Not long ago, a friend challenged a comment I made. It had to do with word choices and if people use one verb more than others. In this article, I’ll show you how to tell if an Excel cell contains specific text. We’ll test this out using a series of questions people posed to Google.
Excel
Below is a list of the Microsoft Excel tutorials that I’ve written. Many include step-by-step instructions. In some cases, there may be practice spreadsheets or video screencasts.
I’ve also been updating these articles to reflect the latest Excel version. Presently, I’m using Microsoft 365. However, you may see some tutorials that reflect older versions. All the screen captures have been done on a Windows computer and reflect those commands.
If you don’t have Microsoft Excel, there are three options:
- Get a Microsoft 365 (Subscription service)
- Buy Microsoft Office 2021 (One time purchase)
- Use the free version in your browser.
The free version does require you to have a Microsoft account. As you might expect of a free product, there are limitations. For example, you can open a workbook with macros, but you won’t be able to edit them.
I also did an article discussing the different Microsoft Office versions. One key item to remember is that the newest features will appear in Microsoft 365 first and in the Beta channel.
For example, Microsoft released in March 2022 a series of new text functions that will make text manipulation easier. These include:
- TEXTBEFORE
- TEXTAFTER
- TEXTSPLIT
Microsoft also has an Excel Glossary that you can use.
How to Convert a Month Name to a Number in Excel
Sometimes the data we get isn’t in the correct format. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use the MONTH function in Excel to convert names to numbers.
Excel Flash Fill Learns By Example
Learn how to easily manipulate cell entries with Excel Flash Fill. The feature doesn’t rely on formulas or coding. You simply have to find a pattern and Excel’s machine learning does the rest.
How to Transpose Excel Columns to Rows
Everyone looks at data differently. Some people create Excel spreadsheets where the main fields go across horizontally in a row. Others put the data vertically. Sometimes these preferences lead to a scenario where you want to transpose Excel data. Transpose is an Excel function that allows you to convert Excel columns to rows without retyping the data. (Includes sample worksheet)
Easy Formulas to Extract Text from Excel Cell
Excel is a great tool, but sometimes the spreadsheet files we get to work with aren’t ideal. One example is a file with a data column, maybe a street address, that you’d really like to pull parts. In this tutorial, I’ll show how to extract text from a cell in Excel using some useful text functions. (Includes practice workbook.)
How to Use VLOOKUP in Excel
One of the popular Excel tutorial requests is how do you look up a value on one Excel worksheet and use it on another Excel worksheet. For example, you need to translate a product number into a product name. One of my favorite Excel functions is the VLOOKUP function and it can help with this task. (Includes example spreadsheet and video.)
Excel Goal Seek Offers Quick Answers
Do you ever play the “what-if” game when you see Excel data? For example, how many more widgets would we need to sell to get our 20% bonus? In my case, I was trying to figure out many more voters we needed to win a ballot measure. Excel has a simple feature for these scenarios.
How to Separate Names in Excel
Recently, a friend asked about fixing an Excel spreadsheet where the subscriber name was in 1 column. He wanted the name separated so he could send a personalized mailing. This is not the first time this question has arisen. The key to solving this problem is to parse or split the data using the Text to Columns feature. Includes workaround when you have middle names or initials too.
How to Freeze Row and Columns in Excel – 4 Scenarios
Small Excel spreadsheets are easy to work with. However, when you start to get lots of columns and rows, it can become overwhelming as your headings scroll off. The solution is Excel Freeze Pane. It’s an easy solution that lets you lock content in so it’s always visible.
Excel Data Forms Make Data Entry Easy
Of all the work related items I need to do, the one I hate is data entry. It’s mind numbing and given the chance, I’ll make mistakes. One way I found to make the process easier is to use the Excel data form. It’s great when the records span across many cells.