft Excel in 15 minutes.
• Importance of Excel: Analyze data and gain insights.

Getting Started with Excel

Accessing Excel

1. Excel on the Web
   • Navigate to excel.new in a web browser.
   • Free login required.
   • Most features available that are in the desktop app.
2. Excel Desktop App
   • Requires purchase of Microsoft 365.
   • Check out the product linked in the video for support.

Launching Excel

• Upon launch, users land on the Start Page.
• Options available:
  • Create a blank workbook
  • Browse various templates
  • Access recent workbooks.

Understanding the Interface

Workbook Layout

• Worksheets consist of cells organized into columns (letters) and rows (numbers).
• Example: Cell E7 refers to the intersection of column E and row 7.
• Zoom in/out using controls in the bottom right or by using CTRL + Mouse Wheel.

Data Entry

Initial Data Input

1. Click into cell A1 and type Sales (header).
2. Move to the next cell (either with mouse, TAB, or right arrow key).
3. Enter Date in cell B1.
4. Start entering the months from January 2023 through November 2023.
   • Use the Fill Handle (small rectangle in the cell's corner) to drag down and auto-fill months.

Entering Sales Data

• Enter sales data for each month.
• Format numbers with thousands separators for clarity:
  • Highlight cells > Home tab > Click thousands separator icon.
  • Remove decimal places if not needed.

Adding Contextual Notes

• Create a header in cell C1 titled Notes.
• Provide context (e.g., low sales in January due to New Year’s resolutions).
• Resize column to fit content: Double-click between columns C and D.
• Options: Delete or hide columns (right-click for context menu).

Data Organization

Moving Columns

• To rearrange data, highlight and drag the column to a new position (e.g., move date column before sales).

Formatting the Table

1. Click on Insert > Table.
   • Ensure headers option is enabled.
2. Customize table styles under Table Design tab.
3. Total Row: Add totals easily and select what to sum.

Data Analysis

Conditional Formatting

• Highlight data, use Conditional Formatting to visualize trends (e.g., color scales to indicate performance).

Quick Analysis Tools

• Use the Status Bar to get quick totals (e.g., sum of Q1).
• The Analyze Data feature allows querying for insights without manual calculations.

Using Formulas and Functions

1. Manual Formula: =B2+B3+B4 for summing cells.
2. Using SUM function: =SUM(B2:B4) to sum a range.
3. Explore other functions in the Formulas tab.

Data Manipulation

Sorting and Filtering Data

1. Sort data using dropdowns next to headers.
2. Filter data to focus on specific periods (such as Q1).

Data Visualization

Creating Charts

• Navigate to the Insert tab to create charts.
• Recommended charts typically work best for your data type.
• Customize charts using various tools available.

Pivot Tables

Introduction to Pivot Tables

1. Insert a pivot table from the data range.
2. Use drag-and-drop to analyze data (e.g., total sales).
3. Summarize or analyze sales by different metrics (e.g., average sales, percentage of overall sales).

Sharing Your Work

• Click the Share button in the top right corner to share the workbook with team members via OneDrive.

Conclusion

• Recap: Quick overview of Excel functionalities.
• For further learning:
  • Link to YouTube playlist for free videos.
  • Mention of a structured course for Excel fundamentals.
• Encourage subscribing for more videos.