Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Learn common keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+C (Copy), Ctrl+V (Paste), Ctrl+Z (Undo), and Ctrl+S (Save). These can significantly speed up your workflow.
Flash Fill:
- Use Flash Fill (Ctrl+E) to automatically fill in values based on patterns you establish. It’s great for formatting and cleaning data quickly.
AutoSum (Alt + =):
- Quickly sum a column or row of numbers by selecting the cell where you want the sum and pressing Alt + =.
Named Ranges:
- Assign names to ranges of cells for easier reference in formulas. This can be done in the “Formulas” tab under “Name Manager.”
Conditional Formatting:
- Utilize conditional formatting to visually highlight important information. For example, highlight cells that contain specific values, are above or below average, or fall within a certain range.(LINK)
VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP:
- Master the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions to search for a value in a table and return a corresponding value. These functions are powerful for data retrieval.
PivotTables:
- PivotTables are excellent for summarizing and analyzing large datasets. Experiment with dragging and dropping fields to quickly create insightful reports.
Remove Duplicates:
- Use the “Remove Duplicates” feature in the “Data” tab to eliminate duplicate values from your dataset.
Data Validation:
- Apply data validation to ensure data entered meets specific criteria. This is helpful for maintaining data accuracy.
Transpose Data:
- Easily switch rows to columns or vice versa using the “Transpose” feature under the “Paste Special” option.
Custom Views:
- Save different custom views of your worksheet layout using the “Custom Views” feature. This is handy when presenting or printing different versions of your data.
Concatenate Function:
- Combine text from different cells using the CONCATENATE function or the “&” operator. This is useful for creating customized labels or reports.
Excel Tables:
- Format your data as an Excel Table (Ctrl+T). Tables make it easier to sort, filter, and analyze data dynamically.
Freeze Panes:
- Freeze rows or columns to keep headers visible as you scroll through large datasets. This can be done under the “View” tab.
Excel Online:
- Explore Excel Online for collaborative editing and access to your spreadsheets from any device with an internet connection.
Slicers:
- If you’re working with PivotTables, use Slicers to easily filter and analyze data by providing interactive buttons.
Conclusion:
Remember, the more you explore and practice these features, the more proficient you’ll become in harnessing the full potential of Microsoft Excel.