Introduction

In this lesson, you will practice some basic Excel skills.

Make sure that Excel is working on your computer and that you are comfortable performing the following steps. In this activity, you will walk through a few simple steps that will familiarize you with this program. This is a supplemental activity for those unfamiliar with Excel; therefore, you are not required to complete it. However, if you are unfamiliar with Excel, it is recommended that you complete this activity.

Additional help on certain steps is available by viewing the videos below. However, the content of the videos is also covered in the section below called "Practicing Excel."

1. Open Excel and create a blank workbook.

   • Video: How to Open Excel to a blank workbook (Transcript)

2. Type your first and last name in cell A1 (top left-hand cell).

   • Video: How to Enter Text in Excel (Transcript)

3. Wrap the text in cell A1 so your first name appears above your last name.

   • Website: Wrap Text in a Cell

4. Save and close the file.

   1. Video: How to Save and Close a Workbook (Transcript)

5. Reopen the file and make sure you see the file with your name in the first cell.

   • Video: How to Open an Existing Workbook (Transcript)

Practicing Excel

To check for understanding, you may complete the following activity. Please note that you are not required to complete it, but it will be helpful for those with little to no Excel experience.

• Double-click on Excel to open it.
• Create a blank workbook by selecting Blank workbook.

Figure 1

• Type your first and last name in cell A1, which is the top left-hand cell (in Figure 2, it is the cell that reads “Jonathan Doe”).

Figure 2

• Wrap the text in cell A1 so your first name appears above your last name.
  
  • In order to wrap text, select the Wrap Text button (see Figure 3) in the Alignment section of the Home tab. Notice in Figure 4 the text is wrapped within the cell.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Things to Remember

• Other Excel tutorials and exercises are found in the BYU Pathway Worldwide Resource Center.

Additional Resources

If you feel that you need additional training on Excel, refer to these helpful resources on the Microsoft Office Support site:

• Basic tasks in Excel: Quick tips to help you open Excel and get started with basic tasks.

Need More Help?

1. Study other Math Lessons in the Resource Center.
2. Visit the Online Tutoring Resources in the Resource Center.
3. Contact your Instructor.
4. If you still need help, Schedule a Tutor.