50 MS Excel Tips and Tricks

Table of Contents
Tip1: Creating Macros

3

Tip 25: How to Replace Empty cells with Zero Values in

Tip 2: The GETPIVOTDATA function

4

a Chart

Tip 3: Formatting the Chart Vertical Axis

5

Tip 26: How to Prevent Data Duplication In a

Tip 4: Date Validation

7

Microsoft® Excel® Worksheet

Tip 5: IF Function

8

Tip 27: How to Convert Dates from Numeric Values to

Tip 6: Calculating Multiple Conditions In a Formula
with The Nested IF Statement

Text
10

47

49

52

Tip 28: Splitting data from one column to two or more55

Tip 7: Making Forecasts with the Forecast Function 11

Tip 29: Counting Cells That are Not Empty

Tip 8: Trapping Error Messages By Using the IF

Tip 30: Determining and Using Names in Formulas 58

Error Function

13

Tip 9: Formatting Your Dates To Show the Period
Number

Tip 31: How to Extract Text from a Text String Using the
MID and FIND Functions

14

Tip 10: To Automatically Highlight Upcoming and

57

60

Tip 31: Consolidating Cells in Different Worksheets
with 3D-Reference

62

Past Due Dates

16

Tip 33: Sampling Analysis Tool

64

Tip 11: Date Data Validation

19

Tip 34: The YEARFRAC function

67

Tip 12: Transpose Function

21

Tip 35: How to Create a Table out of a Data Range for

Tip 13: Data Validation

22

Data Analysis

69

Tip 14: Generating of Random Numbers For Testing of

Tip 36: Using Custom Format

71

Formulas

24

Tip 37: Use MATCH and INDEX as an Alternative to

Tip 15: Hyperlinks

26

The Vertical Lookup

72

Tip 16: Data Consolidation

28

Tip 38: Positive and Negative Numbers

74

Tip 17: Replace Function

30

Tip 39: Aggregate Function

75

Tip 18: Countifs

32

Tip 40: TRIM Function

78

Tip 41: Vlookup Approximate Value

79

Tip 19: Protecting the PivotTable With Full Slicer
Functionality

33

Tip 42: Multiple Data Consolidations for PivotTables 81

Tip 20: Circling Invalid Data

36

Tip 43: Slicers

83

Tip 21:Database Functions

38

Tip 44: Creating a Sparkline

84

Tip 22: How to Enter Data in a Range without Scrolling

Tip 45: Grouping Data In a PivotTable By Days of the

Horizontally by using the Data Entry Form

Week

85

Tip 46: Combinational Chart

86

Tip 47: Creating an Excel Graph From Scratch

88

Tip 48: The Watch Window

91

40

Tip 23: Using Icon Sets to Create Visual Effects to
Compare Cell Values

42

Tip 24: How to Customize Data Validation with the
TRIM Function

45

Tip 49: Quickly Accessing a List of Named Ranges 93
Tip 50: Naming a Range of Cells

94

Tip1:
Creating Macros

If you have tasks in Microsoft Excel that you do repeatedly, you can record a macro to automate those tasks. A macro is an action
or a set of actions that you can run as many times as you want. When you create a macro, you are recording your mouse clicks
and keystrokes. After you create a macro, you can edit it to make minor changes to the way it works.
In this example we demonstrate how you can create wa macro that inserts the company’s letter head and is available in every
workbook (Personal Macro Workbook)
Applies To: MS Excel 2003, 2007 and 2010
1.

Open Microsoft Excel.

2.

Select any cell.

3.

Select View, Macros (Macros group), and Record Macro. Then Enter as below.

4.

Select OK.

5.

Select View, Macros (Macros group), and Use Relative References (So that macro can run in any cell on the particular
worksheet).

6.

Type your company letter head including any formatting e.g.

Sage Alchemex

4 Derby Place, Derby Downs

University Road, Westville, 3629, Durban, RSA
www.alchemex.com
7.

Repeat step five.

8.

Select View, Macros (Macros group), and Stop Recording.

9.

If you select any cell in any workbook/worksheet and press CTRL+ SHIFT + L, the macro will execute.

10. Alternatively you can select as: View, Macros (Macros group), and View Macros. Then select as below.

3

Tip 2:
The GETPIVOTDATA function

The GETPIVOTDATA function returns data stored in a PivotTable report. You can use GETPIVOTDATA to retrieve summary data
from a PivotTable report, provided the summary data is visible in the report. You can quickly enter a simple GETPIVOTDATA formula by typing = in the cell you want to return the value to and then clicking the cell in the PivotTable report that contains the data
you want to return.
The GETPIVOTDATA function syntax has the following arguments:
• Data_field Required. The name, enclosed in quotation marks, for the data field that contains the data that you want to
retrieve
• Pivot_table Required. A reference to any cell, range of cells, or named range of cells in a PivotTable report. This information
is used to determine which PivotTable report contains the data that you want to retrieve
• Field1, Item1, Field2, Item2 Optional. 1 to 126 pairs of field names and item names that describe the data that you want to
retrieve
1.

2.

With reference to the PivotTable below, we are going to extract the total Dairy Products sales for the month of September.

Select cell A2 and type the following formula:
=GETPIVOTDATA(“Sum of Product Sales”,E3,”Category Name”,”Dairy Products”,”Date”,”Sep”)

3.

The answer will be 12054 as displayed below.

4

Tip 3:
Formatting the Chart Vertical Axis

If you have plotted a graph and want to change the scale of the vertical axis to suit your needs, MS Excel allows you to customize
the vertical axis.
By default, Microsoft Office Excel determines the minimum and maximum scale values of the vertical (value) axis. The y axis is
usually the vertical axis and contains data. The x-axis is usually the horizontal axis and contains categories in a chart. You can,
however, customize the scale to better meet your needs. When the values that are plotted in the chart cover a very large range, you
can also change the vertical (value) axis to a logarithmic scale (also known as log scale).
1.

Assuming that you have just plotted the graph below.

2.

To change the scale of the vertical axis to :
a. Minimum value = 5000
b. Maximum value = 55 000
c. Major Unit = 5000

3.

Right click on the vertical axis.

4.

Select format axis.

5.

Enter as per screen shot below.

5

6.

Select close.

7.

The following chart will be displayed with customised vertical axis values.

6

Tip 4:
Date Validation

If you have 90 days to settle an account, and would like to know if a given date is within 90 days of today’s date, you can use a
combination of the TODAY() date function and the IF() function. This will enable you to check if a given date is within 90 days of,
well, today.
The TODAY() function returns the date as per the system date of the machine, using the YYYY/MM/DD format for the date. Once
in a cell, this date can be used in calculations. The example in this tip starts with the following information in Excel: a date listed in
cell A1, with the cell formatted to represent a date in DD-MMMM-YY format.

1.

Select cell B1.

2.

Type in =TODAY() and press Enter.

3.

Select cell C1. Type in =B1-A1 and press Enter.

4.

Select cell C2. Type in =(TODAY()-A1)>=90 and press Enter. This will return a FALSE value, as the result (20) is not greater
than or equal to 90.

5.

With cell C2 still selected, type in =IF(TODAY()-A1>=90,”Yes”,”No”) and press Enter.

The formula will subtract the entered date from today’s date, then compare the value against 90. If the value is greater than or
equal 90, the result will be “Yes”, otherwise “No”.
7

Tip 5:
IF Function

Ever tried to create a formula with a condition but could not? Perhaps you intend to have different answers depending on the status
(true or false) of the condition. Then the answer to your problem is the IF function.
The IF function is one of Excel’s most useful and most used functions. What it does, basically, is test to see whether a certain condition is true or false. If the condition is true, the function will do one thing, if the condition is false, the function will do something else.
Syntax: =IF(logic test, value if true, value if false)
1.

We are going to calculate the commission figures for the following employees based on this criteria:
If the above target figure is above the target benchmark of $10,000 multiply the value by 20% if the above target figure is below
$10,000 then multiply the figure by 5%.

2.

You can use the IF Statement.

3.

Use the following formula and copy down =IF(B5>10000,B5*20%,B5*5%).

4.

The commission figures will be automatically calculated based on the IF function.

5.

The logic test is always a comparison between two values. Comparison operators are used, for example, to see if the first
value is greater than or less than the second, or equal to it.

8

6.

While the logic test section is limited to answering a true or false question, you have greater flexibility in what you place in the
last two arguments.

7.

The IF function can perform different calculations depending on whether the function returns a true value or not.

Note: There is no comma separator used for the number in 10,000 in the above example. This is because the IF function uses the
comma to separate the three sections of the IF function contained within the round brackets.

9

Tip 6:
Calculating Multiple Conditions In a Formula with The
Nested IF Statement
Do you need to calculate multiple conditions in a formula? Similar to the example below where a specific trade discount percentage
has been used depending on the quantity purchased? If that is the case then you can use the Nested IF statement.
The Nested IF statement enables one to calculate multiple conditions in a formula. As a result more elaborate tests of data can be
constructed.
The If statement can be used to conduct conditional tests on values and formulas. However if more elaborate testing of data will be
carried out then the Nested If Statement can be used.
To calculate the trade discount percentage for clients based on the table below;
TOTAL PURCHASES
DISCOUNT PERCENTAGE

>=$30,000
7%

>=$20,000
5%

>=$10,000
3%

<$10,000
0%
1.

Enter the data given below.

2.

Select cell D2 and type the following formula;
=IF(C2>=30000,”7%”,IF(C2>=20000,”5%”,IF(C2>=10000,”3%”,”0%”))).

3.

Press Enter and copy the formula down.

4.

The result will be as below.

10

Tip 7:
Making Forecasts with the Forecast Function

If you are recording monthly sales amounts and there seems to be a constant upward trend, though the increase each month isn’t
the same amount. You can use the FORECAST function to know when a certain sales amount has been hit.
Applies To: MS Excel 2007 and 2010
The FORECAST function can work whenever you have a set of data pairs: an x-value range (say, date) and a y-value range (say,
value of sales for that date). The function uses a trend line on the y-value target amount (e.g. a sales amount target), then applies
the same trend to the x-value range to work out the date that target will be reached. The values in the x-value range must be
numbers, otherwise the function will return a #VALUE! Error.
In this example, we will be using the following data table which lists sales dates from the end of the month, and the value of those
sales for that month. We shall use the FORECAST function to determine on what date sales will exceed $2000.

1.

Select cell E2.

2.

Type in =FORECAST(D2,A2:A9,B2:B9) and press Enter.

3.

The formula returns a value of 40716.54041

11

4.

We can now format this number to return a date value. While cell E2 is still selected, press CTRL + 1. This will bring up the
“Format Cells‟ window. On the „Number‟ tab, select the "Date‟ option in the left hand menu, then your desired date format on
the right, the click OK.

5.

The number will now be converted to a date and we can see that sales are estimated to exceed $2000 on 22nd June, 2011.

12

Tip 8:
Trapping Error Messages By Using the IF Error Function

If you’ve worked with formulas, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded formula error. Rather than return a numeric result, the
formula cell displays a weird message such as #VALUE! or #DIV/0!.
Most of the time, this means you need to track down the source of the error and fix it. But sometimes a formula error simply means
that the data used by the formula is not yet available. For example, say you run a small telemarketing company. You might have a
spreadsheet set up to track your daily sales as a percentage of calls made.

1.

The formulas in column D do the calculations that come up with the percentages. For example, cell D4 contains the formula
=C4/B4.The answer was then converted to percentages by using the percent style option.

2.

The formula does its job well--as long as there is data to calculate. An empty cell (such as B9) is treated as a zero, and division
by zero is not allowed. As a result, Excel displays an ugly #DIV/0! error message, which makes your entire worksheet look like
it was created by a novice.

3.

You can avoid displaying formula errors by re-writing your formula to use an IFError function. For example:

=IFERROR((C4/B4),””)
4.

Displays a blank cell if the division operation results in an error (cell B4 is empty or contains 0), yet still displays valid results.

5.

If you prefer, you can replace the empty string (“”) with other text of your choice--just make sure the text is enclosed in quote
marks.

13

Tip 9:
Formatting Your Dates To Show the Period Number

Are you looking for an easy and effective method of displaying the period for a given date? Perhaps you have a sales report and
you intend to analyse the dates by periods, then the Custom Format option is the answer.
By using a Custom Format, you can show the period of the date (in this case the month) without changing the date in the field.
Before:

After (using a Custom Format):

1.

Select the date’s data range.

2.

Right click on the selected data range.

14

3.

Select Format Cells.

4.

Under Category, select Custom.

5.

In the Type box, Enter m.

6.

Select OK.

15

Tip 10:
To Automatically Highlight Upcoming and Past Due Dates

In Excel 2010, there is a way to automatically highlight up-coming and past due dates. For example, if one has expiry dates for
stock in a spreadsheet it is possible to highlight the stock that has expired and the stock that will expire within 30 days. This is
achievable with conditional formatting.
Below is a demonstration of how this can be done.
Applies To: MS Excel 2010
1.

Select the Home tab in the toolbar at the top of the screen.

2.

Then in the styles group, click on the Conditional Formatting drop-down and select Manage Rules.

3.

When the Conditional Formatting Rules Manager window appears, click on the “New Rule” button to enter the first condition.

4.

When the New Formatting Rule window appears, select Format only cells that contain as the rule type.
Then select Cell Value in the first drop down, less than in the second drop down, and enter the following formula:
=NOW()+30

16

Next, we need to select what formatting to apply when this condition is met. To do this, click on the Format button.

5.

When the Format Cells window appears, select the Fill tab. Then select the color that you would like to use for the dates that
will expire in the next 30 days. In this example, we’ve selected green. Then click on the OK button.

17

6.

When you return to the New Formatting Rule window, you should see the preview of the formatting in the preview box. In this
example, the preview box shows green as the fill color. Click on the OK button.

This will return you to the Conditional Formatting Rules Manager window. Select OK.

The stock that has already expired and the stock that will expire in less than 30 days from now will be
highlighted in green.

18

Tip 11:
Date Data Validation

When working on a project timeline the end date should always be greater than the start date; however error can occur when
entering the dates manually into a spreadsheet. By using Date Data Validation you can ensure that the project end date is
greater than the project start date as it notifies you should this not be the case.
1.

Refer to the data given below.

2.

Select the range; C2:C8.

3.

From the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, select Data Validation.

4.

Select as below;

19

5.

Select the OK button.

6.

Enter 2013/01/12 in cell C2.An error message given below will be displayed since 2013/01/12 is less than 2013/01/15.

Thus one is able to ensure that the data that users enter into a worksheet conforms to certain standards by enforcing the data
validation rule.

20

Tip 12:
Transpose Function

Have you ever needed to change the orientation of a range of cells whilst maintaining links to the source data and had to manually
recreate the spreadsheet? Well, there’s a quicker way - the TRANSPOSE function. The TRANSPOSE function returns a vertical
range of cells as a horizontal range, or vice versa, whilst maintaining links to source data.
The TRANSPOSE function must be entered as an array formula. An array formula performs multiple calculations on one or more
sets of values, and then returns either a single result or multiple results. Array formulas are enclosed between brackets { } and are
entered by pressing (CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER) in a range that has the same number of rows and columns as the source range. Use
TRANSPOSE to shift the vertical and horizontal orientation of an array or range on a worksheet.
1.

This tip will be based on the screen shot below.

2.

Starting from cell A7- select the data range A7:C18 (Where the data will be pasted).

3.

With the data range A7:C18 still selected, type the formula below.
=TRANSPOSE(A2:L4) and press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER

4.


N.B: You can also transpose data by using COPY-PASTE SPECIAL-TRANSPOSE-OK. However the
transposed data will have no links to the source data.

21

Tip 13:
Data Validation

Data Validation enables you to create a drop down list to control the type of data or the values that users enter into a cell. For
instance if you have a list of employees and want to assign a department next to each employees name, you can use a drop down
list instead of typing the departments.
Below is an example of how to use Data Validation.
1.

Select the sheet 1 tab and enter as below.

2.

Select A3:A10 and enter Dept in the name box as per screen shot above(You must press the Enter key after typing Dept).

3.

Select the sheet 2 tab, and select the cells in the Department Column of the report (E5:E17).

22

4.

Add the Data Validation to the selected cells. Refer to the screen shot below.

5.

The following screen will be displayed, select the criteria as shown below.
To insert the range name (Dept.) you can either type in =Dept or press F3 in the Source text box and then select Dept from
the list of Named Ranges.

6.

Select OK and enter employees’ information. To choose the department, select the drop down arrow in column E.
A list of departments will be displayed thus automating the entry of departments into the worksheet.
The screen shot is displayed below.

23

Tip 14:
Generating of Random Numbers For Testing of Formulas

Do you need to generate random numbers to test formulas? Consider using the RANDBETWEEN function. The function can be
used to create some random numbers for testing of formulas so that you don’t need to make them up.
The RANDBETWEEN function returns a random integer number between the numbers you specify. A new random integer number
is returned every time the worksheet is calculated.
The RANDBETWEEN function allows you to generate a random, whole number inside of a range.
The syntax is:
=RANDBETWEEN(bottom,top)
The bottom parameter is the lowest number in the range you want to use, and top is the highest number in the range.
1.

Select cell A2 and type =RANDBETWEEN(1,100) and press Enter.

When you press Enter, a random whole number between 1 and 100 is generated (in this instance, the number 32 is returned).
2.

Move your mouse to the bottom left hand corner of cell A2, click and hold on the autoFill handle, and drag it down to cell A7.

24

You’ll note that the moment you release the AutoFill Handle, all cells generated a random number, including cell A2 – it has
changed from 32 to 78. RANDBETWEEN will generate a new number each time you press Enter, or even when you use the UNDO
or REDO functions (as long as you’re not altering any of the RANDBETWEEN cells).
3.

Select cell B2. Type in =A2*100 and press Enter.

Again, when you hit Enter, you’ll notice that all values in cells A2 to A7 change to a new, random value.

25

Tip 15:
Hyperlinks

A Hyperlink is a reference to a document, a location or an action that the reader can directly follow. Microsoft has added the ability
to place hyperlinks directly into an Excel worksheet, connected to a number of worksheet objects; including shapes, charts and
wordart, included as a worksheet formula or programmatically using VBA by selecting the link. The use of Hyperlinks in Excel
has been extended to a number of areas and this includes: opening files, opening web pages, creating new excel files or sending
emails, but we will focus on jumping/navigating to locations within an existing workbook.
In the example below we create a hyperlink to the East and West worksheets so that navigating to those worksheets can be
simplified.

1.

2.

To create a link to the West Coast worksheet.
a. Right click on cell B5 and select Hyperlink.
b. The screen shot below will be displayed.

c. Select as above then click on West Coast.
To create a link to the East Coast worksheet
a. Right click on cell B6 and select Hyperlink.
b. Select as in step 1(b) above, then click on East Coast.

26

3.

By clicking on cells B5 & B6, one will be taken to the West Coast and East Coast worksheets respectively.

N.B
To delete a hyperlink select as below
• Right click on the cell with the hyperlink e.g. B5
• Select Remove Hyperlink
To edit a hyperlink select as below
• Right click on the cell with the hyperlink e.g. B5
• Select Edit Hyperlink
• Select the new location for the hyperlink
• Select OK

27

Tip 16:
Data Consolidation

To summarise and report results from data on separate worksheets, you can consolidate the data from each separate worksheet
into one worksheet (or master worksheet). The worksheets you consolidate can be in the same workbook as the master worksheet
or in other workbooks. When you consolidate data in one worksheet, you can more easily update and aggregate it on a regular or
ad hoc basis.
There are two main ways to consolidate data:
• Consolidate by position: Use this method when the data from multiple source areas is arranged in the same order and uses the
same row and column labels.
• Consolidate by category: Use this method when the data from multiple source areas is arranged differently, but the same row
and column labels are used.
1.

Insert a new worksheet.

2.

Rename Sheet1, Sheet2 and Sheet3 to Branch A, Branch B and Summary respectively.

3.

Enter the data given in the example below on the Branch A worksheet.
The same order and location of the data must be maintained on all the worksheets.

4.

Enter the data given below on the Branch B worksheet.

5.

Select the summary worksheet, click cell B3.

6.

Select on Data, Consolidate (under data tools).

28

7.

The screen shot given below will be displayed.

8.

Select the Edit Ref icon and highlight the data range B3:F10 on the Branch A worksheet.

9.

Press Enter & select the Add button.

10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 on the Branch B worksheet.
11. The screen shot below will be displayed.

12. Select all the check boxes and then press Enter or click OK.

The data will then be consolidated on the summary worksheet. The details can be displayed by clicking on 2 or the expand button
as given above.
To consolidate more ranches or worksheets simply repeat steps 8 & 9 but on the appropriate worksheet.
29

Tip 17:
Replace Function

You don’t always have control over the format and type of data that you import from an external data source, such as a database,
text file or a Web page. Before you can analyse the data, you first need to clean it up. Below we will discuss the REPLACE function;
which replaces part of a text string, based on the number of characters you specify, with a different text string.
Take the example of the data in the screen shot below, using a manual method to clean the data will be too laborious to undertake.
Below we explain how the unwanted characters in each cell will be replaced with a $ sign using the Replace function.

1.

With reference to the screen shot above.

2.

Select cell C3.

3.

Select as per screen shot below.

30

4.

Enter the formula arguments as below.

5.

Select OK.

6.

The result will be displayed below. The special characters # ! & % ^ will be replaced with the $.

The Replace function syntax has the following arguments.
• Old_text : Text in which you want to replace some characters.
• Start_num : The position of the character in old_text that you want to replace with new_text.
• Num_chars : The number of characters in old_text that you want REPLACE to replace with new_text.
• New_text Required. The text that will replace characters in old_text.

31

Tip 18:
Countifs

Are you looking for a simple but yet effective way of monitoring the performance of your sales staff? Perhaps you are the Sales
Manager and would like to analyse the performance of your staff. The Countifs function can be a great formula to use in order to
ascertain if the Sales Representatives have met the target. The Countifs function can be used to apply multiple criteria while the
Countif function only applies a single criteria.
In the example below we count how many times the target of selling seafood over the value of $100 in the month of April is
achieved .This relates to the individual sales staff and is aptly explained in the following steps.

1.

Select cell H3 as per screen shot above.

2.

Enter the formula given below.
=COUNTIFS($B$3:$B$22,G3,$C$3:$C$22,$C$8,$D$3:$D$22,$D$6,$E$3:$E$22,”>100”)

3.

After copying the formula down the answer will be displayed below.

4.

As can be seen the performance of the sales staff has been tabulated. All this has been done by one simple but yet effective
Countifs formula.

The COUNTIFS function syntax has the following arguments.
• Criteria_range1 : The first range in which to evaluate the associated criteria.
• Criteria1 : The criteria in the form of a number, expression, cell reference, or text that define which cells will be counted.
• Criteria_range2, criteria2, ... Optional. Additional ranges and their associated criteria. Up to 127 range/criteria pairs are
allowed.

32

Tip 19:
Protecting the PivotTable With Full Slicer Functionality

Have you ever had your data in an excel workbook accidently or deliberately tampered with? You could be working on a project and
would like to restrict access to data on some shared workbooks. In the following tip we explain how the entire worksheet/PivotTable
can be protected with the user only allowed access to the slicer.

Applies To: MS Excel 2010 and 2013
1.

Right click on the Slicer and select Size and Properties.

2.

Click on Properties.

3.

Unlock the Slicers by unchecking the ‘Locked’ check box as per screen shot below.

3.

Select Close.

33

4.


5.
•
•

Tick or select only the following options. Refer to the screen shots below.
Select unlocked Cells
Use PivotTable reports

34

6.

A password can be added if necessary.

7.

Select OK.

The user will only have access to the Slicer. Therefore the PivotTable report can’t be tampered with, in that way the integrity of the
data is maintained.

35

Tip 20:
Circling Invalid Data

You may have imported or entered account codes into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and want to identify invalid account codes.
Let’s say the account codes are supposed to have five characters but because of data entry errors some accounts codes do not
meet the required criteria; they either exceed or are less than five characters.By using the Data Validation option to circle invalid
data the invalid account codes will be circled and therefore easily identifiable. It must be noted that data validation will have to be
applied before circling invalid data. Circling Invalid Data can only be applied with data that has already been captured, unlike with
Data Validation which can also be applied prior to data being captured.

Applies To: MS Excel 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2013
1.

Select the data range A3:A12.

2.

Select the Data Tab and then Data Validation as below.

3.

Enter as per screen shot below.

36

4.

Click OK.

5.

To circle invalid data, select the data range A3:A12.

6.

Select the Data Tab and in Data Validation select Circle Invalid Data as per the screen shot below.

7.

The invalid data will be circled as displayed below.

37

Tip 21:
Database Functions

By using the DSUM function, you can specify criteria and conditions regarding which cells should be added together. An alternative
to using DSUM is using SUMIF, but SUMIF is not suitable for complex criteria.
The list below shows monthly and daily product sales. In cell G5 we have calculated a running total using the DSUM function, which
takes into account a number of criteria that has been set up in the range A1:D2.
We will use the DSUM function to calculate the total sales that meets the following criteria: Monthly sales for February that are
greater than $500 and where the weekday is Tuesday and the product is Ipoh Coffee.

The syntax for the DSUM function is: = DSUM(database, field, criteria)
The arguments of the DSUM function are explained below.
Database:
Is the range of cells that makes up the list or database. A database is a list of related data in which rows of related information are
records, and columns of data are fields. The first row of the list contains labels for each column.
Field:
Indicates which column is used in the function. Field can be given as text with the column label enclosed between double quotation
marks, such as “Age” or “Yield,” or as a number that represents the position of the column within the list: 1 for the first column, 2 for
the second column, and so on.
Criteria:
Is the range of cells that contains the conditions you specify. You can use any range for the criteria argument, as long as it includes
at least one column label and at least one cell below the column label for specifying a condition for the column.
Applies To: MS Excel 2003,2007,2010 and 2013
1.

Select the cell G5.

38

2.

Enter the formula below:
=DSUM(A5:D19,4,A1:D2)
(A5:D19) is the database, (4) is the field number for sales, (A1:D2) is the
criteria range.

3.

Press Enter.

4.

The answer will be $2,400.00.

39

Tip 22:
How to Enter Data in a Range Without Scrolling Horizontally
by using the Data Entry Form
A data form provides a convenient means to enter or display information in a range or list without scrolling horizontally. A data form
can make data entry easier than typing across the columns when you have a wide range with more columns than will fit on the
screen at one time. A data form simply lists column fields and doesn’t cater for custom form features.
A data form can be created to enter data from scratch like in the example below. To add a data form to an already existing data list
select any cell within the list and apply the instructions given below.
1.

Enter the list headings into your spreadsheet as per screen shot below

2.

Select any cell below the list headings E.g. B2.

3.

Press ALT + D then press the letter O twice (while you are still holding on to ALT + D).

4.

The screen shot below will be displayed.

5.

Select OK.

6.

The following data form will be displayed.

7.

To enter your first record refer to the screen shot below. Use the tab key or mouse to move from one text box to the next.

40

8.

To capture the second record select the New button or press Enter.

9.

The first record will be appended to the spread sheet as displayed below.

10. To close the form; select the Close button or X.
11. The function of the other control buttons are explained below

41

Tip 23:
Using Icon Sets to Create Visual Effects to Compare
Cell Values
Icon Sets in Conditional Formatting create a visual effect in your data so that you can compare the value of a cell with other cells.
For example, if you are an accountant and want to easily categorize debtors based on how much they owe your company you can
use Conditional formatting – Icon Sets.
In the example below we categorize the debtor balances as follows: Red for >=$50,000, Yellow for >= $25,000, Green for <
$25,000.
1.

The screen shot below will be used for this example.

2.

Highlight the data range B3:B25.

3.

Select the Home Tab and as per screen shot below.

42

4.

With the data range (B3:B25) still selected, select the Home Tab as below.

5.

Select Edit Rule and as per screen shot below.

6.

Select OK .

43

7.

Select OK. The debtors balance list will be as below.

8.
•
•
•

To sort the list by the icon sets:
Select any cell within the outstanding balance column.
Select the Data Tab then select Sort.
Select as below. To add a new level, select the Add Level button.

•
•

Select OK.
The debtors balances will be sorted by icons with the red icons appearing on top of the list.

Therefore you will be able to categorize debtors based on the outstanding balance.

44

Tip 24:
How to Customize Data Validation with the TRIM Function

In previous tips we have covered data validation which helps you control the type of data or values that other users enter into a
cell, and the TRIM function which removes all spaces from text except for single spaces between words. This tip will show you how
to control the type of data entered and also prevent the entry of data with leading or trailing spaces. Instead of applying the TRIM
function to already entered data, we combine data validation and the TRIM function to ensure that only relevant and clean data is
captured.
1.


2.

Select cell A3:A15

3.


4.

Enter data as given below.

45

5.

To add an input message select the Input Message tab and enter the appropriate message.

6.

To add an error alert, select the Error Alert tab and enter the appropriate message.

7.

Select OK.

8.

Select cell A3 and enter the account code “ACC001” with leading spaces. An error message will be displayed.

9.

Select Retry and enter the account code “ACC001” without leaving spaces.

10. The value will be accepted as displayed below.

46

Tip 25:
How to Replace Empty Cells with Zero Values in a Chart

If you create a chart from a worksheet, with data that is hidden in rows and columns, or that has empty cells, by default the hidden
data will not display and the empty cells will display as gaps in the chart. To override this you can use the Hidden and Empty Cells
function which allows you to determine how the chart should deal with hidden data and empty cells. This function gives you the option to either show hidden and empty cells as gaps, or as zeros, or to smooth the chart over the gaps.
In this tip we show you how to replace empty cells with zero values in your chart.
For example, you (the Sales Manager) want to view your product sales plotted as values on your sales chart. To do this, follow the
steps below.
Applies to: Microsoft® Excel® 2007, 2010 and 2013
The screen shots below are used in this example.

1.

To show blank values as zeros in your chart:
a. Right-click the chart.
b. Click Select Data.
c. Click the Hidden and Empty Cells button as displayed below.

47

2.

Select Zero.

3.

Select OK.

4.

Select OK again.

5.

The chart will now display the empty cells as zero.

48

Tip 26:
How to Prevent Data Duplication In a Microsoft® Excel®
Worksheet

Data duplication in Microsoft® Excel® can lead to a host of irregularities; so it is a good idea to prevent it. In this tip we explain how
you can prevent duplicate data from being captured in an Excel worksheet by using custom data validation. The COUNTIF function
will be added to the Data Validation option to prevent duplicate data entries.
A key benefit of using this method is that it prevents data duplication before it is captured. Other methods will only allow you to highlight and remove duplicate values after your data has been captured.
Applies to: Microsoft® Excel® 2007, 2010 and 2013
The screen shot below is used in this example:

1.

Select cells A3:A15.

2.

Select Data Validation as per the screen shot below.

49

3.

Enter the data in the same format as shown below.

4.

To add an input message select the Input Message tab and enter the appropriate message.

5.

To add a custom error message, select the Error Alert tab and enter the appropriate message.

50

6.

Click OK.

7.

Select cell A3 and enter the account code “ACC001”.

8.

Select cell A4 and re-enter the same account code “ACC001”.

9.

The custom error message, entered in point 5, will be displayed.

10. Select Retry and enter the account code “ACC002”.
11. The value will be accepted as shown below.

51

Tip 27:
How to Convert Dates from Numeric Values to Text

As a Sales Manager, a report which allows you to see how sales perform on different days of the week could be useful to you;
enabling you to make informed business decisions on weekly stock orders.
The TEXT function converts a numeric value to text, so you can set dates to display as text to make it easier to see days of the
week; i.e. Monday February 2013 as opposed to 2013/02/11.
Applies to: Microsoft® Excel® 2007, 2010 and 2013.
The screen shots below will be used to illustrate this exercise.

1.

To extract the week day from the date string, select TEXT under the Formulas tab as below.

52

2.

Select cell C3 and enter as per the screen shot below.

3.

Select OK and copy the formula down.

4.

To extract the day, month and year from a date string.
a. Select cell D3 and as follow the instruction in step 2 above.
b. Enter as per screen shot below.

5.

c. Select OK and copy the formula down.
The data will be displayed as per screen shot below.

53

For more information on extracting the day, month and year using the TEXT function, refer to the screen shot below.

54

Tip 28:
Splitting data from one column to two or more

If you ever need to split data in one column into two or more columns, you can use the LEFT, MID and RIGHT Text functions.
•
•
•

The LEFT function returns the first character or characters in a text string, based on the number of characters you specify.
The MID function returns a specific number of characters from a text string, starting at the position you specify.
The RIGHT function returns the last character or characters in a text string, also based on the number of characters you
specify.

The alternative is to use the Text to Columns option which has been covered in previous tips; however this option will not work if the
source data has formulas like a VLOOKUP.
In the example below we use the LEFT, MID and RIGHT functions to split the System Numbers into Main Account Numbers, Account Numbers and Sub Account Numbers.
Applies to: Microsoft® Excel® 2007, 2010 and 2013.

1.

To extract the Main Account Number using the LEFT function.
a. Select cell B2
b. Enter the formula as =LEFT(A2,4)
c. Copy the formula down

2.

To extract the Account Number using the MID function.
a. Select cell C2
b. Enter the formula as =MID(A2,5,3)

55

3.

To extract the Sub Account Number using the RIGHT function.
a. Select cell D2
b. Enter the formula as =RIGHT(A2,2)

The outcome should be as per the screenshot below.

56

Tip 29:
Counting Cells That are Not Empty

Let’s say you want to count the number of employees in a data range and would like to ignore any blank cells. The way to go is to
use the CountA function.
The COUNTA function counts cells containing any type of information, including error values and empty text (“”). For example, if
the range contains a formula that returns an empty string, the COUNTA function counts that value. The COUNTA function does not
count empty cells.
1.


2.
•
•
•
•

To count the total number of employees in the data range A3:A19.
Select cell A20
Type =Counta(A3:A19)
Press Enter
The answer will be 15

3.

The Counta function returns 15 and ignores blank cells in the range A3:A19.

57

Tip 30:
Determining and Using Names in Formulas

Naming formulas in a Microsoft® Excel® workbook makes it easier to maintain them and improves clarity and understanding of the
respective data. You can define a name for a cell range, function, constant, or table. Names can easily be updated, audited, and
managed once they are defined. In this tip you will learn how to automatically generate names from selected data.

Applies To: Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010 and 2013
The screen shot in the example below will be used for this example.

1.

Select any cell in the data range A1:H25.

2.

Press CTRL + A.

3.


4.

Then select as below.

58

5.

Select OK.

6.

The names have been defined as displayed in the name box below.

7.

To edit or delete names; select the Name Manager option under the Formulas Tab –Defined Names group and select Edit or
Delete.

59

Tip 31:
How to extract text from a text string using the MID and
FIND functions

Let’s say you have imported a list of names into Microsoft® Excel® from a payroll program, and the first names and surnames are
all added to one column of data but in order to manipulate the data you would like to have the surnames extracted to a separate
column. You can do this using various methods of extracting text from a text string. In this tip we show you how, by nesting the MID
and FIND functions, the surname can be extracted from the name string.
•
•

The MID function returns a specific number of characters from a text string, starting at the position you specify.
The FIND function locates one text string within a second text string, and returns the number of the starting position of the first
text string from the first character of the second text string.

Applies to: Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010 and 2013.

1.

Select cell C3.

2.


60

3.

Select MID from the Text functions list.

4.

Then enter the formula as below.

•
•
•

B3 refers to the first cell under the names column
Excel searches for the position of the space within the text string using the FIND function.
1 is added to the returned number
◦ This is the first letter of the surnames.
◦ 10 is the maximum number of characters that can be extracted.

5.


6.


61

Tip 32:
Consolidating Cells in Different Worksheets with
3D-Reference
Consolidating budget allocations for different departments which are on separate worksheets can be a tedious task, unless you
automate it. 3D-Reference is a Microsoft® Excel® function that is useful for referencing several worksheets that follow the same
pattern and cells and contain the same type of data. In this week’s tip we will show you how you can consolidate budget allocations
in different worksheets.
Applies to: Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010 and 2013.
The screen shots below will be used to illustrate this exercise. The total budget values are in cell C15 on the three department
worksheets.

1.

With the Summary worksheet open, select the Formulas tab and then select Define Name.

2.

In the New Name fields, enter as below and select OK.

Rules when naming ranges
• No Spaces
• No cell addresses
• Cannot begin with a number
• Can use an underscore instead of a space

62

3.

Select cell C15 on the summary worksheet enter =Sum(

4.

Then press F3.

5.

Select Budget Tools and then OK as per the below screenshot.

6.

Press Enter.

7.

The total budget allocation for the three departments will be $ 2, 156 ,000 .00.

63

Tip 33:
Sampling Analysis Tool

If you ever need to randomly select numbers from a given range of values; for instance, your Marketing team could be running
a lucky draw and have solicited your help in authentically selecting winners, use the Sampling Analysis tool. This tool basically
selects a random sample from your range of values (a sample being a portion of the whole range), therefore selecting the winners
for you.
Applies to: Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010 and 2013

1.

Select the Data tab and Data Analysis as per screen shot below.

N.B.

If the Data Analysis option is not installed, install by following the instructions below.

•
•
•
•

•

Select the Microsoft Office button or the File tab, and then select Excel Options/ Options
Select Add-Ins, and then in the Manage box drop down list, select Excel Add-ins.
Select Go.
In the Add-ins available box, check the Analysis ToolPak box, and then select OK.
o If Analysis ToolPak is not listed in the Add-ins available drop down list, select Browse to locate it.
o If you get prompted that the Analysis ToolPak is not currently installed on your computer, select Yes to install it.
After you load the Analysis ToolPak, the Data Analysis command is available in the Analysis group on the Data tab.

2.

Select the Data Analysis command as per the screen shot below.

64

3.

Select Sampling and then OK.

4.

Then select or type in the Input Range, Number of Samples and Output Range as below. Select OK.

5.

The results will be as below.

65

6.

Use Vlookup to extract the initials and surnames of the competition winners.

7.

Select cell G3 and enter the Vlookup formula given below.

8.

=VLOOKUP(F3,$B$2:$D$18,2,0)

9.

Press Enter and copy the formula down to cell G7.

10. Select cell H3 and enter the Vlookup formula given below.
11. =VLOOKUP(F3,$B$2:$D$18,3,0)
12. Press Enter and copy the formula down to cell H7.
13. The initials and surnames will be displayed as below.

66

Tip 34:
The YEARFRAC function

The YEARFRAC function can help with calculating the current life span of an asset, or the age of employees based upon their
dates of birth. The YEARFRAC function calculates an accurate difference between two dates because unlike other methods that
return a whole number, the YEARFRAC function returns a decimal result to indicate fractions of a year. Our example exercise is on
how to calculate the life span of an asset based on date it was manufactured.

1.

Select cell H4.

2.

Select the Formulas tab and then Date & Time as below.

3.

Select YEARFRAC from the Date & Time drop down list.

4.

Enter the formula arguments as below.

67

5.


6.

The answer will be as below.

68

Tip 35:
How to Create a Table out of a Data Range for
Data Analysis
If you no longer want to work with your data in a table, you can convert the table to a regular range of data while keeping any table
style formatting that you applied. When you no longer need a table and the data that it contains, you can delete it.

1.

Select any cell within the data range A1:F21.

2.

Select the Insert tab and then Table as per screen shot below.

3.

Input the location of your data, tick the ‘My table has headers’ box and select OK.

69

4.

To remove duplicate records from the table, select the Design tab and Remove Duplicates.
• Records 004,0010 and 0017 have duplicate values.

• Ensure that you select a cell within the table for the design contextual tab to be activated.
5.

Select OK.

6.

The final table will look like the table below.

70

Tip 36:
Using Custom Format

How to format a number without decimal places, with a thousands separator, and combine it with text, using custom formatting and
joining cells.
1.

For example, Cell A1 contains “You owe” and cell B1 contains the value 87777.
In cell C1 enter the following formula =A1&” “&TEXT(B1,”$#,##0”).

71

Tip 37:
Use MATCH and INDEX as an Alternative to The
Vertical Lookup
Vertical Lookup is one of the commonly used MS Excel functions. But it has limitations in that the main search criterion needs to be
in the first column. However by using a combination of MATCH and INDEX, you can return values from an array regardless of what
information is in the first column of the array. Follow our example below as we explain how you can use MATCH and INDEX as an
alternative to the Vertical Lookup.
MATCH: Returns the relative position of an item in an array that matches a specified value in a specified order.
INDEX: Returns a value or reference of the cell at the intersection of a particular row and column, in a given range.
Applies To: Excel 2003, 2007 and 2010
1.

Reference will be made to the screen shot below. We are going to retrieve the Commission Rate for P7.

2.

Select cell G5.

3.

Select as below.

72

4.

Select as below.

• In the first option the data array is only based on one data range
• In the second option the data array is based on multiple data ranges
5.

Enter as below.

6.

Select OK.

7.

The answer will be 22% as given below.

73

Tip 38:
Positive and Negative Numbers

Have you ever had a column with positive and negative numbers, but would like to sum the positive and negative numbers separately? This can be done by using the SUMIF function.
Example:
SUMIF SUMIF(range,criteria,sum_range)
Range:
Is the range of cells that you want evaluated by criteria. Cells in each range must be numbers or names, arrays, or references that
contain numbers. Blank and text values are ignored.
Criteria:
Is the criteria in the form of a number, expression, or text that defines which cells will be added. For example, criteria can be expressed as 32, “32”, “>32”, or “apples”.
Sum_range :
Are the actual cells to add if their corresponding cells in range match criteria. If sum_range is omitted, the cells in range are both
evaluated by criteria and added if they match criteria.
1.

To add the positive numbers as per the example:
a. Select the desired cell (E13)
b. Enter in the below formula:
=SUMIF(E4:E12,”>0”)
c. Press Enter.

2.

To add the negative numbers:
a. Select the desired cell (E14)
b. Enter in the below formula:
=SUMIF(E4:E12,”<0”)
c. Press Enter.

74

Tip 39:
Aggregate Function

Are you planning on finding the sum for a range of numbers with error values within the range? You can actually use the Aggregate
Function to overcome the limitation posed by some functions like Sum, MAX, MIN, AVERAGE and Percentile functions.
The Aggregate Function addresses the limitation of conditional formatting. Data bars, Icon Sets and Color Scales cannot display
conditional formatting if there are errors in the range. This is because the MIN, MAX and
PERCENTILE functions do not calculate when there is an error in the
calculation range. The LARGE, SMALL, and STDEVP functions also affect the appropriate functionality of certain conditional formatting rules for the same reasons. By using the AGGREGATE Function, you can implement those functions because the errors
will be ignored. In addition, the AGGREGATE Function can apply different aggregate functions to a list or database with the option
to ignore hidden rows and error values.
Syntax: AGGREGATE(function_num, options, ref1, [ref2], …)
Applies To: Excel 2010
1.

Refer to the data given below.

2.

Select B11 and enter; =Sum(B5:B10) and press Enter.

3.

An error message will be displayed in the Total. Delete the error message in cell B11.

4.

To overcome this limitation, we shall use the Aggregate function.

5.

Select cell B11.

6.

Select Formulas, Insert Function and search for the Aggregate function.

7.

Select OK.

75

8.

Select as below.

9.

Enter as below.

10. Select OK.
11. The answer will be as below.

76

The following numbers represent some function numbers than can be used in the formula above:
1=Average,2=Count,3=CountA,4=Max,5=Min,9=Sum
For Option numbers refer to the table below.

OPTION
0 or omitted
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

BEHAVIOUR
Ignore nested SUBTOTAL and AGGREGATE functions
Ignore hidden rows, nested SUBTOTAL and AGGREGATE
functions
Ignore error values, nested SUBTOTAL and AGGREGATE
functions
Ignore hidden rows, error values, nested SUBTOTAL and
AGGREGATE functions
Ignore nothing
Ignore hidden rows
Ignore error values
Ignore hidden rows and error values

77

Tip 40:
TRIM Function

The Trim Function can be used to clean up data. Let’s say you have imported data into Excel from another application with leading
or trailing spaces.
The Trim Function Removes all spaces from text except for single spaces between words. Use TRIM on text that you have
received from another application that may have irregular spacing.
Applies To: MS Excel 2003, 2007, 2010
1.

For this example the screen shot given below will be used.

2.

Select cell B2 and type =Trim(A2) then press Enter. Drag the formula down.

3.

The result will be as follows.

As you can see from the data above, all spaces from the text except for single spaces between words have been removed.
78

Tip 41:
Vlookup Approximate Value

Ever used the Vlookup with the approximate match? In this example we demonstrate how, by using the Vlookup with the approximate
match, one can extract the correct trade discount percentage based on the quantity purchased.
If TRUE or 1 is specified in the Range_lookup argument text box, an exact or approximate match is returned. If an exact match is
not found, the next largest value that is less than lookup_value is returned. (The Range_lookup argument text box can also be left
blank).
The values in the first column of table_array must be placed in ascending sort order; otherwise, VLOOKUP may not give the correct
value.

Applies To: MS Excel 2003,2007,2010
1.

This tip will be based on the screen shot above.

2.

Select cell D3.

3.

Select the Formulas Tab-Lookup and Reference-Vlookup.

4.

Enter as below.

5.

The original Table_array is G2:H8. Dollar signs have been added to the data range to make it absolute-hence we have
$G$2:$H$8.

79

6.


7.

To calculate the Total Sales:
a. Select cell E3 and enter the formula: =(A3*C3)-(D3*(A3*C3)).
b. Copy the formula down.

8.

The final result will be as below.

80

Tip 42:
Multiple Data Consolidations for PivotTables

As an effective tool for working with large volumes of data, PivotTables can be used to summarize, organize and view the same
data in many different ways quickly and easily. However the data is usually in one data source/range. Therefore by using the multiple data consolidation ranges option it is possible to extract data from more than one data source. It must be explained that the
data can be in different formats or arranged differently.
1.

Enter the data given below in the three worksheets; sheet 1, sheet 2 and sheet 3 respectively
Sheet 1

Sheet 2

Sheet 3

81

2.

Insert/Select sheet 4.

3.

For Excel 2007 and 2010 press ALT + D and then press/type P.

4.

For Excel 2003, XP, 2000 and 97; click the Data menu and then PivotTable & PivotChart Report.

5.

The screen shot below will be displayed.

6.

Select Multiple consolidation ranges and PivotTable then click Next.

7.

Select create a single page field for me and then click Next. The screen shot below will be displayed.

8.

Click on the red arrow(Edit Reference Icon) under Range and select the data range A1:B9 on sheet 1.

9.

Press Enter and click the add button.

10. Repeat steps 8 & 9 for data on sheet 2 and sheet 3.
11. Click on the Next button and select Existing Worksheet then click Finish.
As you can see a PivotTable with a multiple data consolidation range has been created. One can easily select the data to be
displayed by selecting the appropriate option. The page option allows a user to select data for the respective worksheet. The
worksheets are given as item 1, Item 2 and Item 3.

82

Tip 43:
Slicers

In earlier versions of Microsoft Excel, you can use report filters to filter data in a PivotTable report but it is not easy to see the
current filtering state when you filter on multiple items. In Microsoft Excel 2010, you have the option to use slicers to filter the data.
Slicers provide buttons that you can click to filter PivotTable data. In addition to quick filtering, slicers also indicate the current
filtering state, which makes it easy to understand what exactly is shown in a filtered PivotTable report.

1.

Create a slicer
a. Click the PivotTable for which to create a slicer.
b. On the Options, in the Sort & Filter group, click Insert Slicer.
c. In the Insert Slicers dialogue box, click the check box for the fields for which you want to create a slicer.
d. Click OK.

2.

Formatting Multiple Slicers

If you are formatting multiple slicers, or wish to hide a slicer, you can use the Selection and Visibility pane
a. On the Options tab, in the Arrange group, click Selection Pane.

83

Tip 44:
Creating a Sparkline

In Microsoft Excel 2010, a sparkline is a tiny chart in a worksheet cell that provides a visual representation of data. Use sparklines
to show trends in a series of values, such as seasonal increases or decreases, economic cycles, or to highlight maximum and
minimum values. Position a sparkline near its data for greatest impact.
1.

Select an empty cell or group of empty cells in which you want to insert one or more sparklines.

2.

On the Insert tab, in the Sparklines group, click the type of sparkline that you want to create: Line, Column, or Win Loss.

3.

In the Data Range box, type the range of the cells that contain the data on which you want to base the sparklines.

Note You can click
click

to temporarily collapse the dialog box, select the range of cells that you want on the worksheet, and then

to restore the dialog box to its normal size.

84

Tip 45:
Grouping Data In a PivotTable By Days of the Week

Let’s say you have a Pivot Table with date values and you want to analyse the dates by months or quarters.
Then this can be easily done by using the Grouping feature in the PivotTable.
1.

Select the Date field in the PivotTable.

2.

From the Options tab, in the Group group, select the Group Selection button.

3.

Under By, select Days.

4.

Next to Number of Days, select 7 Days.

5.

Select OK.

85

Tip 46:
Combinational Chart

If you want to create a chart that has both a line series and a column series, then a combinational chart is what you need. If you
want to have both a line and a column graph in one chart, follow the steps below.
Applies To: MS Excel 2003, 2007, and 2010
1.

Refer to the data given below

2.

Select any cell within the data range.

3.

Select as below.

4.

The following chart will be displayed.

5.

To insert the heading select the chart and select as below.

6.

Select the average price bars(series) in the chart and as below

7.

Two charts (line and column will be displayed).

86

8.

Right click on the line graph and select as below.

9

Select Secondary axis and then the close button.

10. The following chart will be displayed.

Two graphs with separate axis have been combined in one chart. Therefore one can easily interpret the different sets of data in the
chart.

87

Tip 47:
Creating an Excel Graph From Scratch

Ever tried to create an Excel graph from scratch? You can actually add your own Legend Entries (Series) and Horizontal (Category)
Axis Labels. The location of the data should not hinder you from creating a graph. In the example below we explain how one can
create a Sales Vs Purchases graph from scratch with the data located in different parts of the worksheet.
1.

This tip will be based on the screen shot below

2.

Select any blank cell on the worksheet.

3.

From the Insert tab, in the Charts group, select Line.

4.

Select 2-D Line as below:

88

5.

A blank chart will be inserted.

6.

Select the blank chart.

7.

From the Design tab, in the Data group, select Select Data.

8.

Select the Add button in the Legend Entries (Series) box.

9.

Select as below.

10. Select OK.
11. Select Add as below.

12. Select OK.

89

13. Select the Edit button in the Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels.
14. Select as below.

15. Select OK.
16. Select OK.
17. From the Layout tab, in the Labels group, select Chart Title.
18. Select Above Chart.
19. In the Chart Title box, enter Sales vs Purchases.
20. Right click on the chart and select Move Chart.
21. Select New Sheet. A comparison Line graph as below will be displayed.

90

Tip 48:
The Watch Window

When cells are not visible on a worksheet, you can watch those cells and their formulas in the Watch Window. The Watch Window
makes it convenient to inspect, audit, or confirm formula calculations and results in large worksheets. By using the Watch Window,
you don't need to repeatedly scroll or go to different parts of your worksheet.
This toolbar can be moved or like any other toolbar. For example, you can dock it on the bottom of the window. The toolbar keeps
track of the following properties of a cell: workbook, sheet, name, cell, value, and formula.
Note: You can have only one watch per cell.
Add Cells to the Watch Window
1.
•
•
•

Select the cells that you want to watch.
To select all cells on a worksheet with formulas,
Press F5.
Select Special.

•

Then select as below.

91

2.

To add the Watch Window, select as below.

3.

Click Add.

4.

Move the Watch Window toolbar to the top, bottom, left, or right side of the window.

5.

To change the width of a column, drag the boundary on the right side of the column heading.

6.

To display the cell that an entry in Watch Window toolbar refers to, double-click the entry.

Note: Cells that have external references to other workbooks are displayed in the Watch Window toolbar only when the other workbooks are open.

92

Tip 49:
Quickly Accessing a List of Named Ranges

Once you have named the ranges in your Microsoft Excel worksheet, you may need to use them in such things as Formulae, Data
Validation or Pasting a List. By pasting a list, you will get a list of the Named Ranges and which cells they refer to.
Applies To MS Excel 2003, 2007, 2010
1.

2.

3.

To use in a Function:
a. Once you are at the desired point in the function (VLOOKUP – Table_array).
b. Press F3.
c. Select the desired Named Range.
d. Select OK.
To use in Data Validation:
a. Once you are at the desired point in the data validation e.g. Source dialogue box.
b. Press F3.
c. Select the desired Named Range.
d. Select OK.
To Paste a List on Named Ranges:
a. Select a cell in the worksheet where you would like the list to be pasted.
b. Press F3.
c. Select Paste List.

93

Tip 50:
Naming a Range of Cells

A range of cells can be given a name, which can then be used in place of the actual cell references in other formulae.
Applies To MS Excel 2003, 2007, 2010
1.

Select the desired range of cells.

2.

On the keyboard, press Ctrl + F3.

3.

Select New.

4.

In the Name box, enter in the desired Named Range.

5.

In the Scope box, select where you would like the Named Range to be available.

6.

In the Refers to box, ensure you have the correct range..

7.

Select OK, Close.

94

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50 MS Excel Tips and Tricks

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