Excel basics and formulas
Like an interactive sheet of graph paper, Excel spreadsheets
are divided into rows and columns that intersect to create boxes
known as cells. Columns are labeled alphabetically (A, B, C…),
and rows are labeled numerically (1, 2, 3…). You can enter
alphanumeric data into any cell and use formulas and functions
to perform calculations on that data. Then you can create charts
and graphs to display the results.
For example, to create a simple monthly household budget,
just type “Budget” in cell A1, and press ENTER. In cells A3 to
AX (X stands for the row number of the final cell you fill with
data), enter common expense categories such as mortgage, rent,
food, utilities, and entertainment. In cells B3 to BX, enter
projected expenses. Two cells below BX (if X equals 15, this
cell would be B17), enter the formula to total your expenses:
=SUM(B3:B15).
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