Microsoft Excel is one of the most essential tools used in offices, companies, and government organizations. Whether you are applying for a data entry job, accountant position, analyst role, or office assistant, Excel knowledge is often tested during interviews.
In this article, we have compiled the most frequently asked MS Excel interview questions with answers to help you prepare.
Q1. What is MS Excel?
MS Excel is a spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft. It is used to store, organize, calculate, and analyze data in tabular form.
Q2. What are cells, rows, and columns in Excel?
Cell → The intersection of a row and column (e.g., A1).
Row → A horizontal line of cells (1, 2, 3, …).
Column → A vertical line of cells (A, B, C, …).
Q3. What is the difference between a workbook and a worksheet?
Workbook → A complete Excel file (.xlsx).
Worksheet → A single sheet inside the workbook.
Q4. What is the difference between a formula and a function?
Formula → A user-defined calculation (e.g., =A1+B1).
Function → A predefined formula (e.g., =SUM(A1:A10)).
Q5. Explain the use of VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP.
VLOOKUP → Searches vertically in a table.
HLOOKUP → Searches horizontally in a table.
Q6. What is the difference between COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF?
COUNT → Counts only numeric values.
COUNTA → Counts non-empty cells (numbers + text).
COUNTIF → Counts cells based on a condition.
Q7. What are Pivot Tables in Excel?
Pivot Tables summarize large amounts of data and help in reporting. They allow grouping, sorting, and analyzing data quickly.
Q8. What is Conditional Formatting?
It highlights cells with colors or icons based on conditions (e.g., sales above 50,000 in green).
Q9. What are Macros in Excel?
Macros are recorded actions or VBA programs that automate repetitive tasks in Excel.
Q10. How do you protect a worksheet in Excel?
Go to Review → Protect Sheet → Set password. This prevents unauthorized editing.
Scenario-Based Questions
Q11. How will you find duplicate values in Excel?
Use Conditional Formatting → Highlight Duplicates.
Or use formula
=COUNTIF(A:A,A1)>1.Q12. How will you combine first name and last name in Excel?
Formula:
=CONCATENATE(A1," ",B1)Or:
=A1&" "&B1.Q13. How do you remove blank rows in Excel?
Select blank rows → Right-click → Delete.
Or use Filter → Blanks → Delete.
Preparing for an Excel interview requires practical knowledge + theory. Go through these questions, practice in Excel, and you will confidently clear the interview.
You cannot copy content of this page