How to Use Excel: 25 Tips Every Beginner Should Know for 2025

Microsoft Excel is an incredibly powerful tool that is useful in many fields and professions. It allows you to organize, analyze, and present data effectively. However, it can seem daunting for beginners. Here are 25 tips you should know to start your journey of using Excel in 2025.

1. Understand the Excel interface

First things first, you need to understand the basic parts of the Excel interface. This includes Ribbon (where you find commands and functions), Formula bar, Cell address box, and the Worksheet area.

2. Know how to enter data

To enter data in Excel, click on a cell and start typing. Press "Enter" to complete. Try filling different cells with different types of data like text, numbers or dates.

3. Learn to select cells

You can select a cell by clicking on it. To select multiple cells, hold down the "Shift" key while clicking on cells.

4. Learn to format cells

Excel offers many formatting options. You can change the font, color, size, and style. You can also format numbers to display as currency, percentages, dates, etc.

5. Use AutoFill feature

Excel's AutoFill feature can save you time when you need to fill in a sequence of numbers or dates. Just type the first few entries, select them, and then drag the fill handle.

6. Understand cell referencing

In Excel, you can refer to the content of other cells in your formulas. This is done by using cell referencing. For example, to refer to cell A1 in a formula, you just type "A1".

7. Learn to use basic functions

There are hundreds of functions in Excel, but some basic ones like SUM(), AVERAGE(), COUNT(), MIN() and MAX() are good starting points.

8. Understand the order of operations

In formulas, Excel follows the standard order of operations. This means it first performs operations in parentheses, then it does multiplication and division, and finally addition and subtraction.

9. Use absolute and relative references

When you copy formulas, Excel changes cell references by default. This is called relative reference. However, you might sometimes want to keep the cell reference constant. This is done by using absolute reference and is achieved by adding a $ sign before the column letter or row number.

10. Use the Fill Series command

To fill a series of numbers, dates or even weekdays, you can use the Fill Series command. This is faster and smarter than manually typing or even using AutoFill.

11. Learn to sort data

Sorting data can make it easier to analyze. In Excel, you can sort data in an ascending or descending order.

12. Learn to filter data

When you have massive amounts of data, filtering can help you focus on important details. Excel allows you to filter data based on different criteria.

13. Use conditional formatting

Conditional formatting allows you to automatically format cells based on their values. For example, you can highlight cells that have values above or below a specific threshold.

14. Learn to create simple charts

Charts can make your data more understandable. Excel offers a variety of chart types including column, line, pie and bar charts.

15. Use PivotTables

PivotTables are one of the most powerful features of Excel. They allow you to analyze large amounts of data quickly and easily.

16. Protect your worksheets

If you share your Excel files with others, you might want to protect them to avoid accidental changes. Excel allows you to protect entire worksheets or specific cells.

17. Learn to use Find and Replace

The Find and Replace command can save you time when you need to find specific entries or replace certain data.

18. Learn to use Data Validation

Data Validation allows you to control what can be entered into your spreadsheet. This can help you maintain the accuracy and integrity of your data.

19. Use the Text-to-Columns feature

If you have data in one column that you want to split into multiple columns, you can use the Text-to-Columns feature.

20. Limit scrolling by freezing panes

If you have a large spreadsheet, the Freeze Panes feature can help you by keeping certain rows or columns visible while you scroll through the rest of the worksheet.

21. Use Quick Analysis

The Quick Analysis tool allows you to quickly perform analysis tasks like formatting, charts, totals, tables and Sparklines.

22. Create custom lists

Excel allows you to define your own lists for use with the AutoFill feature. This can greatly enhance your productivity.

23. Use Hyperlinks

You can use hyperlinks in Excel to link to web pages, other documents, or even specific parts within your Excel spreadsheet.

24. Use Excel on mobile devices

Excel has mobile apps for iOS and Android so you can work on your spreadsheets on the go.

25. Keep learning!

Excel is a complex tool with countless features. Even experts are constantly learning new tricks. As a beginner, don't be discouraged if you feel overwhelmed. Just keep learning at your own pace, step by step.

Once you familiarize yourself with these tips and tricks, you will be better equipped to use Excel efficiently and effectively. So, start practicing and enrich your knowledge and skills in Excel.