Data Validation drop down lists
Data validation lists are better than ever. The list will now automatically reduce to match what you have typed into the cell. This wasn’t the case for so long in Excel, but has been standard in forms on the internet for ages. It was possible to create a drop down box that did it, but […]
Line up – Use Align to get your graphs layout just right.
When you have graphs (Charts) or pictures in Excel and you want to get them lined up you can use Align. It is available on the Page Layout Menu (Alt, P AA) and also the Format Shape Menu. (Alt, JA, AA) You need to select the elements first. Use the Shift (or Ctrl) key (hold […]
Custom Number Format the rescue.
You can do a lot with custom number formats. One thing that is tricky is when you are presenting information and you want to have the units correct is allowing for 0 days, 1 day, 2 days. The lack of “s” when the unit is 1 is tricky, but can be sorted with a custom […]
Powerful Filter Button Options.
Once you have added Filter buttons to your data, either via the home menu or because you have a table, you have a lot of powerful options on how to use them. Filter by Color – if you have colours on your cells, either from formatting or conditional formatting, you can use this to filter […]
Getting started with Filter buttons.
Add Filter buttons to your data in Excel using Sort and Filter, then Filter. Found on the Home Menu. (Shortcut keys: Alt H, S, F). If you make your data into a Table, then you get the Filter buttons automatically. Learn more about Tables here. If you add filters to your data, you can access […]
Get your life in order, or at least your data with Custom Sort.
To get your data in just the right order, use Custom Sort. Found on the Home Menu, under Sort & Filter. (Shortcut keys Alt, H, S, U). Make sure you have selected a cell within the data you want to be sorting, otherwise Excel gives you an error message. Once you have the Custom Sort […]
Get Sorted, with Sort
If you have data in a list and you want to change the order, then you need to Sort. The simplest place to find sort is on the Home Menu, Under Sort & Filter. (Alt, H, S, S) If you have pre-selected a cell in the column you want to sort by, just choose Sort […]
Can I check the spelling in my Excel spreadsheet?
Yes, you can spell check your Excel spreadsheet. On the Review Menu, Spelling. Shortcut keys: Alt, R, S. There are other handy functions here as well. Workbook statistics tells you what your current sheet, and the workbook contain. Number of tables, where the last cell is, how many sheets there are, useful stuff if you […]
Much more efficient manual entry
As much as I like to automate tasks, and avoid manual entry, sometimes it is unavoidable. But when it is required, it too can be done in an efficient or inefficient way. I see people type into one cell, then use their mouse to click in the next cell to enter the next piece of […]
Sum, Sum, Sum: Autosum: how to add in Excel.
Adding a column (or row) of numbers is possibly the most common thing you first come across when learning about spreadsheet formulas. There are multiple ways to enter the SUM function. Shortcut Key: ALT + = (That is holding down the ALT key, and the pressing the = key). Make sure you have selected the […]