Top Excel Interview Questions and Answers – Quick and Easy
Ever used a spreadsheet? That’s what Microsoft Excel is! It’s a computer program that helps you organize information, crunch numbers, and make it look nice. Because of this, a lot of businesses love Excel. It’s especially handy for accountants, analysts, and other number wizards.
This article has Top Excel Interview Questions and Answers to test your Excel skills. It’s great for beginners who are just starting out, or even pros who want a refresher. The questions cover everything you might need for jobs like data analyst, business analyst, or accountant. Plus, it’s all updated for the latest version of Excel, so you’ll be a whiz in no time!
Excel Interview Questions and answers for Freshers
1. What is Excel used for?
Excel is a versatile spreadsheet program for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data. It lets you perform complex calculations with built-in functions (like SUM and COUNTIF), create charts and graphs for clear data presentation, and more.
2. Can you distinguish between a workbook and a worksheet in Excel?
A workbook in Excel is a file that contains spreadsheets. Each spreadsheet is called a worksheet. A worksheet is made up of cells organized into columns and rows, where you can enter and calculate data.
3. How can you move between different worksheets in an Excel workbook?
There are a few easy ways to jump between sheets in your Excel workbook:
- Click the tabs at the bottom left corner. Each tab represents a different sheet.
- Use the keyboard! Hold Ctrl and press PgDn to move right or PgUp to move left between sheets.
4. How do you tell Excel which cell to use in a formula?
To reference a cell in a formula, simply click on the cell you want to reference. Excel will automatically add the cell’s address to the formula. You can also type the cell’s address directly into the formula.
5. Explain the difference between relative and absolute cell references?
Relative cell references change when a formula is copied, while absolute cell references remain constant. Knowing when to use each type is key for accurate Excel formulas.
6. What sequence of operations do Excel formulas follow?
Excel formulas follow a specific order for calculations, like a recipe with steps! This order is called PEMDAS:
- Parentheses: Do what’s inside () first, like following instructions in parentheses.
- Exponents: If there are numbers with “^” (like 2^3), calculate those next.
- Multiplication and Division: Do your times and divides from left to right, following the order you see them.
- Addition and Subtraction: Finally, add and subtract from left to right.
7. How can you make a chart in Excel?
Select your data, go to the “Insert” tab, choose a chart type, and Excel will create the chart for you.
8. What is conditional formatting, and how do you apply it?
Conditional formatting is a feature in Excel that allows you to format cells based on specific conditions. To apply it, select the cells you want to format, go to the “Home” tab, click on “Conditional Formatting,” and choose a formatting rule from the options provided.
9. How do you use VLOOKUP in Excel?
VLOOKUP in Excel searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value in the same row from another column.
10. What is a cell in Excel?
A cell in Excel is a single box in a spreadsheet where you can enter data.
Excel Interview Questions for Intermediate
11. How do you Freeze Panes in Excel?
Or
How can you lock Rows and Columns in place in Excel?
Go to the “View Tab”, Click “Freeze Panes.” Choose “Freeze Top Row” to lock the top row, or select a cell below the rows you want frozen.
12. What is the CONCATENATE function used for?
CONCATENATE function is used for combining two or more Microsoft Excel strings into one. The output of the function returns as a combined string in a new cell.
14. How CONCATE Function is different from CONCATENATE Function?
CONCAT is a newer function in Excel that replaces CONCATENATE and offers more features.
15. How can you secure a Worksheet or Workbook with a password in Excel?
Right-click on the sheet tab or workbook tab, choose “Protect Sheet” or “Protect Workbook,” and then set a password.
16. What is Pivot Table?
A PivotTable is a tool in Excel that allows you to summarize and analyze large amounts of data in a table format. It helps you to reorganize and summarize selected columns and rows of data to obtain a desired report.
17. What is the purpose of the INDEX-MATCH function?
INDEX-MATCH Function is used to look up values in a table. It is an alternative to VLOOKUP.
18. How to copy or move data in Excel?
Copy the data, right-click the destination cell, select “Transpose” under “Paste Special.“
19. Explain the HLOOKUP function.
The HLOOKUP function searches for a value in the first row of a range and returns a value in the same column from a different row.
20. What is the purpose of the Paste Special feature?
The Paste Special feature allows you to choose specific formatting options when pasting data.
21. How can you find and replace data in Excel?
To find and replace data in Excel, just press `Ctrl + H`, type what you’re looking for, and then specify what you want to replace it with if needed.
22. What is the IF function, and how is it used?
Microsoft Excel “IF Function” performs a logical test and returns one value if the test is true and another if it’s false.
23. How to Create Dropdown List in Excel
You can make a drop-down list in Excel by using the Data Validation feature under “Data” Tab.
Excel Interview Questions for Experienced
25. What is the difference between a relative and an absolute reference in a formula?
The difference between a relative and an absolute reference in a formula is that a relative reference adjusts when the formula is copied or filled, while an absolute reference remains fixed.
31. What is the purpose of the TRIM function?
TRIM removes extra spaces from text, leaving only single spaces between words.
32. How do you create a named range in Excel?
To create a named range in Excel, select the cells and go to Formulas > Define Name, then enter a name for the range.
33. How do you password-protect a workbook?
Go to “File” > “Info” > “Protect Workbook” > “Encrypt with Password.”
34. What is meant by 'workbook' in Excel?
In Excel, a workbook is a file with multiple worksheets where you can enter and manage data.
35. How do you create a macro in Excel?
To record a macro in Excel, go to the “View” tab, click “Macros,” select “Record Macro,” perform your actions, and then click “Stop Recording.”
36. What is the purpose of the PMT function in Excel?
The PMT function calculates loan payments based on a fixed interest rate and regular payments.
37. What is the NETWORKDAYS function used for in Excel?
The NETWORKDAYS function calculates the number of workdays between two dates, excluding weekends and optionally specified holidays.
38. How can you link data between different worksheets?
You can use cell references or formulas to link cells in different worksheets.
39. What is the process of converting text to columns in Excel?
Use the “Text to Columns” feature under the “Data” tab.
Conclusion
Excel is like a super calculator that helps you organize and make sense of information, no matter if you’re new to it or a pro. Beginners can start with the building blocks like cells and formulas. As you get more comfortable, you can explore fancy charts and powerful functions. Real wizards can even use Excel for programming and super deep data analysis.
The cool thing is, no matter your skill level, Excel can be a great asset for many jobs. These questions about Excel are like a practice test to help you learn and show off your skills in interviews. The more you use Excel, the better you’ll get at all sorts of tasks, from simple stuff to mind-bending calculations. So keep practicing, and you’ll be an Excel expert before you know it!
Excel Interview Questions with Answers – FAQs
1. How do I prepare for an Excel Interview?
Before the interview:
1. Practice Excel tasks.
2. Prepare for common interview questions.
3. Review and update your resume and other documents.
2. What is Excel basic question?
- What is Microsoft Excel?
- What are the main parts of Excel?
- How do you add data in Excel?
- What is a formula in Excel?
- How do you save an Excel file?
3. What is Excel basic Functions in Excel ?
- Pivot Table
- Remove Duplicates
- VLOOKUP Function
- Concatenate Function
- Text to Columns
