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Excel Interview Questions for Freshers: Basic to Intermediate

By Rinkesh Shah · Business Analyst, 8 years in data · Updated 2026-10-30

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If you are applying for your first job, interviewers mostly check that you know the basics and can learn. These are the questions to practise.

Basic questions

What is a cell, a row and a column?

A cell is one box. A row runs across (numbered), and a column runs down (lettered). A cell reference like B3 is its column and row.

What is the difference between a workbook and a worksheet?

A workbook is the whole Excel file. A worksheet is one tab inside it.

What is a formula and what is a function?

A formula starts with = and calculates something. A function, like SUM, is a built-in formula.

How do you sort and filter data?

Use the Data tab: Sort to order the rows, and Filter (Ctrl + Shift + L) to show only the rows you want.

What does AutoSum do?

It inserts a SUM formula for the cells next to it. The shortcut is Alt + =.

Intermediate questions

Difference between COUNT and COUNTA?

COUNT counts numbers only. COUNTA counts all non-empty cells.

What is VLOOKUP?

It searches the first column of a table for a value and returns a value from another column in the same row.

What is a PivotTable?

A tool that summarises a large table in seconds by dragging fields.

What are absolute references?

References like $A$1 that do not change when a formula is copied.

Practise each answer in a real spreadsheet. It is much easier to explain something you have done.

Frequently asked questions

What Excel questions are asked to freshers?

Basic formulas such as SUM, IF and COUNTIF, simple lookups, sorting and filtering, cell references and PivotTable basics.

How can a fresher prepare for an Excel interview?

Practise the core formulas daily, finish a few small case studies, and be ready to explain what each formula does.

What is the difference between absolute and relative references?

A relative reference like A1 changes when you copy the formula. An absolute reference like $A$1 stays fixed.

Practice this online, free

Reading is only half of learning Excel. Cellgrids is a free place for online Excel practice: solve Excel formula exercises in a live spreadsheet, prepare for Excel interview questions, and work through business case studies built for data analytics and business analytics roles.

Practice these formulas: SUM, IF, VLOOKUP, COUNTIF.

Start Excel practice → Case studies