Excel for beginners: the basics explained

Microsoft Excel is one of the most used programs in the world. In this article, we explain the basics so you can get started with spreadsheets, simple formulas, and formatting.

What is Excel?

Excel is a spreadsheet program where you can:

• Organize data in rows and columns
• Calculate with formulas
• Create charts and graphs
• Manage budgets and lists

The basics: cells, rows, and columns

• Cell: The boxes where you enter data (like A1, B2)
• Row: Horizontal line (numbers: 1, 2, 3...)
• Column: Vertical line (letters: A, B, C...)

Your first spreadsheet

1. Open Excel
2. Click in cell A1 and type something
3. Press Tab to move to B1, or Enter to move to A2
4. Save with Ctrl+S (Windows) or Cmd+S (Mac)

Simple formulas

Formulas always start with =

• =A1+B1 - Add two cells
• =A1-B1 - Subtract
• =A1*B1 - Multiply
• =A1/B1 - Divide
• =SUM(A1:A10) - Add a range
• =AVERAGE(A1:A10) - Calculate average

Formatting

• Bold: Ctrl+B
• Number format: Right-click → Format Cells → Number
• Currency: Right-click → Format Cells → Currency
• Column width: Double-click column border to auto-fit

Useful shortcuts

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