excel basics

Introduction to Excel #

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet tool used to:

• Store data
• Organize data
• Perform calculations
• Analyze and visualize data

It is one of the most important tools for beginners in data analysis.

Data Entry in Excel #

What is Data Entry? #

Data entry means adding data into cells in an Excel worksheet.

Types of Data #

How to Enter Data #

• Click on a cell (e.g., A1)
• Type your data
• Press Enter

Example Dataset #

• Keep data clean and consistent
• Avoid empty rows/columns
• Use proper headings
• One column = one type of data

Data Formatting in Excel #

Formatting makes your data readable and professional.

Basic Formatting Options #

Font Formatting #

• Bold, Italic, Font size
  Use for headings

Number Formatting #

Apply from Home → Number section

Alignment #

• Left, Right, Center
  Keeps data neat

Borders & Colors #

• Add borders to tables
• Highlight important data

Example #

Before formatting:

alex   100
john   200

After formatting:

• Bold headings
• Proper alignment
• Borders applied

Cell Referencing (Very Important) #

Cell referencing means referring to a cell’s value in formulas.

Example:

=A1 + B1

Types of Cell Referencing #

Relative Referencing #

Definition #

Reference changes automatically when copied.

Example #

=A1 + B1

If you copy it down:

=A2 + B2

Used in most calculations

Absolute Referencing #

Definition #

Reference remains fixed using $.

Example #

=A1 * $B$1

• A1 → changes
• $B$1 → fixed

Mixed Referencing (Bonus) #

Practical Example #

Scenario: Calculate Total Price #

Using Relative Reference:

• Copy formula down → works automatically

Scenario: Tax Calculation #

$B$1 keeps tax rate constant

Key Difference (Important Table) #