How to Use the Microsoft Excel Program

Microsoft Excel is the spreadsheet application piece of the Microsoft Office suite. Excel offers powerful tools and helpful functions to allow users to create functional, flexible spreadsheets, databases, charts, tables and more. One of the many benefits of Excel is the familiar Microsoft toolbar and interface. Learning how to use this program will help you become more productive and efficient, and might make you a more valuable employee or desirable candidate for a new position.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Excel 2003 or 2007

Instructions

1. 

   Create a chart or graph from information on a spreadsheet. Select the cells to be included in the chart. In Excel 2003, click the "Chart Wizard" button on the toolbar. In Excel 2007, go to the "Insert" tab of the ribbon and select a type of chart. Or press the "F11" key to create an instant, basic chart.

2. 

   Format the chart by right clicking it and selecting "Chart Type" to change the type or subtype of the graph. Right click and select "Format Plot Area" to alter the chart background.

3. 

   Make a header or footer for the spreadsheet. In Excel 2003, go to the "View" menu and click "Header and Footer." In Excel 2007, go to the "Insert" tab and click "Header&Footer." Select "Custom Header" or "Custom Footer" to enter text or graphics.

4. 

   Create a drop-down list. Select a cell or cell range to contain a list. In Excel 2003, go to the "Data" menu and click "Validation." In Excel 2007, go to the "Data" tab and click "Validation." Select "List" under "Allow" on the "Settings" tab. Enter the list items in the "Source" box, with a comma between each one.

5. 

   Add functions to cells or ranges. Select the cell in which the calculation should appear and click the "Insert Function" button to the left of the Formula Bar. Type a description of what you want to do and select the function that best suits your need.

Resources

• Interactive Guide: Excel 2003 to Excel 2007