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I know, you’re probably thinking, “Well Traci, it must all be so obvious to you, it’s your job!”, and, well, I take your point.
But the reason that I’ve made Excel my job is not only because I love it so much, but because I want others to love it too. Showing people how to properly use Excel more efficiently and how ACE it can be for making their lives easier gives me a real buzz.
Every day, countless professionals spend extensive hours performing manual tasks in Excel, unaware of the time-saving hacks that could revolutionise their workflow.
From the basics of Excel Tables to the advanced capabilities of Power Query and dynamic array formulas, the potential for optimisation is almost overwhelming.
So today, I thought I’d share some of my favourite Excel tips and tricks to help you save time and really get to grips with the ACE features, functions and capabilities of Excel that I think you really ought to know.
Get ready for it – this list is a big one, but I promise that every single one of these Excel tips and tricks will make working with Excel faster and more efficient.
So let’s dive straight in…
Converting a range of data into an Excel table (using Ctrl + T) is a game-changer.
Excel tables offer so many benefits, from effortless data manipulation to automatic formula copying and enhanced readability.
By adopting this feature, you lay the foundation for a more efficient data management system.
PivotTables are a powerhouse when it comes to summarising and analysing large datasets.
They have the ability to transform columns of data into a concise and useful summarised report, making data interpretation a breeze.
Mastering PivotTables is a crucial skill for any business user dealing with substantial amounts of information.
Functions such as VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and SUMIFS are essential for data analysis and manipulation.
Investing time in learning and mastering these functions can significantly improve your ability to extract meaningful insights from your data.
Familiarise yourself with quick keyboard shortcuts to speed up common tasks.
Simple shortcuts like Ctrl + C for copying, Ctrl + V for pasting, and Ctrl + S for saving can save a considerable amount of time. You can also use these shortcuts to highlight rows, columns, or even your whole sheet.
Efficiency in Excel often begins with mastering these basic keyboard commands – lucky for you I have plenty of them here.
Data validation is a powerful tool to control the type of data entered into a cell.
Whether you’re creating drop-down lists, restricting input to specific number ranges, or validating dates and times, this feature ensures data accuracy and consistency.
Conditional formatting is a visual aid that helps analyse data by formatting cells based on specific criteria.
Whether you need to highlight cells above or below a threshold or incorporate icons into cells, this feature adds a new dimension to your spreadsheets and makes data interpretation an absolute breeze.
Naming a range of cells can simplify the creation of formulas and make them more understandable.
This is particularly useful when you find yourself working with complex datasets and intricate calculations as it will make your formulas feel more digestible and easier to spot flaws!
The Quick Access toolbar is often overlooked but is perfect for streamlining your activities in Excel. You can easily customise the Quick Access toolbar to include the tools and functions you use most frequently.
This simple customisation can significantly speed up your workflow by putting your go-to commands at your fingertips.
For repetitive tasks, macros can be a lifesaver.
Using code in Excel might sound daunting at first, but once you understand the process of recording macros, they’re perfect for automating tedious processes.
Macros are a guaranteed time saver and also help to reduce the risk of errors if you zone out doing the same thing for the 100th time in a day.
Power Query is an amazing tool for advanced data manipulation and cleaning. It’s especially useful for importing data from various sources and transforming it into more usable data for analysis.
Power Query is one of my absolute favourite features and it truly takes Excel’s capabilities to the next level.
Introduced in Excel 2013, Flash Fill automatically recognises patterns and fills data accordingly.
While it’s a time-saving feature, make sure you exercise caution when using it as it can be too clever for its own good, recognising unintended patterns.
Managing large datasets becomes more manageable with the use of filters and sorting.
These features facilitate quick access to the information you need, enhancing the overall efficiency of your data management.
Save custom chart templates for future use and utilise the Quick Analysis tool for rapid data analysis and visualisation.
Both of these tools can streamline the process of presenting and interpreting data.
Utilise array formulas where available to work more efficiently and perform multiple calculations on one or more items in an array.
These formulas provide a dynamic way to handle array operations, offering flexibility and power.
Text to Columns is a lifesaver for splitting text in one column into multiple columns (especially when you’re dealing with imported data).
This feature simplifies the process of organising and formatting textual information throughout your spreadsheets.
Last, but not least, learn to protect your worksheets and workbooks to prevent unauthorised editing or viewing of sensitive data.
Data security is a paramount consideration, and Excel provides robust tools to ensure the confidentiality of your information.
There you have it – 16 time-saving Excel hacks that you can incorporate into your workflows to start streamlining your processes, increasing your efficiency, and elevating your data management capabilities.
Whether you’re a new Excel user or a seasoned Excel pro, these Excel tips and tricks will enhance your productivity and make you an ACE in Excel proficiency.
EXCELACE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WEBSITE BY FARM FACTORy
