Microsoft Excel Notes (Enhanced with Practical Tables)
1. What is Microsoft Excel?
Microsoft Excel is a software application used to perform calculations, logical comparisons,
organize data, and create tables, charts, and reports. These notes include practical examples
for students to study independently.
2. Types of Data Entered in Excel
• Numerical data (e.g., 1, 45.6, 2025)
• Alphabetical data (e.g., John, Apple)
• Alphanumeric data (e.g., A123, Room12)
• Logical data (TRUE or FALSE)
• Formulas (expressions starting with '=')
3. Basic Excel Formulas
All Excel formulas must begin with '='.
A. Arithmetic Operations
=A1 + B1 (Addition)
=A1 - B1 (Subtraction)
=A1 * B1 (Multiplication)
=A1 / B1 (Division)
B. SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA
• SUM adds a group of numbers: =SUM(A1:A5)
• AVERAGE finds the mean: =AVERAGE(A1:A5)
• COUNT counts numeric cells: =COUNT(A1:A5)
• COUNTA counts all non-empty cells: =COUNTA(A1:A5)
4. Practical Example Table for SUM and AVERAGE
Student Marks Formula Examples
John 55 =SUM(B2:B5),
=AVERAGE(B2:B5)
Mary 62
Peter 48
Sarah 71
5. Practical Example Table for COUNT and COUNTA
This table demonstrates how COUNT and COUNTA operate.
Entry Data COUNT Example COUNTA Example
1 100 =COUNT(B2:B6) =COUNTA(B2:B6)
2 Hello
4 250
5 A45
6. Quantity × Unit Price Example
Item Quantity Unit Price Total (Formula)
Pens 10 2 =A2 * B2
Books 5 3 =A3 * B3
Bags 4 15 =A4 * B4
7. IF Function (Logical Comparison)
Example: =IF(A2 < 40, "Fail", "Pass")
Student Score Result Formula Comment
John 55 =IF(B2<40,"Fail","P Pass
ass")
Mary 32 =IF(B3<40,"Fail","P Fail
ass")
Kathy 75 =IF(B4<40,"Fail","P Pass
ass")
8. Merge & Center
Used to combine several cells into one single cell and center the text. Useful for headings.
9. AutoFill / Drag Handle
Allows formulas or values to be dragged down or across for quick copying.