Introduction to Spreadsheets
using MS Excel
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Learning Objectives
Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria
Use a spreadsheet application such as MS Know the anatomy of a spreadsheet application by
Excel to analyse and manipulate data to navigating its interface and some of its most
solve problems ranging from routine to important features
complex.
Perform a range of operations on Cells and Sheets
Solve relatively simple problems by applying
formulas and functions
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Apply relevant spreadsheet techniques to organise
and view data
Specific Topics to cover
1. What is a spreadsheet
2. Microsoft Excel
3. Basic terminology
4. Rows and columns
5. Types of data Link to GCG Global
6. Navigating a worksheet Tutorial
7. Inserting data into cells
8. Formatting cells
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9. Renaming and Inserting a worksheet
10. Performing basic calculations
11. Creating a chart
Definition of terms
• Excel is a spreadsheet application in the Microsoft Office suit of
programs.
• A spreadsheet is a grid of rows and columns containing numbers, text,
and formulas.
• The purpose of a spreadsheet is to solve problems that involve
numbers.
• Excel uses the term worksheet to refer to computerised spreadsheets.
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• A collection of related worksheets is referred to as a workbook.
Starting Excel
Launch Excel from Start
Button or Task Bar (if
relevant)
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The Excel Backstage View
Open New or
Saved Excel File
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Title bar
Menu bar
Tools ribbon
Name box Formula bar
Active cell
Column letters
Row numbers
Vertical scrollbar
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Horizontal scrollbar
Active workbook
Column, Row and Cell basics…
• Cells are named according to the position on the worksheet where a
column letter converges with a row number.
• Therefore, a cell name consists of the column letter and the row
number e.g. B2. The name of the active cell is displayed in the name
box.
• An active cell is the cell that has a highlight around it. Anything that
the user types will be entered into the active cell.
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• The arrows on the keyboard can be used to move the highlight in the
worksheet. A user can also click on the desired cell to make it active.
Types of values
• There are two types of data: text and values:
– Text is data that will not be used in a calculation e.g.:
• Words
• Phrases e.g. headings – Example Spreadsheet
• Symbols e.g. currency symbols $ = USD, £ = Pounds, € = Euros
• Numeric text e.g. phone number 043-745 1234 or ID number.
– Values are data that contain only numbers and may be used in
calculations e.g.:
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• Numbers 123,456
• Dates 24 March 2010
Inserting data into a worksheet
Typed value
Type table displayed in
heading Formula bar
into cell
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Click this tool
Highlight the number of cells that you
Heading occupies 3 merged rows
would like the heading to occupy
Enter
Column
headings
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Enter the
rest of the
data
Converting figures to specific number format
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Basic calculations
Calculate the
total cost in the
top cell only
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First, click
the answer
cell to
Formula: =Cost activate it
Price x Units Sold
Using a Function key to perform same calculation
Step 2: Click this button
Step 1: Activate cell
Step 3: Select the correct
function from the list
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Step 4: Highlight the cells that contain
the figures involved in the calculation
Step 5: Click OK
Step 6: Click on hold on
this little square. The drag
your mouse down the column
to apply the formula for all the
other figures
Step 7: Convert to currency
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Renaming a worksheet
Choose rename
on the menu
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Right-click on top of the tab to be
renamed
Inserting a chart and a graph
Step 2: Go to the insert
tab and find the Charts
group
Step 1: First Blank canvas
activate an appears
empty cell
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Click Select Data
Click the Edit button
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lect all the values in the column
Select all the values in the column
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End