Microsoft Excel Basics

Objectives of the Lesson

• Understand the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) using Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrate practical usage of MS Excel effectively.

What is a Spreadsheet?

• Composed of cells, each identified by a unique reference combining column and row designations.
• Cell ranges can be selected and referred to by the first and last cell in the range (e.g., A1:B10).
• Cell references are essential for formulas; e.g., using =A1+B1 instead of =5+5 allows for automatic recalculation.

Starting Excel and The User Interface

• The Ribbon: A user interface element that organizes tools within various tabs.

Key Ribbons in Excel

• Home Ribbon: Contains tools for basic text formatting, cell borders, and number formatting.
• Insert Ribbon: Tools for adding objects such as shapes, tables, and charts.
• Page Layout Ribbon: Contains page formatting tools including paper size, margins, and orientation.
• Formula Ribbon: Provides access to functions, formulas, and data manipulation tools like SUM, AVERAGE.
• Data Ribbon: Features tools for connecting to external data sources, database integration, and data sorting.
• Review Ribbon: Includes commenting tools, spell check, and parts protection.
• View Ribbon: Contains options for different view layouts and zoom functionality.
• File Backstage: Area for opening, saving, printing, exporting, or sharing workbooks.

Data Management in Excel

• Entering Data: Basics of data entry including text and number formatting.
• Simple Text Formatting: Basic techniques to enhance the appearance of text.
• Text Orientation: Adjusting the angle of text within cells.
• Resizing Rows and Columns: Physically adjusting the size to accommodate data.
• Inserting Rows and Columns: Adding new rows or columns for additional data.
• Cut, Copy, and Paste: Fundamental commands for data management.

Sorting Data

• Quick sorting can be achieved by selecting a cell in the desired column to sort.

Formatting Your Spreadsheet

• Cell Alignment: Adjusting how content is aligned within cells.
• Text Formatting: Formatting options available for cell text.
• Cell Borders: Adding and styling borders around cells.

Advanced Spreadsheet Features

• Importing Data: Bringing external data into Excel.
• Freeze Panes: Keeping specific rows or columns visible when scrolling.
• Conditional Formatting: Changing cell appearance based on specific conditions.

Understanding Formulas

• Formula components include:

  • Function: Predefined operations within a formula (e.g., PI()).
  • Reference: Cell or range that holds data (e.g., A2).
  • Constant: Directly entered values (numerical).
  • Operator: Symbols indicating the type of calculations (+, -, *, /, etc.).

• Types of Operators:

  • Arithmetic Operators: Perform basic calculations (+, -, *, /, %, ^).
  • Comparison Operators: Compare values, yielding TRUE or FALSE (=, >, >=, etc.).