This is typical when you're exporting lists, like marketing contacts or blog posts. Sometimes you'll have a disorganized list of data. Then, copy and paste the values to another spreadsheet before you start analyzing. Pro tip: Start with a filtered view in your original spreadsheet. By selecting the Gryffindor filter, the other rows disappear. Say you only want to see the students in Gryffindor. Let's take a look at the Harry Potter example below. This lets you choose whether you want to organize your data in ascending or descending order, as well as which rows you want to show. To add a filter, click the Data tab and select 'Filter.' Next, click the arrow next to the column headers. From there, you can choose which cells you want to view. In Excel, you can add a filter to each column in your data. That's where filters come in.įilters allow you to pare down data to only see certain rows at one time. Sometimes, you only want to look at data that fit into certain criteria. When you're looking at large data sets, you usually don't need to look at every row at the same time.

Once you have these functions down, you’ll be ready to tackle more pro Excel tips and advanced lessons. Let’s start this Excel guide with the basics. Need to copy formatting across an array of cells? Excel can do that, too. Need to combine data in multiple cells? Excel can do it. Sometimes, Excel seems too good to be true. Then, click on the Excel icon to open the application. You'll click on Launchpad or look in your applications folder. Next, sign in and install Microsoft 365.Īfter you sign in, follow the steps for your account and computer system to download and launch the program.įor example, say you're working on a Mac desktop. First, check to make sure that your PC or Mac meets Microsoft's system requirements.

You can format, organize, visualize, and calculate data with this tool. It's used for data entry and management, charts and graphs, and project management. Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet software program for business.

How to do microsoft excel