Excel is a powerful tool that is widely used in various industries, including finance, marketing, sales, and operations. With its ability to organize, analyze, and visualize data, Excel has become an essential skill for many job roles. Having basic knowledge of Excel can not only help you perform better in your current job but can also increase your chances of getting hired for a new one.
In interviews, employers often ask candidates about their experience and proficiency in Excel. Being able to demonstrate your skills can set you apart from other applicants and show that you have the necessary knowledge to succeed in the role.
Basic Knowledge of Excel for your Interviews covers 100 questions and answers to help you master the essential concepts and features of Excel. From formulas and functions to charts and data analysis tools, this comprehensive guide will prepare you to showcase your Excel skills and ace your next job interview. With our expert tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to impress any hiring manager and land your dream job!
Job Roles That Use Excel
Excel is a ubiquitous tool that is used in many industries and job roles, from entry-level to executive positions. Some of the job roles that require basic Excel knowledge include data analysts, financial analysts, business analysts, accountants, project managers, and administrative assistants.
In data analysis and data science, Excel is often used to manage and manipulate large data sets, perform calculations, and create charts and graphs.
In finance and accounting, Excel is used to create and manage budgets, financial models, and financial statements.
In project management, Excel is used to track progress, manage resources, and create timelines.
In administrative roles, Excel is used for tasks such as creating spreadsheets, managing databases, and organizing schedules.
Having basic Excel knowledge can be a valuable asset in many job roles and can help you perform tasks more efficiently and accurately. This blog post will cover some of the basic concepts, formatting techniques, and data analysis skills that you should know to impress your potential employer during an Excel-related interview question.
How To Master Excel In A Day For An Interview?
It’s unlikely that you can master Excel basics in just one day, as there is a lot to learn and practice. However, you can certainly gain a solid understanding of the basic concepts and features of Excel with focused learning and practice.
Before we dive into Basic Knowledge of Excel for your Interviews, you can read our detailed blogs on Excel Tricks You Should Memorize: A Comprehensive Guide, Excel Shortcut Keys to Memorize, Advanced Excel In Simple Terms, Easy Excel Formulas, Vlookup Excel – Everything You Need to Know, and Excel Basics You Must Know to get familiar with the Excel software and its various features. These resources can help you gain a deeper understanding of Excel and build a strong foundation for your Excel skills, which will be helpful in your job interviews.
100 Questions & Answers About Basic Knowledge Of Excel For Your Interviews
1. What is Excel?
Excel is a spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft that allows you to store, organize, and analyze data.
2. What are spreadsheets?
Spreadsheets are files that contain rows and columns, where you can input, manipulate, and analyze data.
3. What is a cell?
A cell is a box in a spreadsheet where you can input data, such as numbers, text, or formulas.
4. What is a formula?
A formula is an equation that performs calculations on data in your spreadsheet. Formulas start with an equal sign (=).
5. How do you create a new worksheet in Excel?
To create a new worksheet in Excel, click on the plus sign (+) located to the right of the last worksheet tab.
6. How do you format data in Excel?
To format data in Excel, select the cells you want to format and click on the Home tab. From there, you can choose various formatting options, such as font size, color, and alignment.
7. What are some common formatting techniques for data in Excel?
Common formatting techniques include using bold, italic, or underline for emphasis, changing the font size or color, aligning cells, and adding borders.
8. What is conditional formatting in Excel?
Conditional formatting is a feature in Excel that allows you to automatically format cells based on specific conditions, such as cell values or text.
9. How do you use conditional formatting in Excel?
To use conditional formatting in Excel, select the cells you want to format and click on the Conditional Formatting button under the Home tab. From there, you can choose from various preset conditions or create your own.
10. What is data analysis in Excel?
Data analysis in Excel refers to the process of using formulas, functions, and tools to manipulate and analyze data in a spreadsheet.
11. What are some common functions in Excel?
Common functions in Excel include SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, and MIN.
12. How do you sort data in Excel?
To sort data in Excel, select the cells you want to sort and click on the Sort button under the Data tab. From there, you can choose to sort in ascending or descending order based on specific criteria, such as alphabetical order or numerical value.
13. How do you filter data in Excel?
To filter data in Excel, click on the Filter button under the Data tab. From there, you can select specific criteria to show only the data that meets those conditions.
14. What are pivot tables in Excel?
Pivot tables are a tool in Excel that allows you to summarize and analyze large amounts of data by creating a customizable table.
15. How do you create a pivot table in Excel?
To create a pivot table in Excel, select the data you want to analyze and click on the Insert tab. From there, select PivotTable and choose the location for the table.
16. How do you use charts and graphs to visualize data in Excel?
To use charts and graphs in Excel, select the data you want to visualize and click on the Insert tab. From there, choose the type of chart or graph you want to create.
17. What are some keyboard shortcuts for Excel?
Some common keyboard shortcuts for Excel include Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, and Ctrl + Z for undo.
18. How can you use Excel templates to save time?
Excel templates are pre-designed spreadsheets that you can use as a starting point for your own data. They can save you time by providing a structure for your data and formulas.
19. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using Excel?
Common mistakes to avoid when using Excel include not backing up your data, not double-checking your formulas, and not using absolute cell references correctly.
20. How do you use absolute cell references in Excel?
Absolute cell references are used to keep a specific cell reference constant when copying a formula to other cells. To use an absolute cell reference, add a dollar sign ($) before the row and column reference, such as $A$1.
21. What is a named range in Excel?
A named range is a specific range of cells in an Excel worksheet that has been assigned a name for easy reference.
22. How do you create a named range in Excel?
To create a named range in Excel, select the cells you want to name and click on the Formulas tab. From there, click on Define Name and enter a name for the range.
23. What is a function in Excel?
A function is a predefined formula that performs a specific calculation, such as SUM or AVERAGE.
24. How do you use a function in Excel?
To use a function in Excel, type the function name followed by the arguments, such as =SUM(A1:A5).
25. What is a formula bar in Excel?
The formula bar in Excel is located above the worksheet and displays the contents of the active cell, including any formulas or functions.
26. How do you protect cells in Excel?
To protect cells in Excel, select the cells you want to protect and click on the Format Cells button under the Home tab. From there, select the Protection tab and check the box for Locked. Then, click on the Review tab and choose Protect Sheet.
27. What is a macro in Excel?
A macro is a series of commands or actions that can be recorded and played back in Excel.
28. How do you record a macro in Excel?
To record a macro in Excel, click on the Developer tab and choose Record Macro. Then, perform the actions you want to record and click on the Stop Recording button when finished.
29. What is a data validation in Excel?
Data validation is a feature in Excel that allows you to limit the type of data that can be entered into a cell.
30. How do you use data validation in Excel?
To use data validation in Excel, select the cell or range of cells you want to apply validation to and click on the Data Validation button under the Data tab. From there, choose the type of validation you want to apply, such as allowing only whole numbers or specifying a list of acceptable values.
31. What is the difference between a relative reference and an absolute reference in Excel?
A relative reference in Excel adjusts cell references when copied or moved to different cells, while an absolute reference stays fixed.
32. How do you freeze rows and columns in Excel?
To freeze rows and columns in Excel, select the row or column you want to freeze and click on the View tab. From there, choose Freeze Panes and select the appropriate option.
33. What is a named cell in Excel?
A named cell is a specific cell in an Excel worksheet that has been assigned a name for easy reference.
34. How do you create a named cell in Excel?
To create a named cell in Excel, select the cell you want to name and click on the Formulas tab. From there, click on Define Name and enter a name for the cell.
35. What is the difference between sorting and filtering in Excel?
Sorting in Excel rearranges data in a specific order based on certain criteria, while filtering in Excel displays only the data that meets specific criteria.
36. What is the purpose of conditional formatting in Excel?
The purpose of conditional formatting in Excel is to highlight cells that meet certain criteria, such as a certain color or value.
37. What is the SUM function in Excel?
The SUM function in Excel is used to add up a range of cells.
38. What is the AVERAGE function in Excel?
The AVERAGE function in Excel is used to calculate the average of a range of cells.
39. What is the COUNT function in Excel?
The COUNT function in Excel is used to count the number of cells that contain data in a range of cells.
40. What is the MAX function in Excel?
The MAX function in Excel is used to find the highest value in a range of cells.
41. What is the MIN function in Excel?
The MIN function in Excel is used to find the lowest value in a range of cells.
42. What is the IF function in Excel?
The IF function in Excel is used to perform a logical test and return one value if the test is true and another value if the test is false.
43. What is a chart in Excel?
A chart in Excel is a visual representation of data that is used to show trends, patterns, and relationships.
44. How do you create a chart in Excel?
To create a chart in Excel, select the data you want to use and click on the Insert tab. From there, choose the type of chart you want to create.
45. What is a line chart in Excel?
A line chart in Excel is used to show trends or changes over time using a continuous line.
46. What is a bar chart in Excel?
A bar chart in Excel is used to compare different categories of data using horizontal or vertical bars.
47. What is a pie chart in Excel?
A pie chart in Excel is used to show the relative proportions of different categories of data using slices of a circle.
48. What is a scatter chart in Excel?
A scatter chart in Excel is used to show the relationship between two sets of data using points on a graph.
49. How do you create a pivot chart in Excel?
To create a pivot chart in Excel, select the pivot table you want to use and click on the Insert tab. From there, choose the type of chart you want to create.
50. How do you create a pivot table from multiple sheets in Excel?
To create a pivot table from multiple sheets in Excel, select the data you want to use from each sheet and combine it into one table. Then, create a pivot table using the combined table.
51. What is a conditional sum in Excel?
A conditional sum in Excel is used to sum values in a range of cells that meet specific criteria. To do this, use the SUMIF or SUMIFS function.
52. What is the CONCATENATE function in Excel?
The CONCATENATE function in Excel is used to combine text from two or more cells into one cell.
53. How do you use the CONCATENATE function in Excel?
To use the CONCATENATE function in Excel, type =CONCATENATE(cell1, cell2) into the target cell, replacing “cell1” and “cell2” with the cell references you want to combine.
54. What is the VLOOKUP function in Excel?
The VLOOKUP function in Excel is used to find a specific value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column in the same row.
55. How do you use the VLOOKUP function in Excel?
To use the VLOOKUP function in Excel, type =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]) into the target cell, replacing “lookup_value,” “table_array,” and “col_index_num” with the appropriate values.
56. What is the HLOOKUP function in Excel?
The HLOOKUP function in Excel is similar to the VLOOKUP function, but it searches for a value horizontally across rows instead of vertically across columns.
57. What is a data table in Excel?
A data table in Excel is used to show the results of a formula or function for different input values.
58. How do you create a data table in Excel?
To create a data table in Excel, enter the input values for the formula or function in one or more rows or columns, and then enter the formula or function in a cell. Then, click on the Data tab and choose What-If Analysis > Data Table.
59. What is a goal seek in Excel?
A goal seek in Excel is a tool that allows you to determine the input value needed to achieve a specific output value for a formula or function.
60. How do you use goal seek in Excel?
To use goal seek in Excel, enter the formula or function and the desired output value, and then click on the Data tab and choose What-If Analysis > Goal Seek. Enter the input cell reference and the desired input value, and then click OK.
61. What is a scenario in Excel?
A scenario in Excel is used to test different sets of input values for a formula or function to see the resulting output.
62. How do you create a scenario in Excel?
To create a scenario in Excel, click on the Data tab and choose What-If Analysis > Scenario Manager. From there, choose Add to create a new scenario, and then enter the input values you want to test.
63. What is a named range with multiple ranges in Excel?
A named range with multiple ranges in Excel is a range that consists of non-contiguous cells or ranges that have been combined and named for easy reference.
64. How do you create a named range with multiple ranges in Excel?
To create a named range with multiple ranges in Excel, select the first range you want to include and press and hold the Ctrl key. Then, select the additional ranges you want to include. Finally, click on the Formulas tab, choose Define Name, and enter a name for the range.
65. How do you use the IFERROR function in Excel?
The IFERROR function in Excel is used to handle errors in formulas by returning a specific value instead of an error message. To use the IFERROR function, type =IFERROR(formula, value) into the target cell, replacing “formula” with the formula you want to use and “value” with the value you want to return if an error occurs.
66. What is the ROUND function in Excel?
The ROUND function in Excel is used to round a number to a specified number of digits. To use the ROUND function, type =ROUND(number, num_digits) into the target cell, replacing “number” with the number you want to round and “num_digits” with the number of digits you want to round to.
67. How do you use the INDEX function in Excel?
The INDEX function in Excel is used to return a value from a specific cell in a range or array. To use the INDEX function, type =INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num]) into the target cell, replacing “array” with the range or array you want to search, “row_num” with the row number of the cell you want to return, and “column_num” with the column number of the cell you want to return.
68. What is the MATCH function in Excel?
The MATCH function in Excel is used to find the position of a value in a range or array. To use the MATCH function, type =MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type]) into the target cell, replacing “lookup_value” with the value you want to search for, “lookup_array” with the range or array you want to search in, and “match_type” with 0, 1, or -1 to specify the type of match you want to use.
69. What is the CHOOSE function in Excel?
The CHOOSE function in Excel is used to return a value from a list of values based on the position of the value in the list. To use the CHOOSE function, type =CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], [value3], …) into the target cell, replacing “index_num” with the position of the value you want to return and “value1,” “value2,” “value3,” etc. with the list of values to choose from.
70. What is the CONCAT function in Excel?
The CONCAT function in Excel is similar to the CONCATENATE function and is used to combine text from two or more cells into one cell. To use the CONCAT function, type =CONCAT(cell1, [cell2], [cell3], …) into the target cell, replacing “cell1,” “cell2,” “cell3,” etc. with the cell references you want to combine.
71. What is the TEXT function in Excel?
The TEXT function in Excel is used to format a number or date as text using a specific format code. To use the TEXT function, type =TEXT(value, format_text) into the target cell, replacing “value” with the number or date you want to format and “format_text” with the format code you want to use.
72. What is a pivot chart in Excel?
A pivot chart in Excel is a graphical representation of data from a pivot table that allows you to visualize and analyze data in different ways.
73. What is a sparkline in Excel?
A sparkline in Excel is a small chart that shows trends in data. It can be inserted into a cell and is often used for quick visual analysis.
74. How do you create a sparkline in Excel?
To create a sparkline in Excel, select the cell where you want to insert the sparkline and go to the Insert tab. From there, select the type of sparkline you want to create.
75. How do you use filtering in Excel?
To use filtering in Excel, select the data you want to filter and go to the Data tab. From there, select Filter and choose the criteria you want to filter by.
76. What is the difference between a relative and absolute cell reference in Excel?
A relative cell reference in Excel changes based on the location of the formula or function, while an absolute cell reference stays fixed.
77. What is a function argument in Excel?
A function argument in Excel is a value or cell reference that is used as input in a formula or function.
78. How do you use the COUNTIF function in Excel?
The COUNTIF function in Excel is used to count the number of cells in a range that meet specific criteria. To use it, enter =COUNTIF(range, criteria) into the target cell, replacing “range” and “criteria” with the appropriate values.
79. What is the TODAY function in Excel?
The TODAY function in Excel is used to return the current date.
80. How do you use the TODAY function in Excel?
To use the TODAY function in Excel, enter =TODAY() into the target cell.
81. What is a cell style in Excel?
A cell style in Excel is a combination of formatting options, such as font size, color, and alignment, that can be applied to a cell or range of cells.
82. How do you use cell styles in Excel?
To use cell styles in Excel, select the cell or range of cells you want to format, click on the Home tab, and choose a cell style from the Styles gallery.
83. What is the difference between a pie chart and a donut chart in Excel?
A pie chart in Excel is a circular chart that shows the proportions of different data categories, while a donut chart is a variation of a pie chart that has a hole in the center.
84. How do you create a donut chart in Excel?
To create a donut chart in Excel, select the data you want to use and click on the Insert tab. From there, choose the Doughnut chart type.
85. What is the difference between a line chart and a scatter chart in Excel?
A line chart in Excel is used to show trends or changes over time using a continuous line, while a scatter chart is used to show the relationship between two sets of data using points on a graph.
86. How do you create a scatter chart in Excel?
To create a scatter chart in Excel, select the data you want to use and click on the Insert tab. From there, choose the Scatter chart type.
87. What is a data model in Excel?
A data model in Excel is used to analyze large amounts of data and create relationships between data sets.
88. How do you create a data model in Excel?
To create a data model in Excel, click on the Data tab and choose Get Data > From File or From Database. From there, choose the data source you want to use and follow the prompts to connect to the data and create the model.
89. What is the SUMIF function in Excel?
The SUMIF function in Excel is used to add up a range of cells that meet specific criteria.
90. How do you use the SUMIF function in Excel?
To use the SUMIF function in Excel, type =SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range]) into the target cell, replacing “range” with the range of cells to be evaluated, “criteria” with the condition to be met, and “sum_range” with the range of cells to be added.
91. What is the COUNTIF function in Excel?
The COUNTIF function in Excel is used to count the number of cells that meet specific criteria.
92. How do you use the COUNTIF function in Excel?
To use the COUNTIF function in Excel, type =COUNTIF(range, criteria) into the target cell, replacing “range” with the range of cells to be evaluated and “criteria” with the condition to be met.
93. What is the AVERAGEIF function in Excel?
The AVERAGEIF function in Excel is used to calculate the average of a range of cells that meet specific criteria.
94. How do you use the AVERAGEIF function in Excel?
To use the AVERAGEIF function in Excel, type =AVERAGEIF(range, criteria, [average_range]) into the target cell, replacing “range” with the range of cells to be evaluated, “criteria” with the condition to be met, and “average_range” with the range of cells to be averaged.
95. What is the MAXIF function in Excel?
The MAXIF function in Excel is used to find the highest value in a range of cells that meet specific criteria.
96. How do you use the MAXIF function in Excel?
To use the MAXIF function in Excel, type =MAXIF(range, criteria) into the target cell, replacing “range” with the range of cells to be evaluated and “criteria” with the condition to be met.
97. What is the MINIF function in Excel?
The MINIF function in Excel is used to find the lowest value in a range of cells that meet specific criteria.
98. How do you use the MINIF function in Excel?
To use the MINIF function in Excel, type =MINIF(range, criteria) into the target cell, replacing “range” with the range of cells to be evaluated and “criteria” with the condition to be met.
99. What is the INDEX function in Excel?
The INDEX function in Excel is used to return the value of a cell located at a specific row and column within a range of cells.
100. What is column chart in Excel?
A column chart in Excel is a type of chart that displays data as vertical bars, with each bar representing a different category or value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a basic knowledge of Excel is an essential requirement for many jobs in today’s market, particularly in data analysis, accounting, finance, and project management. A thorough understanding of Excel’s fundamental concepts and features, including formulas, functions, charts, data analysis tools, and keyboard shortcuts, can significantly increase your chances of success in job interviews and on the job. It can also help you work more efficiently and effectively, making you an asset to any team. By taking the time to learn and master Excel’s basics, you will be setting yourself up for success in your career and enhancing your value to potential employers. So don’t hesitate to start learning Excel today, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job!
