Getting Started with Microsoft Excel

Purpose

This article helps you get started with Microsoft Excel in Microsoft 365, including how to create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets.

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Applies To

• Microsoft 365
• Microsoft Excel

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Audience

• All employees
• New hires

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Overview

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application that allows you to organize data, perform calculations, and create charts and visualizations. With Microsoft 365, your Excel files are stored securely in the cloud, making them accessible from any device.

Files saved to OneDrive or SharePoint automatically sync and allow real‑time collaboration with coworkers.

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Getting Started

Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft 365

1. Open a web browser and go to:
   https://mail.icc.edu
2. Sign in using your work email address and password.

Step 2: Open Excel

1. Select the App Launcher (nine dots in the top‑left corner).
2. Select Excel.

Step 3: Understand Excel

• Home – View your recent files and templates.
• New – Create a new blank workbook or select a template.
• Open – Access files stored in OneDrive, SharePoint, or uploaded from your device.
• Workbook View – Switch between Editing, Reading, or Comments view.

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Common Tasks

Create a New Workbook

1. From the Excel home screen, select Create blank workbook.
2. Begin entering your data.

Open an Existing File

1. Select Upload a file.
2. Choose OneDrive, Sites (SharePoint), or Upload from your device.

Format Cells

1. Select the cell(s).
2. Use the Home ribbon to adjust:
   • Font
   • Cell color
   • Number formatting
   • Alignment

Create a Table

1. Select your data range.
2. Go to Insert → Table.
3. Confirm the data range and whether your table has headers.

Insert a Chart

1. Select the data you want to visualize.
2. Go to Insert → choose a chart type (Column, Line, Pie, etc.).

Use AutoSum

1. Select the cell where you want the calculation to appear.
2. Choose AutoSum Σ on the Home ribbon.
3. Select Sum, Average, Count, Min, or Max.

Share a Workbook

1. Select Share in the top‑right corner.
2. Click Share
3. Enter the person’s email.
4. Select the pencil and edit permissions.
5. Select Send.

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Tips & Best Practices

• Save your Excel files in OneDrive or SharePoint for automatic backup.
• Use Tables to make data easier to sort and filter.
• Keep formulas consistent by using cell references instead of hard‑coded values.
• Use named ranges to simplify complex formulas.
• Review and manage sharing settings regularly.

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Common Questions

Can multiple people work in the same Excel file?

Yes. Excel Online supports real‑time collaboration when files are saved to OneDrive or SharePoint.

Are Excel files backed up?

Yes. Files stored in Microsoft 365 are securely backed up in the cloud.

Do I need to save changes manually?

If you’re using Excel Online or a synced OneDrive folder, changes are saved automatically.

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Before Contacting the Service Desk

Please confirm that you have:

• Accessed Excel via https://mail.icc.edu
• Verified the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint
• Checked your sharing permissions for collaborative files
• Ensured your Internet connection is active

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Still Need Help?

If you can’t open, edit, or share Excel files, submit a Service Desk ticket and include:

• The file name
• Where the file is stored (OneDrive, SharePoint, local device)
• Any formulas or features causing issues
• Any error messages shown

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Related Articles

• Microsoft Excel Documentation