MS Excel

One of the most widely used office programs is Microsoft Office Excel, thanks to its variety of functions. Excel is among the most in demand skills at management and administrative posititons for data analysis and management. Among its range of capabilities is the management of tables, formats, and mathematical formulas, as well as pre-programmed functions and their corresponding conversion to graphics of various kinds. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, we invite you to continue reading as we will explain what Excel is, what it is for, and how it works.

Key Highlights of MS Excel

• MS Excel has a cell-based structure. It organises data in cells across rows and columns, facilitating easy data entry and formatting.
• Excel offers a vast library of built-in statistical, financial, and text data manipulation functions.
• PivotTables enable quick summarisation and analysis of large data sets, enhancing data comprehension.
• It provides a variety of chart types and visualisation tools to illustrate data trends and patterns.
• Highlights essential values based on user-defined criteria, making data stand out for quick analysis.
• Supports automation of repetitive tasks and customisation through Visual Basic for Applications.
• Seamlessly works with other Office applications for efficient data management and productivity.

What is MS Excel? 

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft, designed to help users store, organise, and manipulate data. Excel provides tools for performing mathematical calculations, creating complex formulas, analysing data through charts and graphs, and automating tasks. It supports a wide range of functions for various purposes, including financial analysis, statistical operations, and data visualisation. 

Excel is widely used in business, finance, and any field requiring data management, offering basic and advanced data analysis features. It also facilitates collaboration and sharing by allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same document through cloud services.

Basic Concepts of MS Excel

Here is a detailed look at the fundamental concepts of MS Excel:

Workbooks and Worksheets

• Workbook: An Excel file containing one or more worksheets.
• Worksheet: A single spreadsheet within a workbook consisting of cells arranged in rows and columns.

Cells, Rows, and Columns

• Cell: The basic unit for storing data, identified by a column letter and a row number (e.g., A1).
• Row: A horizontal group of cells identified by a number.
• Column: A vertical group of cells identified by a letter.

Formulas and Functions

• Formulas: Expressions used to perform calculations on data in cells, starting with an equals sign (e.g., =A1+B1).
• Functions: Predefined formulas that simplify complex calculations (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE).

Conditional Formatting

• Allows users to change the appearance of data in cells, including font size, colour, cell borders, and background colour, to improve readability and presentation.
• Automatically format cells based on your specified criteria, such as highlighting cells with values above a certain threshold.

Charts and Graphs

• Visual tools that represent data graphically, such as bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts, help to illustrate trends and patterns.

PivotTables

• PivotTable is a powerful feature for summarising, analysing, exploring, and presenting large amounts of data. 
• PivotTables can automatically sort, count, and total the data stored in one table or spreadsheet and create a second table displaying the summarised data.

Data Validation

• Ensures the integrity of your data by setting rules that dictate what data can be entered into a cell.

Sorting and Filtering

• Sorting: Rearranges data in a specific order, either ascending or descending.
• Filtering: Allows the display of only the rows that meet specific criteria, hiding the rest.

Protection and Security

• Features that allow you to protect your data from unauthorised access or alterations. 
• Includes locking cells to prevent editing and password-protecting your workbooks.

How Has MS Excel Evolved Over Time? 

How is MS Excel Used in Different Industries?

Microsoft Excel is a versatile tool used across various industries for data analysis, financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, etc. Its flexibility and powerful features make it indispensable for professionals in diverse sectors. 

Industry	Usage
Finance and Banking	Financial analysis Modelling Budgeting Risk management
Accounting	Managing financial records Creating balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements Auditing Ensuring compliance with financial regulations
Marketing	Market analysis Budgeting Campaign performance tracking Customer data analysis
Human Resources	Employee data management Payroll management Performance tracking Resource planning
Manufacturing and Engineering	Project management Inventory tracking Quality control Engineering calculations
Healthcare	Patient records management Medical billing Clinical data analysis Scheduling
Education and Research	Student data compilation Academic scheduling & budgeting Managing educational resources.

Why Should You Learn Excel?

Excel is among the best and the most popular tools in the workplace since it facilitates many administrative processes. It also allows us to perform tasks in a short time, automate repetitive tasks and avoid errors that can sometimes cost us large sums of money.

The capabilities of Excel and its multiple functionalities make it a very versatile tool, which we can use for: Accounting, handling inventories and managing stock, filtering, selecting, searching for large volumes of information or data, calculating deadlines and periods, analyzing information, comparing information, connect it with external sources, among many other types of use.

For this reason, and regardless of the profession you dedicate yourself to, it is almost certain that you will need to use Excel at some point. Today, knowing Excel is one of the most requested skills by companies. 

Related Read - What is Filter in Excel?

Advantages of Excel

1. Contains a Visual Basic editor for fast programming
2. Allows list creation and quick and easy graphing
3. It is possible to review the printing on the screen previously. You can print vertically and horizontally
4. Files can be protected using a password for greater security
5. Handles headers and footers, titles, margins, automatic page numbering, automatic insertion of date and time
6. Allows you to manipulate data directly
7. Allows you to see two or more applications on the screen at the same time
8. Performs arithmetic operations with formulas
9. Facilitates creating pivot tables, filtering data, quickly sorting data, and separating of text tables in column
10. It is a portable application. It can be sent by email and can be synchronized with PDAs.

Must Read - Mail Merge in Excel

Limitations of Excel

1. Some people consider the graphics insufficient or of poor quality
2. It is a paid program, not affordable for everyone
3. It is a program unable to handle dates before 1990
4. Information can be lost when the application is divided into too many files
5. Files take up a lot of space
6. Viruses could get attached to an Excel file through macros
7. It is not an application that one can be self-taught; you would need to learn it through courses or online tutorials
8. It does not work to be customized with financial subsets
9. Due to its technical requirements, a powerful computer in good condition is required. Otherwise, it may show performance issues 
10. The user needs to enter each operation manually
11. The latest versions do not offer such significant changes or improvements for users who see the same program over and over again, with similar functions and small tweaks, which are usually not very relevant.

Excel Applications

Excel stands out from other office programs because it allows us to organize data in rows and columns. By entering numeric and alphanumeric data in Excel spreadsheets, we can perform basic arithmetic calculations, apply more complex mathematical functions, and use statistical or logic-type functions in Excel.

Read - How to Use Excel Filter Shortcut?

Excel is used to -

1. Create tables to record and manage data
2. Generate statistical graphs using templates and formats
3. Link information to websites, text, spreadsheets, etc.
4. Make mathematical calculations automatically by using formulas
5. Prepare calendars, work schedules, etc.
6. Design invoices
7. Prepare accounting reports
8. Create budgets
9. Edit spreadsheets from other compatible programs, etc.
10. Process text and insert images into spreadsheets

Excel makes it easy to handle and work with numbers and allows you to analyze your data by using tools like charts and pivot tables.

Tools Similar to MS Excel

Below are some of the alternatives to Excel. Some can be used directly from the browser, without the need to install any additional software, but others will have to be installed on the PC. Also, it is not possible to install the alternative to Excel independently, so in most cases, we will have to install the complete office suite.

Excel Online

The first alternative to Excel from Office is Excel itself. Microsoft has a totally free OneDrive cloud office suite. This alternative to Office online, although it is a bit more limited than the desktop version, also has a number of advantages over it. For example, we can use it for free just by having a Microsoft Account, and it also allows us to save all our documents in the cloud so that they will be protected and we can access them from anywhere.

Google Drive (Sheets)

Google Drive is the successor to Google Docs, Google's office suite in the cloud. Within Drive, we can access Google applications completely free of charge, just like with Excel online. All the documents we make will be saved in the Drive cloud, thus always being safe.

Must Read - Microsoft Excel vs. Google Sheets 

LibreOffice Calc

LibreOffice is the closest OpenSource alternative to Office. This office suite, developed by The Document Foundation, allows most users to replace Office with a completely free alternative that has practically the same functions and features as the Microsoft suite.

LibreOffice Calc is fully compatible with spreadsheets created with Office, so you shouldn't have a problem switching from one application to another.

Zoho Sheet

Zoho Sheet is an excellent alternative option for small businesses and end-users. It focuses on group work on the cloud and is free for a maximum of 25 users.  

Only Office

OnlyOffice is 100% compatible with Office and is open source. This suite has a free version, aimed at users, and a paid version, hosted on its own servers, focused on companies. This way, users can choose the edition that best suits them based on their needs. Among its features, we can highlight data security, the administration of all corporate documents and a large number of productivity functions.

Top Courses to Learn Excel

Excel Skills for Business: Essentials by Coursera

Rating - 4.9 (42,548 ratings)

Students enrolled - 701,946

It is a beginner-level course that covers the essentials of Microsoft Excel. The course takers will learn how to navigate the Excel user interface, perform basic calculations with formulas and functions, professionally format spreadsheets, and create visualizations of data through charts and graphs. 

The course is a part of the specialization, if you wish to learn Advanced Excel, then you can go on and take up the rest of the courses in the specialization and be a more skilled Excel user. This course is a part of the 100% online Global Master of Business Administration (Global MBA) from Macquarie University. The full program counts towards your degree learning.

Microsoft Excel - Excel from Beginner to Advanced on Udemy

Rating - 4.7 (310,621 ratings)

Students enrolled - 1,026,947

This Microsoft Excel course is among the best courses available online. It essentially covers the 4 levels of Microsoft Excel topics (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Macros/VBA). In this course, you will learn common Excel functions, maintain large sets of Excel data in a list or table, create dynamic reports by mastering PivotTables, learn dynamic formulas with IF, VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH functions, etc., You can build a solid understanding of the Basics of Microsoft Excel with this course.

Must Explore - Free MS Excel Courses

Career in MS Excel 

There is no specific career path in Excel per se, but since it is a critical tool in many industries, a number of top-rated companies seek MS Excel experts. Here are some of the potential career paths for MS Excel experts, including real-life examples of companies in India actively seeking such talent.

Data Analyst

Job Role: Interpreting data, analysing results using statistical techniques, and providing ongoing reports.

Companies Hiring: TCS, Infosys, and Wipro regularly hire data analysts with strong Excel skills for their ability to manipulate and analyse data efficiently.

Salary Range: Rs. 1.8 - 13 LPA

Financial Analyst

Job Role: Assessing the financial health of businesses to guide decision-making. Tasks include analysing industry trends, preparing financial forecasts, and evaluating investment opportunities.

Companies Hiring: HDFC, Reliance Industries, and ICICI Bank seek financial analysts proficient in Excel for financial modelling and analysis.

Salary Range: Rs. 2 - 12 LPA

Marketing Analyst

Job Role: Evaluating marketing campaigns, consumer demographics, and market conditions. Utilising Excel to manage databases, visualise data trends, and forecast marketing ROI.

Companies Hiring: Hindustan Unilever, Procter & Gamble India, and Flipkart hire marketing analysts with Excel expertise to optimise marketing strategies and analyse consumer behaviour.

Salary Range: Rs. 2 - 14 LPA

Accountant

Job Role: Managing financial accounts, budgeting, and auditing. Excel is essential for accountants for financial reporting, tax preparation, and ledger management.

Companies Hiring: Deloitte India, KPMG India, and PwC India are among the top employers of accountants with advanced Excel skills for their auditing and consultancy services.

Salary Range: Rs. 0.9 - 6 LPA

Business Analyst

Job Role: Bridging the gap between IT and the business using data analytics to assess processes, determine requirements, and deliver data-driven recommendations.

Companies Hiring: Accenture, Capgemini India, and Cognizant Technology Solutions frequently hire business analysts with strong Excel skills for project management and process improvement.

Salary Range: Rs. 2.8 - 16.4 LPA

Operations Manager

Job Role: Overseeing operational activities, ensuring efficiency, managing supply chain operations, and analysing performance metrics.

Companies Hiring: Amazon India, Flipkart, and Reliance Retail are looking for operations managers proficient in Excel for inventory management, logistics planning, and operational analytics.

Salary Range: Rs. 2.9 - 20 LPA

HR Analyst

Job Role: Handling workforce data analytics, employee performance tracking, and HR planning. Excel creates detailed reports, manages employee databases, and analyses recruitment metrics.

Companies Hiring: TCS, Infosys, and Wipro use Excel for HR analytics and workforce planning.

Salary Range: Rs. 2.4 - 9 LPA

Project Manager

Job Role: Planning, executing, and closing projects. Excel helps in tracking project progress, budget management, and resource allocation.

Companies Hiring: Larsen & Toubro, Tata Projects, and Mahindra Group hire project managers with Excel proficiency for their expertise in managing timelines and budgets efficiently.

Salary Range: Rs. 4.2 - 30 LPA

Top MS Excel Skills to Learn

The below breakdown reflects the progression from fundamental Excel skills to more advanced and specialised ones.

• Beginner skills: Lay the foundation for effective spreadsheet management, focusing on essential functionalities for daily tasks.
• Intermediate skills: Can elevate a user's ability to analyse and present data, making them valuable for data interpretation and preliminary analysis roles.
• Advanced skills: Crucial for data analysts, financial analysts, and roles that demand deep data manipulation, complex modelling, and automation to inform strategic decision-making.

Expertise Level	Top MS Excel Skills
Beginner	Basic formulas and functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX)  Data entry and formatting  Basic chart creation (pie, bar, line)  Use of simple filters and sorting  Basic data manipulation (copy, cut, paste, autofill)
Intermediate	Complex formulas and functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH)  Conditional formatting  PivotTables and PivotCharts  Basic macros and introduction to VBA Data validation  Custom formatting and conditional logic (IF statements)
Advanced	Advanced data analysis with Power Query Mastery of array formulas and dynamic arrays  Advanced PivotTable techniques (slicers, calculated fields)  Power Pivot for data modelling and DAX formulas  Automation with VBA and complex macros  Integration with external data sources (SQL, Power BI)  Advanced charting and data visualisation techniques

By targeting skills relevant to their expertise level, individuals can strategically develop their Excel capabilities, opening up new career opportunities and enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in data-related tasks.

Top Online MS Excel Courses

We have listed some best MS Excel courses below. Depending on your skill level and objectives, you can choose the course that best suits your requirements.

MS Excel Courses	Course Description
Microsoft Excel - Excel from Beginner to Advanced by Udemy	Course Level: Beginner  Rating: 4.7 Description: Master MS Excel skills from Beginner to Advanced; Build a solid understanding of the Basics of Microsoft Excel.
Excel Skills for Business: Essentials by Coursera	Course Level: Beginner  Rating: 4.9 Description: Learn how to perform basic calculations with formulas and functions, professionally format spreadsheets, and create data visualisations through charts and graphs.
Using Basic Formulas and Functions in Microsoft Excel by Coursera	Course Level: Beginner  Rating: 4.7 Description:  Write formulas to perform simple calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; Use the SUM and SUMIF functions to analyse data; Calculate averages and percentages.
Data Visualization with Advanced Excel by PwC	Course Level:  Beginner  Rating: 4.8 Description:  Learn to use PowerPivot to build databases and data models; Perform simulation analysis using Excel built-in tools; Learn how to visualise data, tell a story and explore data by reviewing core principles of data visualisation and dashboarding.
Excel Tips and Tricks by Great Learning	Course Level: Beginner  Rating: 4.62 Description: Learn advanced MS Excel techniques and best practices, including advanced formulas and functions, data analysis and modelling, charting and graphing, and macros and automation.
Microsoft Excel - Advanced Excel Formulas & Functions by UDEMY	Course Level: Advanced  Rating: 4.2 Description: Learn how to use the advanced MS Excel formulas and functions

MS Excel Syllabus

An effective MS Excel syllabus covers a broad range of topics, from basic functionalities to advanced data analysis and modelling techniques. Learning paths often include understanding formulas, functions, data visualization tools, and automation with macros.

Module	Topics
Excel Basics	User Interface and Navigation Entering and Editing Data Cell Formatting  Worksheet Organization (Inserting/Deleting Rows/Columns) Saving and Sharing Workbooks
Formulas and Functions	Basic Operators and Calculations  Formula Creation and Editing  Common Functions (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, etc.)  Logical Functions (IF, AND, OR)  Lookup Functions (VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP)  Date and Time Functions  Text Functions
Data Formatting & Visualization	Number Formatting  Conditional Formatting  Charting (Various Chart Types)  Chart Formatting and Customization  Creating PivotTables and PivotCharts
Data Management & Analysis	Sorting and Filtering Data  Filtering with Advanced Criteria  Data Validation  Data Tables and Scenario Manager  What-If Analysis Tools
Advanced Techniques	Macros and VBA Introduction  Automating Tasks with Macros  User-Defined Functions (UDFs)  Working with External Data Sources  Data Consolidation and Linking

Following are the most popular MS Excel Colleges in India. Learn more about these MS Excel colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular MS Excel courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in MS Excel.

Following are the most popular MS Excel PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the top exams for MS Excel. Students interested in pursuing a career on MS Excel, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.