20 tips and tricks for Microsoft Excel that can help you become more efficient and effective

 

20 tips and tricks for Microsoft Excel that can help you become more efficient and effective

1. Use keyboard shortcuts to save time: Ctrl + C to copy, Ctrl + V to paste, Ctrl + Z to undo, and Ctrl + Y to redo.
2. Use AutoSum to quickly sum a range of cells: select the cells, then click the AutoSum button (Σ) on the Home tab.
3. Use the AutoFill feature to quickly enter data in a series: select the cells, then drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right of the selection) to the desired range.
4. Use the Filter feature to quickly find and view specific data in a large table: click the Filter button (funnel icon) in the Sort & Filter group on the Data tab.
5. Use the Find and Replace feature to quickly find and replace specific data in a worksheet: click the Find & Select button (binoculars icon) on the Home tab, then choose Find or Replace.
6. Use the Freeze Panes feature to keep a specific row or column visible while scrolling through a large worksheet: click the View tab, then click the Freeze Panes button and choose the desired option.
7. Use the Print Preview feature to see how your worksheet will look when printed: click the File tab, then click the Print Preview button.
8. Use the Group feature to quickly hide or show rows or columns: select the rows or columns, then click the Group button (folded paper icon) on the Data tab.
9. Use the Wrap Text feature to fit long text onto multiple lines within a cell: select the cells, then click the Wrap Text button (wrap text icon) on the Home tab.
10. Use the Merge and Center feature to combine and center text across multiple cells: select the cells, then click the Merge & Center button (merge cells icon) on the Home tab.
11. Use the Text to Columns feature to quickly split cell data into separate columns: select the cells, then click the Data tab, then click the Text to Columns button.
12. Use the Sort feature to quickly sort data in a range: select the cells, then click the Sort & Filter button (sort icon) on the Data tab.
13. Use the Subtotal feature to quickly add subtotals to a list: select the cells, then click the Data tab, then click the Subtotal button.
14. Use the PivotTable feature to quickly summarize and analyze large amounts of data: click the Insert tab, then click the PivotTable button.
15. Use the Chart feature to quickly create charts and graphs: click the Insert tab, then click the desired chart type button.
16. Use the Formula AutoComplete feature to quickly complete formulas: start typing a formula, then press the Tab key to use the suggested formula.
17. Use the Name Manager to quickly manage and create named ranges: click the Formulas tab, then click the Name Manager button.
18. Use the Conditional Formatting feature to quickly apply formatting based on cell values: select the cells, then click the Home tab, then click the Conditional Formatting button.
19. Use the Data Validation feature to quickly validate data entered into cells: select the cells, then click the Data tab, then click the Data Validation button.
20. Use the Scenario Manager to quickly create and compare multiple scenarios: click the Data tab, then click the What-If Analysis button, then choose Scenario Manager.