5 unexpected and surprising things you can do with Excel

Get ready to be shocked and excited by the Excel functions you never knew existed!

Microsoft Excel is packed full of surprises. It has so many ACE features and functions that it really is the best software when it comes to data (data analysis, organisation, storage, manipulation), project planning, diary management – the list goes on. 

We’d be here all day if I listed ALL of the things you can do with Excel. 

Most of us are probably already familiar with the basic functions of Excel, but I can guarantee that you’ve only just scratched the surface of its true capabilities.

So how about I show you some of the things that you definitely won’t already know (and that can be super handy when it comes to your day-to-day Excel usage)? 

Don’t worry, I won’t spend all day listing things out. Instead, I’m going to narrow it down to 5 unexpected and surprising features that I bet you didn’t know about!

Let’s get started…

1. Convert Numbers to and from Roman Numerals

Excel’s capabilities extend far beyond conventional calculations. 

With Excel, you can effortlessly convert numbers to Roman numerals and vice versa. 

The formula `=ROMAN(D3)` transforms a regular number into its Roman numeral equivalent. 

Need to switch it back? Simple! Just use `=ARABIC(D4)` to convert Roman numerals back into Arabic numbers. 

This feature comes in handy for historians, linguists, or anyone dealing with ancient numeral systems (or even if you just want your sheets to look a little fancier!). I did once convert my accounts to Roman numerals before sending them to my accountant…. much to my amusement!

2. Convert Units with Precision

Excel excels (pun intended!) at unit conversions. 

Consider a scenario where you have measurements in centimetres, but you need them in inches. Instead of tediously Googling and converting each value independently, Excel can do it for you. 

The CONVERT function simplifies this process. For instance, to convert centimetres to inches, you can use `=CONVERT(range,”cm”,”in”)`. 

This feature is a time-saver for so many people who work with diverse unit systems, as the list of options is extensive. 

This trick will help you in so many professions and scenarios. You could be an engineer, scientist, researcher, fashion designer, work internationally with clients who use different systems, or even the parent in charge of getting school uniforms sorted – quick conversions will save you time and effort.

3. Excel Can Speak

Accessibility is a top priority in today’s digital landscape and Excel addresses this need surprisingly well. 

Did you know it can literally speak to you?! 

This feature is a game changer for users with visual impairments as it significantly helps with proofreading. 

Here’s how to activate it: 

1. Go to ‘Customize Quick Access Toolbar (QAT)’ > ‘More Commands’ > ‘All Commands’, then scroll down to ‘Speak Cells’ and select it.
2. Press ‘Add’ to add this to the QAT, then click ‘OK’.
3. Now select some cells to read, and press the ‘Speak Cells’ icon from the QAT. Excel will read the contents aloud, ensuring inclusivity in your workspace.

4. Excel Has a Camera

Excel’s Camera tool is a game-changer for visual representation of data. It allows you to take a dynamic snapshot of a range of cells and paste it as a picture anywhere in your sheet or workbook. 

What makes this feature really ACE is its ability to maintain a live link with the raw data. So any changes made in the original data are reflected in the image. 

Additionally, you can resize the image, enhancing the visual appeal of your Excel sheets. 

This feature is invaluable for creating visually engaging reports and presentations. Here’s how to activate it: 

1. Go to ‘Customize Quick Access Toolbar (QAT)’ > ‘More Commands’ > ‘All Commands’, then scroll to ‘Camera’ and select it.
2. Press ‘Add’ to add this to the QAT, then click ‘OK’.
3. Now select some cells to photograph, and press the ‘Camera’ icon from the QAT.

You can then position and resize the photograph as required.

5. Import Data from a Picture

Data entry can be a tedious task, especially when dealing with intricate datasets. But Excel simplifies this process with its ‘Import Data from a Picture’ feature.

This is ACE if you have say a Price List with multiple products, sizes, colours and prices, as it can be imported into Excel straight from the image.

Take the following steps to do this:

1. Go to ‘Data’ then ‘From Picture’ and then select ‘Picture From File’.
2. Find and select the relevant file and let Excel work its magic. 

It’s that simple. Excel will then detect the data in the picture and import it into your spreadsheet. 

You can then review and amend the data to ensure accuracy, saving you time and effort!

Summary

Excel is more than just rows and columns; it’s a powerhouse of productivity-enhancing features. There are so many things you can do with Excel!

By harnessing these unexpected capabilities, you can elevate your Excel proficiency and streamline your processes.

Give these 5 features a go and let me know what you think of them!

And next time you open Excel, remember that there are plenty more hidden gems waiting for you to let them transform the way you work. 

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