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Lesson 1.1 – What Is Excel and Why It Matters Worldwide

Lesson 1.1 – What Is Excel and Why It Matters Worldwide



This lesson introduces Microsoft Excel from a practical and professional perspective. The objective is to understand what Excel is, why it is used globally, and how it supports everyday work in business, finance, operations, and data analysis. The explanations are designed for learners with no prior experience.

1. What Excel Is

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application used to store, organize, calculate, and analyze data. It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is available on Windows, macOS, and the web. Excel is based on a grid structure composed of rows and columns, which allows users to work with numerical and textual information in a structured and scalable way.

Excel is commonly used for:

  • data entry and data organization
  • mathematical and statistical calculations
  • financial analysis and budgeting
  • reporting and data visualization
  • business planning and forecasting
  • operational tracking and performance monitoring

2. Why Excel Is Used Worldwide

Excel is considered a global standard because it combines accessibility, flexibility, and analytical power. It is used in organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to multinational corporations. Its widespread adoption is due to several factors:

  • Compatibility: Excel files can be shared and opened across different systems and platforms.
  • Scalability: It supports both simple lists and complex analytical models.
  • Functionality: It includes formulas, functions, charts, tables, and automation tools.
  • Learning Curve: It is accessible to beginners but powerful enough for advanced users.

Excel is used in finance, accounting, logistics, marketing, project management, data analysis, research, education, and administrative work. For many roles, Excel proficiency is considered a fundamental professional skill.

3. How Excel Works: Core Concepts

To use Excel effectively, it is essential to understand its basic structure. The following elements form the foundation of all Excel operations:

3.1 Workbooks

A workbook is the Excel file itself. Each workbook can contain one or more worksheets. Example: Budget.xlsx.

3.2 Worksheets

A worksheet is a single page within a workbook. Worksheets are used to separate different sets of data or different stages of analysis. Example: “Sales”, “Inventory”, “Dashboard”.

3.3 Cells

A cell is the smallest unit in Excel. It is identified by a column letter and a row number (e.g., A1, B2, C3). All data—numbers, text, formulas—are entered into cells.

3.4 Rows and Columns

Rows run horizontally and are numbered (1, 2, 3...). Columns run vertically and are labeled alphabetically (A, B, C...). Together, they form the grid structure that defines the worksheet.

4. Practical Exercise

Complete the following steps to become familiar with Excel’s basic structure:

  1. Open Excel and create a new blank workbook.
  2. Rename the worksheet to Lesson 1 Practice.
  3. In cell A1, type your full name.
  4. In cell B1, enter today’s date.
  5. In cells A3 to A7, list five practical uses of Excel (e.g., “Budgeting”, “Data Analysis”).

This exercise introduces the concepts of cells, rows, columns, and basic data entry.

5. Additional Resources

Next Lesson

Lesson 1.2 – The Excel Interface: Ribbon, Tabs, and Groups

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