Getting to Know Excel

If you have used Excel 2010 or Excel 2013 before, Excel 2016 will look familiar. If you are new to Excel or used older versions, take some time to learn the basics.

The Excel Interface

When you open Excel 2016 for the first time, the Excel Start Screen appears. From this screen, you can:

  • Create a new workbook.
  • Choose a template.
  • Open recently edited workbooks.

To start, click on Blank workbook. This will take you to the main Excel interface.

The interface has many elements, each labeled with numbers to help you learn them easily. Take time to explore and understand these parts for a better experience with Excel.


The Quick Access Toolbar lets you access common commands no matter which tab is selected. You can customize the commands depending on your preference.


The Ribbon contains all of the commands you will need to perform common tasks in Excel. It has multiple tabs, each with several groups of commands.


The Tell me box works like a search bar to help you quickly find tools or commands you want to use.


From here, you can access your Microsoft account information, view your profile, and switch accounts.


The Name box displays the location, or name, of a selected cell.


In the formula bar, you can enter or edit data, a formula, or a function that will appear in a specific cell.


column is a group of cells that runs from the top of the page to the bottom. In Excel, columns are identified by letters.


Each rectangle in a workbook is called a cell. A cell is the intersection of a row and a column. Simply click to select a cell.


row is a group of cells that runs from the left of the page to the right. In Excel, rows are identified by numbers.


Excel files are called workbooks. Each workbook holds one or more worksheets. Click the tabs to switch between them, or right-click for more options.


There are three ways to view a worksheet. Simply click a command to select the desired view.


Click and drag the slider to use the zoom control. The number to the right of the slider reflects the zoom percentage.


The scroll bars allow you to scroll up and down or side to side. To do this, click and drag the vertical or horizontal scroll bar.


Next and Previous Buttons