Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet tool that helps arrange data and perform calculations. It is
very useful and easy to get started with. To get started, there are six parts of Excel everyone
should know.
1. Cells
Excel is divided into rectangles known as cells. Like a point in the plane, each cell has a
coordinate. For example the cell E3 is the rectangle both in the E column and the 3 row.
In a given cell, the user may input text, numbers, calculations, and functi ons. The empty
space at the top of the screen is the formula bar. What is typed in the formula bar will be
inserted into the selected cell.
2. Text and Numbers
Simply type the desired text or numbers in the desired cell(s).
3. Calculator
Excel makes an excellent calculator. You can have Excel perform calculations by typing in “=”
before typing in the desired calculations.
Additional calculator features (such as trig function values) can be conducted through Excel
as well.
4. Formulas
Excel has numerous formulas built in. Simply type in “=” followed by the desired function
with inserted parameters. We will show examples of functions to help explain.
5. Cell References
It is very common to need to change a value in the data without having to fix details in the
calculations. Excel handles this easily through cell reference. For example, to add the
contents in cells B5 and D17, the user can type in the formula bar “= B5 + D17”.
6. Dragging
Excel can guess patterns and quickly fill in lots of data by dragging. By placing the cursor in
the bottom right corner of a selected cell, holding the left mouse button, and extending the
