Excel II
Microsoft Excel 2010
This guide will walk through some intermediate features of Microsoft Excel 2010. Before beginning
this course, you may want to review some of the basic elements via Excel I. In this handout you will
find out how to (page numbers listed in parentheses):
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Use Absolute Values in Formulas (1)
Apply Conditional Formatting (1)
Create and manipulate Charts (2)
Create and manage AutoFill Lists (2)
Use Absolute Values in Formulas
In Excel I you learned how to reference particular cells in a formula using the column and row
identified in the Name Box, but that is known as a relative value. This means when you copy the
formula (manually or with AutoFill) the relative cell reference will remain intact. However, there are
times when you’ll want to reference a particular cell without it actually adjusting automatically. You
do this with Absolute values. This is quickly accessed with the F4 key (hitting it multiple times will
result in various stages of absolute values) or you can type in a $ before both the column letter and
the row number, such as:
= B3/$B$2
Apply Conditional Formatting
There may be times when you want to emphasize or highlight certain cells only if they are above a
certain range or meet particular criteria. This is known as conditional formatting.
1. Begin by highlighting the content to which you wish to apply conditional
formatting.
2. On the Home tab in the Styles group, select Conditional Formatting. Here to
you select your options:
• Highlight Cell Rules: Set parameters for greater than, less than,
equal to, etc.
• Top/Bottom Rules: Set formatting for the top or bottom 10% (or
other number) or the average.
• Data Bars: Select preset bars to be visible in the background of each
cell. (Can manage details by going to Manage Rule.)
• Color Scales: Select preset color schemes to be used to identify the
high, middle, and low numbers. (Can manage details by going to
Manage Rule.)
• Icon Sets: Select preset icons to identify the high, middle, and low
numbers. (Can manage details by going to Manage Rule.)
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Using Charts
Charts are a great way to visually display the data on your spreadsheet.
1. Begin by selecting the content you wish to chart. Tip: To select nonadjacent cells, use the CTRL key on your keyboard.
2. On the Insert Tab in the Charts group, select the type of chart you wish
to use.
3. Once you have created a chart, a separate toolbar will appear in the
Ribbon with the following options:
Design
• Type: Change the chart type or set as a template.
• Data: Select different data from your spreadsheet to use in
the chart.
• Chart Layout: Adjust the chart layout.
• Chart Style: Adjust the chart style.
• Location: Move chart location.
Layout
• Current Selection: Format a particular part of the chart.
• Insert: Insert pictures, shapes, and textboxes into your chart.
• Labels: Edit chart title, axis titles, the legend, data labels, or add data table.
• Axes: Adjust axis and gridlines.
• Background: Change chart background colors or 3-D rotation.
• Analysis: Add and adjust trendlines, bars, etc.
• Properties: Name chart.
Format
• Current Selection: Format a particular part of the chart.
• Shape Styles: Adjust the fill, outlines, and effects of the chart.
• WordArt Styles: Adjust the shape and colors of the WordArt within the chart.
• Arrange: Rotate, group, and order charts or other images.
• Size: Define the size of the chart.
Using Custom AutoFill Lists
AutoFill is a great way to quickly generate duplicate formulas, lists, and patterns, but what if you
want to create your own list of student names, lunch menu items, or the like? You can do so by
generating your own custom AutoFill List.
1. Type in the list that you would like to use as an AutoFill directly onto your spreadsheet.
2. Highlight the list using your mouse.
3. On the File tab, under Options, select Advanced.
4. Scroll down to General and click on the Edit Custom Lists button.
5. Your list should be available by clicking on the Import button.
6. Click Ok.
7. Now you are able to type in the first word of your list then use the AutoFill feature to
complete the rest.
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