How to work with tables in Excel: frequently asked questions

It’s 2025, artificial intelligence is entering all spheres, and scientists are conquering space. But Excel spreadsheets, just like ten years ago, remain one of the main tools for statistics and analytics. That’s why today we decided to tell you everything you need to know about Excel in 2025.

How to create a table in Excel

Let’s start with a basic question that worries most beginners in this area. Creating a table in Excel is quite simple. You can use the built-in table template. ʼ

To do this, in the initial window, click on the “New” button. Then you can choose a template that suits you. This can be, for example, a household budget or a company budget. Double-click on the template you want, and you’re done! You will see a ready-made project based on a convenient template. You don’t need to add or change anything – just fill in the existing items.

Alternatively, you can create a table in Excel yourself. To do this, create an empty project and enter the column names. Fill them with the necessary information and separate the sections from each other, for example, with a color fill. 

Another option for creating a table is to import a ready-made one. To do this, select the Insert section at the top of the table and choose one of the three available options. As a result, you will get a ready-made table in your file. 

How to merge cells in an Excel table

This seemingly simple task can solve many problems. For example, you need to name sub-items in a table. Or you need to combine data by certain parameters. In this case, combining cells in an Excel table can help.

To do this, select the “Home” section, click on “Merge” and then on “Merge Cells”. You’re done!

How to sort a table in Excel

This is another common question that interests many users. Most of the time, such questions arise when users have large amounts of information that are simply not rational to sort manually. For example, when you have thousands of rows with employee names that need to be sorted alphabetically.

Excel has such a function. To do it automatically, you need to go to the Data tab, and from there to Sort and Filters. After that, click Sort. The next step is to select “Sort by” and choose the column you want to sort. You are done!

How to highlight table borders in Excel

This question seems to be interesting primarily from an aesthetic point of view. After all, when tables are not separated by borders, it is much more difficult to view and change them. However, from a practical point of view, this is also the case. After all, it reduces the likelihood that you will accidentally enter data in the wrong column or row.

This can be done very quickly and easily. First, select the row, column, or the entire table to which you want to add borders. Then, in the Home tab, click on the square icon – it’s located below the font type. The next step is to choose which borders you want. These can be borders on one side of the table or on the entire table. Click on the option that suits you and you’re done!

How to create a chart in an Excel spreadsheet

The next question is extremely relevant for most types of reporting. When you need to show the manager in practice how much money was spent, what results were achieved, etc.

It is very easy to create a chart in an Excel spreadsheet. You need to select the data you want to display in the chart. Next, go to the Insert tab and the Recommended Charts tab. Choose a chart and click OK. You are done! 

What are pivot tables in Excel and how to make them

Finally, let’s talk about one of the most common excel tools – pivot tables. It’s a great option when you need to calculate data, compare it with each other, or analyze it. We’re not going to talk about all the functions of pivot tables, as this is a topic for a separate article. We’d rather tell you how to create one.

And it is very easy to do. Go to Excel and select the borders where you want to create a pivot table. Next, click “Insert” and “PivotTable”. Choose the option you need and click “OK”. You’re done!

To summarize

Despite the active development of society, Excel spreadsheets remain one of the main tools for maintaining budgets or company reports. Therefore, recruiters often require this knowledge from employees. Advanced excel knowledge will help you become a more desirable employee. Therefore, having such a skill is a must.