Excel Basics: Questions and Answers
Q: What is Excel?
A: Excel is a spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft that allows users to organize,
format, and calculate data using formulas, functions, charts, and pivot tables.
Q: What is a Cell in Excel?
A: A cell is the basic unit of a worksheet where you enter data. It is formed by the
intersection of a row and a column (e.g., A1, B2).
Q: What is the difference between a Workbook and a Worksheet?
A: Workbook: A file that contains one or more worksheets.
Worksheet: A single sheet in a workbook where data is stored.
Q: What is a Formula in Excel?
A: A formula is an expression used to perform calculations on data. It always starts with '='.
Example: =A1+B1
Q: What is a Function in Excel?
A: A function is a built-in formula in Excel to perform specific calculations. Example:
=SUM(A1:A5), =AVERAGE(B1:B3)
Q: What does the $ symbol mean in Excel formulas?
A: It makes a cell reference absolute, meaning it won’t change when copied. Example: $A$1
refers to a fixed cell, not relative.
Q: How do you apply filters in Excel?
A: Select the header row → Go to the 'Data' tab → Click on Filter. Dropdown arrows appear
to filter data.
Q: How do you create a chart in Excel?
A: Select your data → Go to the 'Insert' tab → Choose a chart type (e.g., Pie, Bar, Line).
Q: What is a Pivot Table in Excel?
A: A Pivot Table is a tool that summarizes large data sets. You can drag and drop fields to
view totals, counts, averages, etc.
Q: What is Conditional Formatting?
A: It allows you to automatically apply formatting (like colors) to cells based on specific
conditions. Example: Highlight values greater than 100.
Q: What is the use of VLOOKUP?
A: VLOOKUP is used to find data in a table based on a lookup value. Syntax:
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])
Q: What is the shortcut to copy and paste in Excel?
A: Copy: Ctrl + C
Paste: Ctrl + V
Q: How do you freeze panes in Excel?
A: Go to the 'View' tab → Click 'Freeze Panes' → Select an option to lock rows/columns when
scrolling.
Q: What is the use of Data Validation?
A: It controls what type of data can be entered in a cell. Example: Creating a dropdown list
of values.
Q: How do you remove duplicates in Excel?
A: Select the data → Go to 'Data' tab → Click 'Remove Duplicates'.
Q: Steps to create a dashboard in Excel?
Collect the data
Add the necessary columns
Create a pivot table
Create graphs, charts, maps, etc.. using the pivot table created as per the
requirements
Allign the created visuals in an interactive way.
Q: What is the use of HLOOKUP?
A: It is similar to VLOOKUP but the difference is this can help to find the data using lookup
row value.
Syntax: =HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])
Q: Formulae with explanation:
=SUM – Can be used to add numbers
=SUMIF – This is also used to add numbers but based on Condition
=COUNT – Can be used to find the count
=COUNTIF – Can be used to find the count based on some conditions
=IF ELSE – Can be used to give conditions to display the value (eg. Pass or Fail) i.e one
condition at a time
=IFS – This is also a way to give conditions but the advantage here is we can give more than
one conditions.
= AVERAGE – Can be used to find average of numbers
= DIFFERENCE – Can be used to subtract numbers
FlashFills – Can be used to fill the data by giving the example format (Shortcut: Ctrl+E)
Q: How to create a dropdown List?
A: select the cell in which we need to create a dropdown -> data -> data validation -> select
List -> Give the values need to be displayed in the dropdown -> Click Ok
Q: Use of text to columns option?
A: This will help to convert the data which is given in a single column separated with
commas, semicolon, dot, tab, etc.. into different columns.
