Create a "real" Excel table in PowerPoint

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to embed Excel tables directly into PowerPoint. This is a useful feature that allows you to present data in a clear and concise way while taking advantage of Excel's functionalities without leaving the application. Whether you're displaying numbers, charts, or formulas, inserting an Excel table into your presentation can help you convey your information clearly and effectively.

Key Takeaways

Inserting Excel tables into PowerPoint is an easy way to enhance your presentations. However, there are some important points to consider to achieve the best results. You can utilize Excel functionalities within PowerPoint by correctly inserting and editing the table. Make sure the display meets the visual requirements of your presentation by carefully managing the size and layout of the table.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, open your PowerPoint document and navigate to the slide where you want to insert the Excel table.

To insert an Excel table, click on the "Insert" tab and then select the "Table" option. Among the table options, you will find the "Excel Spreadsheet" function. Click on it to open an embedded Excel window.

Once the Excel window appears, you can customize it as needed. You will see a slanted border around the Excel table that you can click on to move or change its position.

Now you can determine the number of rows and columns you need. In our example, we start with two rows and two columns.

To enter your data into the table, simply click within the Excel window. If you already have data that you want to use, you can copy it and then paste it into the Excel table.

After inserting the data, you may notice that not all data is displayed. To fix this, ensure that the Excel table in PowerPoint has the correct dimensions. Changes to the size of the table in PowerPoint only affect the display, not the actual data.

To view and edit the data, double-click on the table. This will open the Excel interface within PowerPoint, allowing you to make changes.

If needed, you can adjust the column width and row height to ensure all information is visible. Sometimes, formatting the cells to provide more space and a visually appealing look can be helpful.

Also, be mindful of how you scroll through the table. If you have the option to display only a portion of the table, this can have both advantages and disadvantages depending on your presentation needs.

When making changes to the table, such as adding or deleting data, adjust the visibility of the table accordingly. It is important to use the "double-click" command to activate the Excel window.

You will now see that you can use almost all the functions available in the normal Excel application within your embedded Excel table. However, there are some limitations, especially when it comes to complex mathematical functions or large amounts of data.

In the next unit, we will look at the possibility of directly inserting Excel tables from an existing Excel file, which will give you even more flexibility in presenting your data.

We'll see you again shortly to explore the next step!

Summary

In this tutorial, you have learned how to embed an Excel table in PowerPoint. The ability to integrate Excel data directly into a presentation can avoid tedious switching between programs and help you present information clearly. Remember that you can work with the Excel interface within PowerPoint and it is important to adjust the size and visibility of the table accordingly.