Excel Beginners

Navigating Excel: Step 1 To Mastering Spreadsheets

The Formulas Tab

Insert Function tool

Insert Function will open up a dialog box which will allow you to search for a function you want to use in a formula based on its name or description, and then guide you in applying it by segmenting its arguments.

Function Category tools

The various Function Categories will open drop-down menus that hold the functions associated to them. Hovering over a function name will give a brief descriptor of the functions use case. There are too many functions to list here, but additional functions-based content is available HERE.

Name Manager tool

Name Manager opens a dialog box which allows you to add, modify, or delete named ranges which exist within your workbook.

Define Name tool

Define Name allows you to create a new named range and assign whether it exists across the entire workbook or the singular worksheet it is in.

Use in Formula tool

Use in Formula allows you to insert a named range within a formula, if a formula is not currently active, it will simply insert the range into the cell you have selected.

Create from Selection tool

Create from Selection creates a new named range based on the current cells you have selected, using the first or last row/column as the names for each range, and the subsequent values as the range.

Trace Precedents tool

Trace precedents allows you to display arrows between the selected cell and any cells which it references in its formulas.

Trace Dependents tool

Trace Dependents allows you to display arrows between the selected cell and any cells which reference it in their formulas.

Remove Arrows tool

Remove Arrows will hide any visible arrows which are on screen from the two trace tools.

Evaluate Formula tool

Evaluate Formula allows you to take a step-by-step look at how Excel processes a formula, this can let you see exactly where a formula results in an error, or gain a better understanding of the steps taken to solve for something more complex.