Getting Started with Excel
Learn your way around the Excel interface, including the Ribbon, Backstage view, Quick Access Toolbar, workbook views, and zoom controls.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
The Excel Interface
When you open Excel, you’ll see a workbook made up of rows, columns, and cells. The active cell is highlighted and ready for data entry.
Understanding the Ribbon
The Ribbon contains tabs like Home, Insert, Page Layout, Formulas, Data, Review, and View. Each tab contains groups of related commands.
Backstage View
Click the File tab to open Backstage view. From here, you can save, open, print, share, and manage your workbook.
Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar lets you quickly access frequently used commands like Save, Undo, and Redo. You can customize it to add more tools.
Using the Tell Me Box
The Tell Me box helps you quickly find commands. Simply type what you want to do, and Excel will suggest tools and actions.
Workbook Views & Zoom
Excel includes different worksheet views, such as Normal view and Page Break view. You can also adjust zoom levels using the zoom slider.
Knowledge Check
Where are most Excel commands found?
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Complete the following tasks:
- Identify the active cell in a new workbook.
- Switch between Ribbon tabs.
- Open Backstage view and return to the workbook.
- Add a command to the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Use the Tell Me box to find a command.
- Switch between Normal view and Page Break view.
- Adjust the zoom level.