Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program that can be used to organize, analyze, and present data into lists and graphs. It is useful in applications such as accounting, budgeting, planning, and making schedules and calendars.

Using Microsoft Excel 2011

1. Open Excel by clicking on the green X icon.
2. Select a Template from the box that appears. There are a few pre-made templates to choose from, and you can find more online by searching the Microsoft Office website.
3. To enter data into a worksheet, click on the cell (a space for inputing data) where you want the data to go and type it in. You can also edit data in a cell by typing it into the formula bar (fx). Tip: Press Enter/Return or Tab to move to the next cell.
4. To format data, select the data by clicking on the cell. You can then modify your selection such as bolding or changing alignment (left, center, right, etc.). You can also change the format of numbers automatically by selecting an item from the drop down menu Number, located on the Home tab:

Doing this will automatically format any numerical data in the cell to the format you selected. For example, selecting "Currency" will change a numerical value in the cell to a currency format (e.g. typing "4.13" will automatically turn into "$4.13"). Tip: To select multiple cells, hold down the ⌘ key and click the cells.

Tips

• To undo a mistake, go to Edit > Undo (or press ⌘ + Z).
• Be sure to Save your file frequently.

For more basic information as well as in-depth tutorials, please see the Microsoft Excel for Mac website [opens in new window].