What is the purpose of Microsoft Excel?

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application designed to perform basic and complex mathematical computations and functions. In addition to performing arithmetic operations, Excel allows users to create graphical displays of data, forms and pivot tables. It is also routinely used to sort information and assist users in identifying data trends.

Excel allows users the ability to program routines called “macros.” These programs use Visual Basic code to record selected actions of the user operating Excel. These actions can then be triggered to complete automatically within Excel. Experienced users can even program Excel to create interactive spreadsheets that respond to a variety of external triggers.