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Trick to get the sum row wise or column wise

    Row-wise or Column-wise Sum Using a Shortcut: Select the range of numbers in the table that you want to sum (either a column or a row, or even multiple columns or rows). Press the Alt key on your keyboard. After pressing Alt , press the +   = key . This is the AutoSum shortcut. If you're summing a column , Excel will automatically fill the cell directly below the selected range with the sum of that column. If you're summing a row , Excel will automatically fill the cell directly to the right of the selected range with the sum of that row.   The AutoSum feature ( Alt + = ) automatically sums numbers in a contiguous range of cells.    

Advanced Excel Tips and Tricks

#  15 Advanced Excel Tips and Tricks for Power Users

 

##  1. Use Dynamic Arrays (FILTER, SORT, UNIQUE)

Excel 365 introduces **dynamic array functions**:

* `=UNIQUE(A2:A50)` → Removes duplicates.

* `=SORT(A2:A50)` → Sorts data instantly.

* `=FILTER(A2:B100, B2:B100="Completed")` → Filters data without complex formulas.

 

## 2. Master VLOOKUP with Approximate Match

Instead of exact matches, use:

`=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, TRUE)`

Great for tax slabs, commissions, or price ranges.

## 3. Switch to XLOOKUP (Better than VLOOKUP)

`=XLOOKUP(value, lookup_array, return_array, "Not Found")`

No column index issue.

Can search left to right.

Supports exact or approximate matches.

 

##  4. Combine Data with Power Query

Use **Data > Get & Transform (Power Query)** to:

 

* Merge multiple sheets/files.

* Clean messy data (remove blanks, split columns).

* Automate refresh of reports.

 

 

##  5. Use INDEX + MATCH Instead of VLOOKUP

`=INDEX(return_range, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_range, 0))`

* More flexible than VLOOKUP.

* Works even if lookup column is to the right.

 

##  6. Automate Tasks with Macros

Record repetitive steps with **Developer > Record Macro**.

Example: Formatting reports, inserting headers, or applying formulas automatically.

 

##  7. Advanced Conditional Formatting

Apply rules like:

* Highlight top 10 values.

* Color-code duplicates.

* Use formulas like `=MOD(ROW(),2)=0` to apply zebra-striping.

 

## 8. Use Pivot Tables for Instant Reports

 

* Drag-and-drop fields for quick summaries.

* Add slicers and timelines for interactivity.

* Use “Show Values As % of Total” to compare data.

 

##  9. Combine Text and Numbers with TEXT Function

 

Example:

`="Today is " & TEXT(TODAY(),"dddd, mmmm dd, yyyy")`

→ Outputs “Today is Friday, August 22, 2025”.

 

##  10. Protect Your Data with Sheet/Cell Locks

* **Review > Protect Sheet** → Prevent unwanted edits.

* Lock formulas but allow users to input only data fields.

 

---

 

## 🔹 11. Use Flash Fill for Quick Formatting

 

Type an example pattern → Press **Ctrl + E**.

Excel automatically fills the rest (emails, names, IDs).

 

## 12. Use Goal Seek for What-If Analysis

Example:

* Want profit = ₹50,000?

* Use **Data > What-If Analysis > Goal Seek** to adjust required sales automatically.

 

## 13. Apply Data Validation for Smart Inputs

 

* Create drop-down menus.

* Restrict input to dates, ranges, or custom rules.

* Prevent entry errors.

 

 

##  14. Explore Power Pivot & DAX

 

For large datasets:

 

* Build data models with relationships.

* Use DAX formulas (`CALCULATE`, `SUMX`, etc.) for advanced reporting.

 

##  15. Use Dynamic Named Ranges

Define ranges with formulas like:

`=OFFSET($A$2,0,0,COUNTA($A:$A)-1,1)`

→ Automatically updates charts and formulas when new data is added.

 

 

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