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Introduction

What is Excel?​

Excel is pronounced "Eks - sel"

It is a spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft. Excel organizes data in columns and rows and allows you to do mathematical functions. It runs on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

The first version was released in 1985 and has gone through several changes over the years. However, the main functionality mostly remains the same.

Excel is typically used for:

  • Analysis
  • Data entry
  • Data management
  • Accounting
  • Budgeting
  • Data analysis
  • Visuals and graphs
  • Programming
  • Financial modeling
  • And much, much more!

Why use Excel?​

  • It is the most popular spreadsheet program in the world
  • It is easy to learn and to get started.
  • The skill ceiling is high, which means that you can do more advanced things as you become better
  • It can be used with both work and in everyday life, such as to create a family budget
  • It has a huge community support
  • It is continuously supported by Microsoft
  • Templates and frameworks can be reused by yourself and others, lowering creation costs

Create a workbook in Excel​

  • Open Excel.
  • Select Blank workbook.
  • Or press Ctrl+N.

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Enter data

To manually enter data:

  • Select an empty cell, such as A1, and then type text or a number.
  • Press Enter or Tab to move to the next cell.

To fill data in a series:

  • Enter the beginning of the series in two cells: such as Jan and Feb; or 2014 and 2015.
  • Select the two cells containing the series, and then drag the fill handle across or down the cells.

Entering data in a cell

Filling data in a series