8 Basics Every Excel User Should Start With

Microsoft Excel is a widely used spreadsheet application that allows organizing, adjusting, analyzing, and formatting data in the spreadsheet. Mastering excels functions can help maximize business productivity.

You can also get your personal budget done quickly. If you have to use any data that needs to be downloaded from the web, check the internet connectivity. Let’s explore some basics that every user can start their excel journey with.

Resize Columns and Rows

If you need to adjust the row height and column width, click the column or row. Choose the Home tab and hit the Format button within the Cells group. Select what you wish to adjust, i.e., width or height. Enter the height or width and tap the OK button.

For manual adjustments, put the cursor between the row or column. Hit the left button, and drag and expand the floating balloon until you get the required size.

Manage Rows, Cells, or Columns

Adding and removing the cells, rows, or columns is easier using the Insert and Delete cells commands. Go to the Cells group and tap the Insert button. Select the required option. Similarly, to delete a column, tap the Delete menu and select the desired action. 

Alternatively, you can right-click on the cell row or column. To add new rows between existing rows, press Ctrl + Shift + plus sign (+). You can add multiple rows by toggling the + sign.

Paste Special

Copy and paste formula is simple by using the Paste Special function. Using this feature, you can select which elements of the copied cell you carry over. Copy the cell using Ctrl + C. Copy a formula by clicking twice the small box at the cell’s bottom right-hand side. 

Press Ctrl + Alt + V to implement Paste Special. Or, access the Clipboard of the Home ribbon or Click Edit and Paste Special. Another shortcut to paste values is pressing Alt + E + S + V.

Utilize Excel Formulas

There is an assorted range of Excel formulas you can use to perform some complex functions. Use the Equal (=) sign before applying any formula in the required cell. In addition, use + sign between the values to be added. For subtraction, use the – sign. For division, use the / sign. 

You may go through the online tutorials to learn new Excel formulae. If you are dealing with a slow internet connection or your Wi-Fi won’t turn on, try resetting your router and modem.

Remove Duplicate Data Points

A list of duplicate data points or sets can increase the complexity and make excel data management difficult. At that time, removing the duplicates became the potential solution. For this, simply highlight the row or column whose duplicates you want to delete. 

Access the Data tab and choose the Remove Duplicates option. You can remove a complete row based on a duplicate column value using the same method.

Change Cells Text Alignment

Format Cells dialogue is the most useful function to change the text alignment within cells. Choose the required cells and right-click on the selection. Next, tap the Format Cells option from the drop-down menu. 

Then, press the Alignment tab and change the text orientation using the mouse. Now, enter the required value and click the OK button. It will change the text orientation to the required format.

Lock Cells with F4

This function facilitates users to lock one of their inputs in the cells. However, you can add the dollar sign before the row number and column letter; typing this sign may be time-consuming. 

Alternatively, you can press F4 after selecting the cell to add the dollar sign and lock the required cell. Tapping the F4 key continuously will cycle through various options. It includes lock row number, lock cell, no lock, and lock column letter.

Work on Freeze Panes

This is the perfect way to scroll through a large data table without losing focus on a specific sheet section. Find the column or row of the area you wish to freeze. Now, choose the cell just under that row and to the right of that column. 

Access the View tab and click the Freeze Panes in the Window section. You can also use the shortcut of pressing Alt + W + F. Headings or columns will appear on scrolling if you are using Excel in Microsoft Windows.

The Conclusion

Well, the list of basics of Microsoft Excel does not end there. There are a lot more things you can explore. These are quite a lot of things that Excel users must know to handle everything in their spreadsheets. 

You may join specialized courses or watch online tutorials to get more detailed knowledge of the key skills and use Excel like a pro. 

So, start practicing with the basic tips to move ahead successfully over the advanced skills.