Top 3 Excel Functions Every Student Should Learn First

Whether you're in high school or college, learning Excel can give you a major academic edge. Here are the top 3 functions that every student should start with:

1. SUM() – Add Numbers Quickly

What it does: Adds a range of numbers together.

Example:

=SUM(A1:A5)

Useful for: Calculating total marks, expenses, or scores.

2. AVERAGE() – Calculate Mean Easily

What it does: Returns the average (mean) of numbers.

Example:

=AVERAGE(B1:B5)

Useful for: Finding average marks or daily spending.

3. IF() – Smart Decisions in Sheets

What it does: Performs a logic test and returns different results based on the outcome.

Example:

=IF(C2>=40, "Pass", "Fail")

Useful for: Checking pass/fail, attendance status, or eligibility.

📘 Real-Life Use Cases:

• Project tracking
• Assignment score analysis
• Budgeting student expenses

💡 Pro Tip:

Use cell references instead of typing numbers. This way, your formulas auto-update when data changes.

🎓 Start Smart, Stay Ahead

With just these three functions, you can build meaningful spreadsheets and impress your teachers or teammates. Stay consistent and practice daily!

🚀 Download free student dashboards and learning kits on our Gumroad page.