Excel Basics

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application used to store, organize, calculate, and visualize data in rows and columns. It's one of the most widely used tools in data science, business intelligence, and everyday reporting.

The Excel Interface

A workbook is the Excel file itself, made up of one or more worksheets (sheets). Each worksheet is a grid of cells identified by a column letter and row number, such as A1 or C10.

• Ribbon - the toolbar at the top with tabs like Home, Insert, Formulas, and Data.
• Formula Bar - shows the exact content or formula in the selected cell.
• Name Box - displays or lets you type a cell reference to jump to it directly.
• Sheet Tabs - found at the bottom, used to switch between worksheets in a workbook.

Entering and Editing Data

Click any cell and start typing to enter data. Press Enter to confirm and move down, or Tab to move right. Double-click a cell (or press F2) to edit its existing content.

Basic Navigation Shortcuts

Ctrl + Arrow Key   -> Jump to the edge of a data block
Ctrl + Home        -> Go to cell A1
Ctrl + End         -> Go to the last used cell
Ctrl + Page Up/Down -> Switch between worksheets