Day 1: Excel Basic Functions

Excel, the powerful spreadsheet software from Microsoft, is a vital tool for professionals, students, and individuals alike. With its extensive range of functions, Excel simplifies data management, analysis, and calculations. In this blog post, 

  • We will introduce you to the fundamental operations in Excel, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 
  • Additionally, we will explore handy shortcut keys to enhance your efficiency and productivity. 
  • And also, we will get to know some add-ins that make your day with Excel easier. 
  • Finally, we will go through the latest news on Data Science to stay updated on the trends. So, let's dive in! 👇


The SUM function in Excel is a lifesaver when it comes to quickly adding up numbers. It allows you to sum a range of cells, whether they are located in a row, column, or any arbitrary selection. To use the SUM function, simply select the target cell and enter "=SUM(", followed by the range of cells you want to add, and close with a closing parenthesis. Press Enter, and Excel will calculate the sum of the specified range.

Examples:

  1. "=SUM(A1:A10)" adds up the values in A1 to A10.
  2. "=SUM(B2, A1:A10,100)" adds up the value in B2 and the values in A1, A2, ..., A10 and 100.
  3. "=SUM(A1:A10, C1:C10)" adds up the values in A1 to A10, as well as cells C1 to C10.

The shortcut for SUM is to select the target cell, press Alt + "=", and enter.

The shortcut for Autosum is to select the target cell, press Alt + shift + "=" and enter which automatically suggests the range of cells that can be added based on the adjacent cells.

The SUMIF function in Excel is a powerful tool for summing values that meet specific criteria. It allows you to sum values based on a condition or criteria you define. To use the SUMIF function, start by selecting the cell where you want the result to appear. Enter "=SUMIF(", followed by the range containing the criteria, the criteria itself, and the range of cells to sum. The symbols >=, <=, <, >, <> (Not equals) can be used.

* SUMIF doesn't support matching strings that are longer than 255 characters. *

Examples: 

  1. "=SUMIF(A1:A10,">50")" will sum all the values in cells A1 to A10 that are greater than 50. 
  2. "=SUMIF(A1:A10,15000,B1:B10)" sums the values from B1 to B10 where A1 to A10 values equals to 15000.
  3. "=SUMIF(A1:A10, "Aarya", B1:B10)" sums only the values in the range B1 to B10, where the corresponding cells in the range A1 to A10 equal "Aarya".
  4. "=SUMIF(A1:A10,"<" & C1, B1:B10)" sums the values from B1 to B10 where A1 to A10 values less than the value in C1.
  5. "=SUMIF(A1:A10,"*es", B1:B10)" sums the values from B1 to B10 where A1 to A10 values end in "es". To check for null values "" can be used instead of "*es".

Excel offers straightforward methods for performing subtraction, multiplication, and division operations. To subtract, simply enter the subtraction formula using the "-" symbol between the cells you want to subtract (e.g., "=A1-B1"). For multiplication, use the "*" symbol (e.g., "=A1*B1"), and for division, use the "/" symbol (e.g., "=A1/B1"). A wide range of other functions are also enabled in Excel for different mathematical operations.

Add-ins👉:

To Manage Add-ins, go to Excel insert page and find the Get Add-ins and My Add-ins buttons.

  • Wikipedia: The Wikipedia add-in for Excel provides users with convenient access to search Wikipedia directly within the Excel application. Additionally, it offers the functionality to easily drag and drop images directly from Wikipedia into Excel.
  • Mini Calendar - Date Picker: The Mini Calendar - Date Picker Add-in offers users a convenient way to access a calendar within Excel. This calendar allows you to effortlessly select dates and enter them into your Excel sheets.
  • FRED Data: The Federal Reserve Economic Data Add-in grants users direct access to a vast collection of economic time series data spanning from 1991 onwards. This comprehensive data is sourced from 110 reputable providers worldwide, covering various categories and regions across the globe.
Latest News📰:

Edvancer is excited to launch the Executive Program in Data Science for Managers, designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills to excel in the field of data science. What sets this program apart is that it doesn't require coding or advanced math skills. It offers international certifications, practical training, and job assistance, making it an excellent opportunity for professionals with at least three years of work experience. If you're aiming to transition into the data science field without coding and advanced math, this is an opportunity to learn something.

3Aware is a recently established company which is formed by leading scientists and technologists that aims to improve post-market clinical follow-up and active surveillance for MedTech and HealthTech companies. They utilize an application of Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the safety and performance of medical devices while reducing expenses and potential risks. 3Aware's aiSurveillance, powered by Natural Language Processing (NLP), helps MedTech companies comply with regulations. They have data from millions of patients and thousands of devices, with continuous growth. Their advanced AI capabilities enable the extraction, interpretation, and organization of crucial information from unstructured provider notes.

A group of 50 leading scientists has published new data indicating that human-caused global heating is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Using an open data, open science platform called "Indicators of Global Climate Change," they revealed that human-induced global heating has risen to an average of 1.14°C above pre-industrial levels for the most recent decade. This is a significant increase from the previous decade. The analysis also shows that greenhouse gas emissions are at their highest levels ever, emphasizing the need for urgent action to reduce emissions globally. The data highlights the importance of using up-to-date and robust scientific evidence to inform decision-making and climate policies.