Features of Excel

Microsoft Excel is one of the leading spreadsheet applications in use today. In fact, no matter where you work in the business world, chances are high that you will need at least basic proficiency in using this powerful program. It's a smart move to enroll in some form of Microsoft Excel Training so that you will be prepared.

What's so great about Excel in the first place? It's capable of handling tens of thousands of records and it allows you to easily analyze, manipulate, and communicate the data. Among the dozens of features available, the mastering the following is critical: sorting and filtering, formatting, charting, grouping and sub-totaling, data validation, what-if analysis, Pivot Tables, functions and formulas, and formula auditing.

Excel stores information in rows and columns in worksheets. A single Excel workbook can have multiple worksheets. For example, you might have one worksheet that stores information about your expenses for each of the last five years and another worksheet summarizing each year's expenses. Another worksheet may contain a pie chart illustrating this information visually. Another worksheet might contain forecasts for future spending. In addition, you may have hidden worksheets containing other sensitive information that you need in order to make your calculations but don't necessarily want others to see.

By learning how to use Excel, you can create simple and complex workbooks easily. Formulas and functions automate calculations and reduce errors. Filters allow you to look at the data that's most relevant while Pivot tables and charts provide you with a way to summarize and communicate your results with others.

Whether you enroll in Microsoft Excel 2003 Training or Microsoft Excel 2007 Training depends on the version of Excel that you use. It's important to make the distinction because the 2007 edition has been completely redesigned. While many of the features work the same way, they are laid on the interface differently. Excel 2007 uses a "ribbon" with tabs for basic categories whereas Excel 2003 uses a menu-based interface with various toolbars.