50 MS Excel Interview Questions to Ace Your Interview
Microsoft Excel continues to be one of the most important tools for all business in today’s data driven world. Excel is essential in most business settings for tasks including data organization, budget creation, sophisticated analysis, and automation. Performing well in an Excel interview is essential whether you’re advancing your career or getting ready for your first job.These 50 MS Excel interview questions included beginner, intermediate and expert levels to aid in your preparation. Enrolling in a professional Excel course in Noida might be extremely beneficial if you believe that you require more structured instruction.
Ideal for fresher’s or those with limited exposure. These questions check your fundamental understanding.
1. What is Microsoft Excel?
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application used to do, analyze, and store data using formulas, functions , and tools like charts and pivot tables.
2. What is a cell address in Excel?
The cell address is the column letter followed by the row number, like, A1 or B3.
3. What is a cell in excel?
A cell address is a box where you enter data, defined by the intersection of rows and columns.
4. What is the difference between a workbook and a worksheet?
A workbook is the entire excel file; a worksheet is a single tab inside the workbook.
5. What is text wrapping?
Text wrapping shows long text on multiple lines within a cell.
Go Home> Wrap Text to enable it.
It improves readability without changing column width.
6. What is the default Excel file extension?
The default extension is .xlsx. for modern Excel files.
Older version used .xls.
Macro – enabled files use .xlsm.
7. What is the difference between a formula and a function?
Function
Formula
A predefined operation in excel
A user – created expression using cell references and operators
Use for special tasks like calculations, logic, etc.
Combines functions , operations , and values to perform tasks
Easier to use and less error -prone.
Can be more complex and customized based on user needs.
8. How can you format numbers as currency?
Select the cell ➡️ Right – click ➡️ Format cells ➡️ Number tab ➡️ Choose currency.
This shows the value in the desired currency format.
9. How to freeze panes in Excel?
Freeze panes maintain the worksheet’s rows and columns visible when navigating through it.
Go to the “View” tab ➡ ️ Click “Freeze Panes”.It locks headers or rows for easy viewing when scrolling.
10. What is the purpose of data validation?
Data validation controls the type of data entered in a cell.You can restrict to dates,numbers,or custom lists.It prevents errors.
11. What is the use of Autofill in Excel?
Autofill automatically fills data in adjacent cells based on pattern.
Drag the fill handle(small square at cell corner).
Great for dates, numbers, and formulas.
12. What is a pivot table?
A pivot table summarizes large data sets. You can drag fields into rows/columns to group and analyze quickly.
Great for reporting.
13. How is Excel ‘s SUMIF() function used ?
The cell values indicated by a specific condition or criterion are added by the SUMIF() function.
14. How do you merge cells?
Select the cells ➡️ Click “Merge & Centre” under the “Home” tab.
It combines cells into one large cell. Commonly used often for headings.
15. What is the short cut to insert the current date ?
Press Ctrl + ;(semicolon).Following this,The current date appears in the selected cell.
16. What is the difference between COUNT and COUNTA ?
COUNT
COUNTA
Counts only numeric values in range.
Counts all non- empty cells(numbers, text,dates, etc.)
Ignores blank cells and cells with text.
Ignores only blank cells
Useful for counting how many numbers are in a dataset.
Useful for counting how many cells are not empty.
17. What is COUNTIF used for ?
COUNTIF counts the number of cells that meet a condition.
Example:-
= COUNTIF(A1: A10, “>50” ) counts for numbers greater than 50.
18. What is VLOOKUP in Excel?
VLOOKUP searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a related value.
Syntax:
= VLOOKUP (value, table, column, FALSE)
19. How many different report formats does Excel offer ?
Outline form
Compact form
Tabular form
20. In Excel, how do you make a hyperlink?
Worksheets and files/websites can be accessed using hyperlinks.
Ctrl + K is the shortcut used to create a hyperlink.
21. How do you remove duplicates?
Select the data range,go to the “Data” tab , click “Remove Duplicates.” Excel will keep only unique values.
22. What is slicer?
A Slicer is a visual filter for Pivot Tables. Click buttons to filter values. It improves data navigation.
23. How do you use OFFSET?
OFFSET returns a range that is offset from a starting cell.
Syntax:
= OFFSET (A1 , 1 , 1 ) refers to cell B2.
Intermediate Level Excel Interview Questions
24. What is the IF function?
The IF function checks a condition and returns one value of true and another if false.
For example:
=IF ( A1 > 50 , “Pass”, “Fail” ).
It’s useful for decision making.
25. What is the use of the TEXT function?
A number can be formatted and turned into text using the TEXT method.
For example:
=TEXT(44361, “dd-mm-yyyy”) converts a date number into a formatted date.
26. What is the use of CONCATENATE ?
CONCATENATE joins multiple text values into one string.
Examples:
= CONCATENATE ( “Mr. “, A1 ).
Alternatively, you can use the & operator.
27.Is it feasible to use several data sources to generate pivot tables?
Yes, you may use data from several spreadsheets to build a pivot table. A field that functions as a primary key in one table and a foreign key in the other should be shared by both tables in order to accomplish this.
28. What is the difference between relative and absolute reference?
Relative reference
Absolute reference
Changes automatically when copied to another cell.
Remains fixed, no matter where it’s copied.
Relative reference uses just the column is and row (A1)
Absolute reference uses dollar signs to lock the column and row ($A$1)
29. What is the difference between FIND and SEARCH function in Excel?
The SEARCH function is not case – sensitive , but the find function is , Both determine where a character or substring is located inside a text string.
Example:
= FIND (“a” , “Data” ) returns 2, while
=SEARCH (“A” , “Data” ) also returns 2.
30. How do you apply a filter to multiple columns at once?
Under the data tab, select “Filter” to make dropdowns available for all column headers. Next, apply filters to many columns at once using each option. This helps refine data findings based on a variety of parameters.
31. How do you use the SUBSTITUTE function ?
SUBSTITUTE replaces existing text with new text in string.
Syntax:
=SUBSTITUTE (text, old_text , new_text ).
32. How can you insert comments in Excel?
Use shift + F2 or right click on a cell and choose “New comment.” Comments are helpful for giving context or explanations and show up as brief notes for documentation or teamwork.
33. How do I use Data Filters in Excel?
To add dropdowns to column headings, use the “Filters” option under the “Data” tab. Rows can then be filtered by text , values , or criteria. It facilitates the rapid reduction of big datasets.
34. What is a named range?
A named range gives a cell or collection of cells a name . It facilitates understanding of formulae.
Did you know ? 🔍
From simple math operations to sophisticated financial and statistical computation, Excel has more than 400 built-in functions.
Advanced Level Excel Interview Questions
35. What is a Power Query?
Importing, cleaning, and transforming data is possible with Power Query, a data connection tool. It supports a number of file types and automated processes.
36. What is the difference between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP?
XLOOKUP
VLOOKUP
Only searches vertically (columns).
Can search both vertically and horizontally.
Needs IFERROR separately
Built-in error handling (e.g., if_not_found)
Available in all excel version
Available in Excel 365 and Excel 2019 + only
37. What is VBA in Excel?
Visual Basic for Applications is referred to as VBA. It is a programming language for Excel automation. It is used by more experienced users to create unique scripts.
38.What is a dynamic range?
INDIRECT converts text to a cell reference.
Example:
= INDIRECT ( “A” & 1) returns the value in cell A1. Helps in dynamic formulas.
39. How do you find the last row and column in VBA ?
In VBA , You can find the last row using:
lastRow = Cells (Rows . Count, 1). End(x1Up). Row
To find the last column:
LastCol = Cells (1, Columns.Count). End(x1ToLeft). Column
These commands detect the last used cell in a column or row based on data.
40. Create a VBA function to determine a rectangle ‘s area.
Function RectangleArea ( length As Double, width As Double) As Double
RectangleArea = length × breath
End function
41. How can Excel be integrated with Power BI ?
You can export Excel data to Power BI directly. Power BI reads Excel Tables and PivotTables. Integrity is useful for creating advanced reports.
42. To determine whether a given integer is a prime number or not, write a VBA code ?
Function Is Prime (n As Long) As Boolean
Dim i As Long
If n<=1 then isprime="False" exit function end if for i="2" to sqr(n) n mod next < pre>
43. How do you protect specific cells in Excel while allowing edits to others?
First, select all cells and press Ctrl +1 to open Format Cells, then uncheck “Locked”.
Next, select only the cells you want to protect, lock them, and apply Review > Protect Sheet with a password.
This process restricts editing of key data while keeping other cells editable.
44. How do you use VBA to loop through rows and find duplicates ?
Use for i = 2 To lastRow to construct a loop in VBA , then use nested loops to compare data. Make use of If cells (I, 1). Value= j, 1 cell . After that, duplicates should be found and either highlighted or logged.
For a huge database when manual inspection is impractical, this method works well.
45. How do you use array formulas or dynamic arrays in Excel 365 ?
Array formulas like = SUM( FILTER (B2 : B100, A2 : A100 = “Sales”)) calculate values based on multiple criteria.
In Excel 365, dynamic arrays automatically spill results into adjacent cells.
46. How do you calculate a running total with conditions in Excel?
Use formula a like = SUMIF (&A&2: A2 , A2 , &B&2 : B2 ) to calculate a running total for each group. It dynamically adds values for matching entries as you go down the rows.
47. How do you apply conditional formatting using a formula?
After choosing the range, select “Use a formula to determine which cells to format” under Home> Conditional Formatting> New Rule.
After selecting the formatting style, enter a logical formula such as =A2 > 100.
Custom highlighting depending on dynamic situations is possible using this technique.
48. How do you use Excel’s Power Query to clean and transform data?
Go to data> Get & Transform> From Table/ Range, then open Power Query Editor.
You can remove duplicates, split columns , change data types, or merge queries.
After transforming, click “Close & Load” to send the cleaned data back to excel.
49. How do you Perform a many -to many lookup in Excel?
To retrieve similar values, use auxiliary columns with IF and methods like TEXTJOIN , FILTER, or INDEX – MATCH.
As an alternative, combine many tables using similar fields by using Power Query.
50. How can we determine if a file is present in a given location?
If Dir (“C :\ Users\ YourName \ Documents\ file.xlsx” ) <> “” Then
MsgBox “File exists”
Else
MsgBox “File not found”.
End If
Conclusion
Clarity in both fundamental and complex topics is necessary while preparing for an Excel interview. An organized method for learning the fundamentals of Excel is offered by this comprehensive set of interview questions for Microsoft Excel. Enrolling in a reputable Excel course in Noida may provide you practical experience and a thorough grasp of sophisticated tools like Power Pivot, VBA , and advanced functions, regardless of your level of expertise or desire to move into a technical capacity.
FAQs
Q. What excel skills are important for an interview ?
VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP,Pivot Tables, Conditional Formatting, and basic VBA.
