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Key points for students - Microsoft Excel- Introducing spreadsheets

This module introduces students to spreadsheets, covering key concepts such as basic formulae, cell references, and functions like SUM and AVERAGE. It also discusses formatting techniques to enhance readability, the creation of graphs and charts for data visualization, and the use of Goal Seek for analyzing how changes in values affect outcomes. Students will work with pre-populated spreadsheets to complete tasks throughout the unit.

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Mohamed Solob
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8 views2 pages

Key points for students - Microsoft Excel- Introducing spreadsheets

This module introduces students to spreadsheets, covering key concepts such as basic formulae, cell references, and functions like SUM and AVERAGE. It also discusses formatting techniques to enhance readability, the creation of graphs and charts for data visualization, and the use of Goal Seek for analyzing how changes in values affect outcomes. Students will work with pre-populated spreadsheets to complete tasks throughout the unit.

Uploaded by

Mohamed Solob
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introducing spreadsheets

About the module: Key points for students


You will be provided with pre-populated spreadsheets to complete the tasks for this unit.

Basic formulae
Formulae are entered by clicking on the cell where the formula is required and then typing.
All formulae begin with an equals sign = .
Cell references (such as A1, B2) are used to identify the cells containing values to be used,
and the operators +, -, * and / are used.
The formula in a cell can also be edited by selecting the cell and then clicking in the formula
bar.

Cell references
A relative cell reference will change when it is copied or replicated to another cell.
An absolute cell reference is created by adding a dollar sign $ in front of the column
reference, row reference or both. This fixes the reference so that it does not change when it
is replicated.

Functions
Functions are pre-programmed into spreadsheets to enable longer and more complex
calculations to be performed easily. Functions always begin with an equals sign = followed by
the function name.
The functions that you will use through this unit include:

Function Use
SUM Adds up the values in a range of cells.
AVERAGE Works out the average value of a range of cells.
MAX Finds the largest value in a range of cells.
MIN Finds the smallest value in a range of cells.
Is used to return one value if something is True and another value if
IF
something is False. It is used in decision making.
COUNTIF Counts how many cells in a range contain a specific value.
COUNT Counts the number of cells in a range that contain a number.
Counts the number of cells in a range that contain a value (text or a
COUNTA
number).

© Hodder & Stoughton Limited 2021


Introducing spreadsheets

Formatting
Formatting is used to make a spreadsheet easier to read and to highlight important
information and values. The formatting tools are found in the ribbon.
Conditional formatting will automatically change the appearance of a cell depending on the
value it contains.
In Excel, conditional formatting is applied by selecting ‘Conditional Formatting’ and ‘Highlight
Cells Rules’ from the ‘Home’ tab.

Graphs and charts


Graphs and charts can be created to give a visual representation of the data in a
spreadsheet.
In Microsoft Excel, select the data on the spreadsheet, go to ‘Insert’ and then choose the
type of chart you require from the ‘Recommended Charts’ drop-down list.

Goal Seek
Goal seek allows you to see how changing one value in a formula affects another.
To use Goal Seek, go to the ‘Data’ tab, click on ‘What-If Analysis’ and select ‘Goal Seek …’.

© Hodder & Stoughton Limited 2021

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