While copying a formula across columns, which reference keeps column fixed but allows row to change, like $B3
A Mixed reference
B Relative reference
C Absolute reference
D 3D reference
Explanation: In $B3, the dollar sign locks column B, but row 3 can change when copied down. This is useful when all calculations must always use the same column values.
In Excel, what is a 3D reference mainly used for in formulas
A Draw 3D charts
B Lock cell ranges
C Link multiple sheets
D Remove duplicates
Explanation: A 3D reference refers to the same cell/range across multiple worksheets, such as SUM(Sheet1:Sheet3!B2). It helps consolidate similar data from many sheets into one result.
Which tool prevents printing extra blank pages by controlling scaling options
A Conditional format
B Flash fill
C Data validation
D Page Setup
Explanation: Page Setup lets you scale the sheet to fit pages (Fit to 1 page wide, etc.). This prevents unnecessary blank pages and ensures tables print neatly within page limits.
Which feature lets you print only selected cells while ignoring the rest
A Print Area
B Print Titles
C Freeze Panes
D Name Box
Explanation: Print Area defines a specific range that Excel will print. Only that chosen region is printed or exported to PDF, even if other data exists on the worksheet.
In sorting, which option keeps entire records aligned while sorting one column
A Shrink selection
B Expand selection
C Hide columns
D Merge cells
Explanation: Expand selection ensures Excel sorts the entire table together, keeping rows intact. Without it, only one column may move, causing mismatched records and wrong data relationships.
Which option allows sorting by a custom list like Jan, Feb, Mar
A Basic Filter
B Data Bars
C Custom Sort
D Text Join
Explanation: Custom Sort can use a custom list order, like days or months, instead of alphabetical order. This helps maintain logical sequences in reports and avoids wrong ordering.
Which feature can extract unique records to another location without deleting originals
A Advanced Filter
B Remove Duplicates
C Flash Fill
D Protect Sheet
Explanation: Advanced Filter can copy unique records to another range, leaving the original data unchanged. This is useful when you need a clean unique list for reporting or validation.
Which conditional formatting rule uses formulas for flexible highlighting
A Duplicate values
B Data bars
C Icon sets
D Use a formula
Explanation: “Use a formula to determine which cells to format” allows advanced rules like highlighting entire rows based on a condition. It gives more control than built-in simple rules.
In conditional formatting, what does Applies to define
A Rule name
B Color theme
C Target range
D Chart type
Explanation: “Applies to” shows the cell range where the conditional formatting rule is active. Correct range selection is important so formatting affects only intended cells, not unrelated data.
Which chart element helps identify values when axis labels are hidden
A Data labels
B Sheet tabs
C Print titles
D Page breaks
Explanation: Data labels show values directly on chart points, bars, or slices. When axis labels are not enough or hidden, data labels make the chart understandable without checking the table.
Which chart type best shows cumulative totals over time with areas
A Pie chart
B Radar chart
C Area chart
D Bubble chart
Explanation: Area charts are like line charts but filled below the line. They are useful for showing totals over time and comparing how categories contribute to the cumulative value.
Which Excel feature creates a chart inside a cell, based on a row of values
A Pivot Chart
B Sparklines
C Scatter chart
D Column chart
Explanation: Sparklines are mini charts inside a single cell, showing trends for a set of values. They are widely used in dashboards where space is limited but trends matter.
In PivotTable, which setting changes “Sum” to “Count” for a field
A Value Field Settings
B Row Labels
C Report Layout
D Page Setup
Explanation: Value Field Settings controls how PivotTable values are summarized (Sum, Count, Average, etc.). If data is text, it often defaults to Count, but you can choose needed options.
Which PivotTable tool quickly groups dates into months or years
A Filter
B Wrap text
C Group
D Format painter
Explanation: PivotTable Grouping can group date fields into months, quarters, or years. This converts daily transaction data into meaningful summaries without adding extra helper columns.
Which function safely handles division to avoid #DIV/0! by testing denominator
A IFERROR
B IF
C CONCAT
D ROUND
Explanation: IF can test the denominator first, like IF(B2=0,””,A2/B2). This prevents division when the denominator is zero and avoids the #DIV/0! error for cleaner reports.
Which function displays a custom output if any formula error occurs
A COUNTIF
B SUMIF
C AVERAGE
D IFERROR
Explanation: IFERROR returns a chosen result when a formula gives an error. Example: IFERROR(A2/B2,0). It helps avoid messy error values and improves dashboard readability.
Which lookup method works even if the return column is to the left of lookup column
A VLOOKUP
B HLOOKUP
C INDEX-MATCH
D SUMIF
Explanation: INDEX-MATCH can look up a value in one column and return from any other column, left or right. This flexibility and stability make it preferred over VLOOKUP in many cases.
In VLOOKUP concept, which argument decides the returned column number
A Col index
B Lookup value
C Table array
D Range lookup
Explanation: The column index number tells VLOOKUP which column to return from the table array. If you choose 3, it returns the third column value from the matched row.
Which VLOOKUP mode is used for an exact match requirement
A TRUE
B FALSE
C AUTO
D MIXED
Explanation: Using FALSE (or 0) makes VLOOKUP return only an exact match. This is important for IDs or codes where approximate matches can give wrong records.
When using TRUE in VLOOKUP, the first column should be
A Unsorted
B Hidden columns
C Sorted ascending
D Text only
Explanation: Approximate match (TRUE) requires the first column sorted in ascending order. Otherwise, Excel may return incorrect results. TRUE is mostly used for ranges like grading slabs.
Which function returns the position of a value, useful before INDEX
A MATCH
B FIND
C LEFT
D TRIM
Explanation: MATCH finds the position of a lookup value in a range, like 7th item. INDEX can then use that position to return a related value from another range.
Which function can return a value from a matrix using row and column numbers
A VALUE
B UPPER
C INDEX
D LEN
Explanation: INDEX returns a value at a specific row and column within a given range. It is powerful for lookups, especially when combined with MATCH for dynamic positions.
Which text function joins values with delimiter and can ignore blanks
A TEXTJOIN
B CONCAT
C PROPER
D RIGHT
Explanation: TEXTJOIN combines multiple text items using a delimiter like comma and can ignore blank cells. It is useful for building clean lists or combined labels from many cells.
Which function converts “15-02-2026” text to a real date depends on locale, so safer approach is
A NOW only
B DATE with parts
C UPPER text
D TRIM spaces
Explanation: Text dates may be interpreted differently based on region settings. Using DATE(year,month,day) builds a proper date reliably, avoiding wrong conversions when importing data from CSV.
Which function extracts a number from text when stored as “123”
A TEXT
B MID
C LEN
D VALUE
Explanation: VALUE converts numeric-looking text into an actual number so calculations work properly. It is useful after importing CSVs where numbers sometimes come in as text.
Which approach best preserves leading zeros in IDs during import
A AutoFormat numbers
B Convert to Date
C Import as Text
D Use SUM function
Explanation: IDs like 0012 lose leading zeros if treated as numbers. Importing the column as text or setting the format to Text keeps the exact code, improving matching and lookups.
Which feature records repeated steps to run again automatically
A Macro recorder
B Conditional format
C Print area
D Goal seek
Explanation: Macro recorder captures actions like formatting, copying, and cleaning steps. It creates a macro that can be run again, saving time and ensuring the same steps are repeated accurately.
Which file type is macro-enabled in Excel
A .xlsx
B .xlsm
C .csv
D .pdf
Explanation: .xlsm is the macro-enabled workbook format. It can store VBA code and macros, unlike .xlsx. You should use .xlsm when you need automation features.
In workbook protection, which password mainly locks adding/deleting sheets
A Structure password
B Cell password
C Print password
D Chart password
Explanation: Protecting workbook structure restricts adding, deleting, moving, or renaming worksheets. A structure password ensures users cannot change the workbook layout while still viewing data.
Which feature lets you print only a selected range while ignoring other sheet data
A Page Setup
B Name Box
C Print Area
D Text to Columns
Explanation: Page Setup controls printing layout like margins, orientation, scaling, and paper size. Along with Print Area, it helps produce clean printed reports without cut-off tables.
Which formula becomes wrong if you copy it without locking a constant cell like tax rate
A Relative reference
B Text function
C Chart formula
D Absolute reference missing
Explanation: If a constant value like tax rate is in one cell, copying formulas without locking it changes the reference. Using absolute reference ($A$1) keeps the constant cell fixed.
Which Excel feature prevents accidental change of formula cells but allows input in certain cells
A Protect Sheet
B Remove duplicates
C Flash Fill
D Data bars
Explanation: You can lock formula cells and unlock input cells, then protect the sheet. This allows users to enter data in permitted cells while preventing edits to formulas and structure.
In Data Validation, which option shows a warning but still allows entry if user insists
A Stop
B Deny
C Warning
D Block
Explanation: Warning alerts the user that data is invalid but gives an option to continue. It is useful when you want guidance without strictly blocking all non-standard entries.
Which tool makes a series like 1, 3, 5 using fill handle efficiently
A Remove duplicates
B AutoFill series
C Protect workbook
D Pivot chart
Explanation: AutoFill can extend custom series by recognizing pattern. If you enter 1 and 3, then drag, Excel continues 5, 7, 9. This speeds up sequence creation.
Which chart feature lets you show values as percentages on a pie chart
A Data labels
B Axis title
C Gridlines
D Trendline
Explanation: In pie charts, data labels can display percentage, value, or category name. Showing percentages helps viewers understand each part’s share of the total quickly.
Which kind of chart is most suitable to show distribution with many categories is usually avoided because
A Line needs time
B Scatter needs text
C Pie becomes cluttered
D Bar hides numbers
Explanation: Pie charts are hard to read with many categories because slices become too small and labels overlap. Bar or column charts are better for many categories and clear comparisons.
Which PivotTable option shows values as percentage of total
A Report Layout
B Show Values As
C Pivot Style
D Page Setup
Explanation: “Show Values As” can display values as % of grand total, % of row total, or difference from. It helps compare contributions and relative performance in summaries.
Which PivotTable step is required after adding new rows to source data range, if range not a table
A Change data source
B Add sheet tab
C Rename file
D Print titles
Explanation: If the source is a fixed range and you add new rows outside it, PivotTable won’t include them. You must change data source or convert to Table for auto expansion.
Which feature helps create dynamic charts by using PivotTable filters
A Area chart
B Line chart
C Pivot Chart
D Pie chart
Explanation: Pivot Charts are linked to PivotTables. Changing Pivot filters instantly changes the chart view, making interactive dashboards and category-wise visual analysis easier and faster.
In conditional formatting, how do you remove rules from selected cells only
A Delete workbook
B Hide sheet
C Reset printer
D Clear rules selection
Explanation: “Clear Rules from Selected Cells” removes conditional formatting from only the selected area. This is useful when you want formatting on some parts but not on others.
Which function rounds number to nearest multiple, like nearest 5
A MROUND
B ROUNDUP
C ROUNDDOWN
D INT
Explanation: MROUND rounds a number to the nearest specified multiple. Example: MROUND(12,5) returns 10 or 15 depending on closeness. It is useful in packaging or billing units.
Which function truncates decimals without rounding, for positive values
A ROUND
B INT
C SMALL
D MAX
Explanation: INT removes the decimal part by rounding down to the nearest integer. For positive numbers it truncates decimals, like INT(7.9)=7, useful in step-wise calculations.
Which error appears when Excel doesn’t recognize a function name, like typing =SUMM()
A #REF!
B #N/A
C #NAME?
D #VALUE!
Explanation: #NAME? occurs when Excel cannot recognize text in a formula, often due to misspelled function names, missing quotes, or undefined named ranges. Correct spelling usually fixes it.
Which error appears when a lookup value is not found in VLOOKUP exact match
A #N/A
B #REF!
C #DIV/0!
D #NUM!
Explanation: #N/A means the value is not available. In exact match lookups, it appears when the lookup value does not exist in the lookup column. Check spelling, spaces, or data type.
Which data cleaning step helps when VLOOKUP fails due to hidden spaces in codes
A Add chart title
B Freeze panes
C Page setup
D TRIM spaces
Explanation: Extra spaces can cause lookups to fail because “ABC ” is different from “ABC”. TRIM removes extra spaces and makes text consistent, improving matching in VLOOKUP and comparisons.
Which option in Text to Columns is used when data is separated by comma
A Fixed width
B Delimited
C Table format
D Sort order
Explanation: Delimited splits data based on separators like comma, tab, or space. For CSV-like text inside a cell, choosing comma as delimiter correctly separates the values into columns.
Which option in Text to Columns is used when data has fixed positions, like ID(5)Name(10)
A Delimited
B Filter
C Fixed width
D Flash fill
Explanation: Fixed width splits text at set character positions. It is useful when data fields align in columns with consistent spacing, even if no commas or separators exist.
In chart formatting, why is “Select Data” used
A Change data range
B Protect chart
C Remove gridlines
D Add print area
Explanation: Select Data lets you change the chart’s source range, add or remove series, and edit category labels. It is essential when the dataset expands or when wrong series are plotted.
Which worksheet feature helps keep important values constant across many formulas without using $A$1 repeatedly
A Trendline
B Gridlines
C Named Range
D Print titles
Explanation: Named ranges let you refer to a constant cell by name like “GST”. This improves readability, reduces errors, and keeps formulas stable even if the sheet layout changes.
Which best practice reduces errors when using many formulas across sheets
A Avoid names
B Use tables
C Remove validation
D Turn off filters
Explanation: Excel Tables expand automatically, keep structured references, and reduce missed rows in formulas and PivotTables. They improve consistency, make ranges dynamic, and lower mistakes in large datasets.