Microsoft Excel Basics for Complete Beginners

Learn to create spreadsheets, enter data, use formulas, and make charts in Excel.

In this guide (7 steps):

1.Create a new workbook
2.Enter data
3.Format your data
4.Use AutoSum for quick math
5.Write simple formulas
6.Create a chart
7.Save and print

Create a new workbook

~15s

Open Excel. Click File > New > Blank Workbook. You see a grid of cells organized in columns (A, B, C) and rows (1, 2, 3). Each cell has an address like A1 or B5.

Enter data

~15s

Click any empty cell and start typing. Press Enter to move down a row, or Tab to move to the next column. Type numbers, text, or dates — Excel recognizes them automatically.

Format your data

~15s

Select cells, then use the Home tab for formatting. Bold (Ctrl+B), font size, cell borders, fill color. For numbers, choose Currency, Percentage, or Date format from the dropdown.

Use AutoSum for quick math

~15s

Select a cell below your numbers. Click Home > AutoSum. Excel automatically totals the numbers above. Press Enter to confirm. This is the fastest way to add up a column.

Write simple formulas

~15s

Type = to start a formula. Examples: =A1+A2 (adds two cells), =SUM(A1:A10) (totals a range), =AVERAGE(B1:B5) (average). Press Enter to calculate.

Create a chart

~15s

Select your data. Click the Quick Analysis button (bottom-right of selection) > Charts tab. Preview chart types by hovering, then click to insert. Excel creates the chart instantly.

Save and print

~15s

Press Ctrl+S to save. Choose your location (computer or OneDrive). Press Ctrl+P to print — preview your spreadsheet first and adjust settings before printing.

You Did It!

You've completed: Microsoft Excel Basics for Complete Beginners

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