Excel Quick Reference | VUB Intermediate Computer Skills

🔢 Essential Formulas

SUM - Add Numbers

=SUM(A1:A10)

Adds all values from A1 through A10

AVERAGE - Find Mean

=AVERAGE(A1:A10)

Calculates the average of values

MAX - Highest Value

=MAX(A1:A10)

Finds the largest number in range

MIN - Lowest Value

=MIN(A1:A10)

Finds the smallest number in range

COUNT - Count Numbers

=COUNT(A1:A10)

Counts cells that contain numbers

Simple Math

=A1+B1

Add cells. Also: -subtract, *multiply, /divide

⚠️ Remember: Every formula MUST start with an equals sign (=). Without it, Excel treats your entry as text, not a formula!

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt+=

AutoSum (instant SUM)

Ctrl+S

Save workbook

Ctrl+Z

Undo last action

Tab

Move to next cell (right)

Enter

Move to next cell (down)

Delete

Clear cell contents

📋 Common Tasks

Sort Data

Click any cell in the column to sort
Go to Data tab
Click A→Z (ascending) or Z→A (descending)

Filter Data

Click any cell in your data
Go to Data tab → Filter
Click dropdown arrow on header
Uncheck items to hide them

Create a Chart

Select your data (including headers)
Go to Insert tab
Choose chart type (Column, Pie, Line)
Click to insert

Format Numbers as Currency

Select cells with numbers
Go to Home tab
Click $ in Number group

📊 When to Use Each Chart

Column/Bar Chart

Compare different categories
Example: Expenses by month

Pie Chart

Show parts of a whole (%)
Example: Budget breakdown

💡 Pro Tips: The colon (:) in formulas means "through" — so A1:A10 means "A1 through A10". Use Alt+= below a column of numbers to instantly insert a SUM formula! Always save your work with Ctrl+S before closing.