Helpful #itfacttips on Utilising #Excel!
I decided to create (and share) this article with my connections, whilst prepping for an Excel workshop (at intermediate level) which I'm delivering next week.
I've been using (and teaching others how to use) Excel etc. for over 20 years now. I constantly come across people who are not aware of some of the tools which are available to them, or how these tools will allow them to do their job more efficiently!!
Below is a list of just some!!! of the tools which I recommend using/utilising, also included are instructions on how to use them.
Excel is made up of Tabs/Ribbons/Groups/Icons - Tools
- A sheet (which has been populated with data) is known as a spreadsheet, more than one is a known as a workbook.
- You can cut/copy/paste/format/align your data from the Home tab (which is the default tab). To use the formatting tools, first highlight your data e.g. headings etc. and apply the required formatting.
- The Alignment group allows you to align your data e.g. left/centre/right align. You can also change how the headings look and fit e.g. clockwise/anti clockwise/wrap text etc. Again, just highlight your text/figures and click on (try out) some of the options
- The Number group allows you to change the default option for figures within your spreadsheet e.g. from General to Accounting or Currency etc. To use, it just highlight the figures, click on the down arrow and select your preference.
The AutoSum function (which is in the Editing group on the Home tab) - Allows you to total columns of figures in one fell swoop - to use it, click on the cell where you want the total included, then click on the AutoSum symbol. You can also find the Min/Max/Average of figures too by clicking on the down arrow.
- Finally did you know you can Freeze column and/or row headings (this locks the headings) so that they are still visible when navigating vertically/horizontally through your spreadsheet. To apply it, make sure you click on the cell directly under the column headings and/or to the right of the row headings (if you have any). Click on the View tab, then on Freeze Panes and select your option e.g. do you want to freeze column headings or row headings or both. To unfreeze, click on Review/Freeze Panes/Unfreeze.
Hope this has been helpful? Please feel free to share with your colleagues. More articles to follow on some of the more intermediate/advanced #Excel tools.