Introduction to Excel Worksheets
When you open Excel, the blank file that is displayed is called a workbook. The tabs along the bottom identify the different worksheets in the workbook. You can insert data on just one worksheet or add 20 or more.
The letters at the top of the worksheet define the columns, the numbers at the left label the worksheet rows, and the intersecting grid lines show the worksheet cells.
To begin making a worksheet, enter headings for the data. Click on a cell in "Row 1" to select it, and then type the heading into the cell. Use the mouse, "Tab" key or arrow key to move to the next cell, and enter another heading. After you have entered headings, type data in the cells in subsequent rows.
Introduction to Excel Formulas
After entering data into your first worksheet, you can begin to learn how to use formulas. Excel offers basic built-in formulas, such as sums or averages, as well as more complex functions, including absolutes and variants. To enter a formula, select the cell in which you want the result displayed. Click on the "Insert Function" button to the left of the "Formula Bar," which resembles an address bar. The "Insert Function" dialog box opens.
Type a brief description of what you want, such as "Total" or "Multiply." Excel recommends a list of functions. Click on a function to see a description. When you find the function you want to use, click "OK." Excel prompts you to enter the cell or range of cells you want to use in the formula. Enter this information and click "OK." Excel displays the results in the cell you originally selected.
Introduction to Excel Charts
An introduction to Excel would not be complete without information about making charts. Excel offers several ways to make a chart. One way to make a chart in Excel is to select the data on the spreadsheet and press the "F11" key on the keyboard. Excel creates a chart using the default chart settings. To change the chart type, colors and other characteristics, right-click the chart and select an option, such as "Chart Type."
Look around at the different options available and try those that interest you. Remember, you can always undo the last action by clicking the "Undo" button on the "Quick Access Toolbar" in Excel 2007 or the "Formatting" toolbar in Excel 2003.
Comments
FrenchMermaid said
on 8/17/2009 Great information.