Excel
made
Easy
Mary Kemp and Jenny Swafford
kempm@blountk12.org - swaffordj@blountk12.org
Blount County Schools
Maryville, TN
www.blountk12.org
What is Excel?
Excel is the spreadsheet application of the Office 2000 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. Besides calculating accurately and rapidly,
spreadsheets are flexible. They can be easily changed without having to redo the whole
spreadsheet. A spreadsheet can also be useful for displaying any kind of information in a
columnar format.
I. The Excel Workbook
An Excel file is called a workbook. Each workbook contains 3 worksheets (but more can
be added). The worksheets are named on a bottom tab (Sheet 1, Sheet 2, Sheet 3);
however, you can rename them by double-clicking and typing a new name. To move
through the worksheets, click the tabs.
Each worksheet consists of rows (identified with a number) and columns (identified with
letters), which intersect at a cell. Every cell has an address that consists of the column and
row (A1, B3, and so on). When a cell is selected it appears to have an outline.
Extra worksheets, rows, and columns can be added under Insert on the Menu bar.
Draw toolbar
Menu bar
Formula bar
Formatting toolbar
Standard toolbar
Scroll bars
Worksheet
Cell
Reference
Column headings are the letters across the top of the worksheet. Row headings are the
numbers down the side of the worksheet. Select a row or column by clicking on its
heading.
Menu bar contains text, which allows you to select commands.
Standard and Formatting toolbars contain buttons that provide quick access to common
commands. (For more toolbars click View…Toolbars and check those desired. To move
toolbars, click and drag the toolbar handle at the far left of the toolbar.)
Formula bar – when information is entered into a cell, it appears in the Formula bar.
Scroll bars and directional