What is Microsoft Excel? How to Use It? Advanced Excel Guide (50+ Practical Features and Menu Descriptions)

Microsoft Excel is one of the most powerful and widely used spreadsheet software for data analysis, table creation, charting, financial calculation, project tracking, and automation. It has become an indispensable tool for both individual users and corporate companies.

In this article, we detail 50+ of the most used features of Microsoft Excel, explaining them menu by menu, detailing where each function is located and how to use it.

1–10: Basic File and Input Operations

File > New / Open / Save / Save As: Document management operations.
Home > Font, Size, Bold / Italic / Underline: In-cell formatting.
Home > Cell Colors and Borders: Visual highlighting.
Home > Conditional Formatting: Automatic coloring based on specific rules.
Home > Format Cells > Number, Currency, Date: Specifying cell data type.
Home > Filter and Sort: Listing and filtering data.
Home > AutoSum (Σ): Quick sum in rows and columns.
Home > Paste Options > Paste Special: Transferring only value, formula, or format.
Home > Insert > Insert / Delete Cell / Row / Column: Cell management.
Home > Format > AutoFit: Automatic adjustment of row/column width.

11–20: Data and Formula Operations

Formulas > Insert Function: Access to over 400 ready-made functions.
=SUM(), =AVERAGE(), =COUNTIF(): Most commonly used functions.
=IF(), =SUMIFS(), =INDEX(), =MATCH(): Conditional functions.
=VLOOKUP(), =HLOOKUP(): Searching for data within a list.
=TEXT(), =LEFT(), =MID(): Text functions.
=TODAY(), =NOW(): Time functions.
=ROUND(), =INT(), =FRAC(): Numerical operations.
=SUMPRODUCT(), =MOD(): Advanced mathematical functions.
Formula Auditing: Shows which cell is taking data from where.
Name Manager: Easy referencing by naming cell ranges.

21–30: Charts and Visual Presentation

Insert > Chart > Bar, Column, Line, Pie: Different chart types.
Design Tab > Chart Title, Axis Labels: Chart customization.
Adding Data Labels: Displaying values on the chart.
Adding Trendline: Trend analysis in time series.
Using Secondary Axis: Comparing two different data sets.
Sparklines (Mini Charts): Embedding small charts within a cell.
Camera Tool: Copying a live view of cells to another location.
SmartArt Graphics: Flowcharts, processes.
Adding Shapes and Icons: Enhancing visual appeal.
Color Palette Harmony: Color combinations suitable for corporate design.

31–40: Data Validation, Filtering, Advanced Tools

Data > Validation: Limiting cell entries (e.g., numbers only).
Data > Remove Duplicates: Cleaning duplicate records.
Data > Advanced Filter: Filtering based on multiple criteria.
Data > Group / Subtotal: Categorical summarization.
Data > Goal Seek: Finding a cell value to achieve a specific result.
Data > Scenario Manager: Comparing different scenarios.
Data > Data Connections > Get Data from Web
Data > Flash Fill: Automatic pattern completion.
Data > Timeline: Historical filter for pivot tables.
Data > Form Controls: Tools like check boxes, scroll bars.

41–50: Pivot Tables, Macros, and Automation

Insert > PivotTable: Creating dynamic summary tables.
PivotTable > Fields List: Arranging row, column, and value fields.
PivotTable > Slicers: Visual filter buttons.
PivotTable > Timeline: Time-based analysis.
Developer > Record Macro: Creating automation by recording steps.
Developer > VBA Editor: Advanced Excel solutions with code.
Form Controls > Drop-down List, Button: Advanced user interfaces.
Macro Security Settings: Secure automation.
Power Query: Dynamic data integration with external data.
Power Pivot: Powerful analysis with related data tables.

Bonus: Excel Tips (51–55)

CTRL + ;: Today's date
CTRL + SHIFT + L: Toggling filters on/off
ALT + ENTER: New line within a cell
F4: Repeating the last action
CTRL + T: Quick table creation (smart table)

Conclusion

When used correctly, Excel is not just a table program but a complete data analysis platform. These 50+ features allow you to use Excel effectively and professionally in every area, from your daily operations to financial reporting. With continuous practice, Excel will save you significant time and increase your productivity.