Excel Tips

Session 1:

- To add an entire vertical or horizontal row on excel type =sum(D1:D10)

- To add in general type =sum(D1,E1,F1) or select cells (as in D1,E1,F1) instead
- To find a percentage type =D1/D10*100 or type =D1/D2 then select the percentage sign in
the number tab
- To get rid of the automatic percentage calculation, select general instead of percentage in the
number tab
- To find the average type =average(D1:D10)
- To copy formula into other cells: select the cell with the formula in it, then reposition your
cursor to the bottom right corner of the cell until it shows a + sign, then select the cell and
drag down and let go
- If the formula is copied wrong: to correct this include a $ sign in front of both column and
row e.g. $D$1
- To create a graph: select data in table and select type of graph in insert tab
- To create a pie chart representing percentages: insert pie chart, click on empty chart and click
select data, then select the data and add, to label percentages: click on pie chart and select add
data labels, format data and then percentage
- To change points/ orders of slices on pie chart:
- To input powers in excel: 1E-12 can be used to represent 10 -12 or alternatively type ^ e.g.
10^(-12)
- To change decimal point for all data: select cells, then click format cells, then number
- To change decimal point for very large/small numbers that have powers: select scientific
instead of number
- To use conditional formatting to highlight: select from the range of cells, then click
conditional formatting and choose from selection e.g. highlight if greater than…then type e.g.
25%
- To rename spreadsheet from sheet 1: click on format in menu tab, then click rename
- Guide to charts: legend means key and horizontal axis is the labels for the columns
- To label x and y axis: click on chart tab, then add design tab, then add chart element
- To name data series in a chart: click on chart, then click select data and then edit, edit the
name
Session 2

- To write numbers in consecutive order: e.g. 1,2,3 type 1,2,3 in cells below each other and
then move cursor till an addition sign (also known as range handle) shows and drag down and
release
- To select all data: hold the buttons (control a) or drag and select all
- To access quick analysis: select all data and click on quick analysis in the bottom right or hold
(control q)
- To find roots of a quadratic: click on any cell underneath y row e.g. B14, paste formula to
yield the answer, then click data tab then what if analysis and finally select goal seek, then
type 0 (as root is when y=0) and then in “by changing” type the cell code that’s beside B14
e.g. A14. The root will appear in A14
- To change accuracy of goal seek: select file, then options at the bottom, then formula and
select maximum change and input accuracy you need e.g. 0.0001
- To change maximum iteration: repeat steps above but select maximum iteration instead of
maximum change
 - What is goalseek doing:
- To find roots of equation using solver: click data tab then under analyse select solver,
- To find minimum and maximum of parabola using solver:
- Can paste data directly onto chart: select data and paste onto pie chart
- How to see where curves intersect using solver:
- Calibration curves: concentrations of chemicals, response=slope *conc +intercept where
response is dependant variable
Session 3:

- Indicate author, creation date, updates and company logo

- Use a key/legend
- Use check cells
- Control switches formula to result
- Control page up/down changes spreadsheet
- =CONVERT(number from unit to unit)
- Mass balance

Session 4:

- How to find specific word: click home, select find and type in word, press next to see all
occurrences or press control f
- Replace words: click home tab, click find and select, select replace or press control H