Microsoft Excel, Fundamentals

This hands-on class covers the core features and shortcuts needed to create and update professional-looking worksheets. This class is designed for anyone who wishes to gain a foundational understanding of Excel whether they are truly new to its use or simply wish to “fill in the gaps” of their knowledge. Special emphasis will be given to taking the mystery out of formulas and functions. Class format will provide time for the instructor to recommend best practices, explain new concepts, introduce shortcuts, and answer questions. Participants will have time to apply new skills to real world scenarios. Topics include: • Using best practices & shortcuts to perform common tasks • Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar on the fly • Building custom worksheets from scratch • Understanding how math is done in an Excel spreadsheet • Converting written formulas into Excel format • Applying the Order of Operations to multi-step equations • Identifying key Excel functions and deciphering their syntax • Applying common summary functions to various scenarios • Leveraging the Intellisense feature when building functions • Reusing a single formula across multiple rows or columns • Utilizing relative, mixed and absolute references to avoid errors • Transforming data with the Paste Special command • Modifying worksheet data and structure quickly and easily • Selecting and updating multiple entries more efficiently • Using Excel’s built-in proofing and research tools to verify info • Enhancing worksheet appearance with formatting, styles & themes • Building navigation shortcuts into your worksheet with hyperlinks • Copying complex formats with the Excel format painter • Incorporating basic data visualization with conditional formatting • Using Excel templates to accelerate the creation of new workbooks • Avoiding common printing frustrations • Applying page layout options & configuring headers/footers • Organizing and managing multi-sheet workbooks • Selecting optimal view options for updating large files • Using workbook properties to tag & search for related files