Some time back, I wrote an article about a useful function in Microsoft Excel called Goal Seek. It quickly allows you to solve easy “what-if” scenarios. Although helpful, it comes with limitations. However, Microsoft has a more powerful add-in analysis tool called Excel Solver that overcomes these issues. You can even add a constraint.
Excel Tutorials
Below is a list of various Microsoft Excel tutorials that we've done. These include step by step instructions. In some cases, there may be sample spreadsheets or video screencasts. This section is several pages long so be sure to use the blue Next Page >> button at the bottom of the search box to the right.
I've also been updating these articles to reflect the latest Excel version. Presently, I'm using Microsoft Office 365. However, you may see some tutorials that reflect older versions. All the screen snaps have been done on a Windows computer and reflect those commands.
If you don't have Microsoft Excel, there are three options:
- Get an Office 365 (Subscription service)
- Buy Microsoft Office 2019 (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 some limitations. For example, you can open a workbook that has macros, but you won't be able to edit them.
You can read more about the different options on the Microsoft site.
It should also be noted that Office 365 releases new features on a monthly basis and even sooner if you're in the Insiders program. In some cases, these new features may not make it to older standalone versions. An example of this is the new XLOOKUP function.
Our most popular Excel Tutorials
Beginners Guide to XLOOKUP in Excel
One of the more exciting software features to be released in Excel is the XLOOKUP function. Just looking at the name, you might think I did a typo and meant vlookup. No, this is an entirely new spreadsheet function that makes looking up data easier with fewer limitations on your lookup column.
How to Use Excel Pivot Tables to Organize Data
Excel pivot tables are a feature that you should learn. Instead of analyzing countless spreadsheet records, a pivot table can aggregate your information and show a new perspective in a few clicks. You can also move columns to rows or vice versa. The problem is people believe creating a pivot table is difficult to learn. Grab a seat and we’ll guide you through a short tutorial so you can start data crunching. (Includes example worksheet.)
These Excel 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.
Customizing the Excel Ribbon for Your Needs
One issue I run into with this site is software updates. I’ll be updating an article and low and behold, something is missing or changed. Usually, this is a result of software changes. The area that is impacted the most is the Excel Ribbon. In two articles, I noticed I was missing the Forms button and in the other case, the Excel Developer tab. Both issues are easily fixed when you know how to customize the ribbon.
The Hidden Strengths of Excel Tables
One of my favorite quotes comes from Yogi Berra who said “You can observe a lot by just watching”. In this case, I was watching someone work with Excel and doing various tips to make the spreadsheet more usable. In fact, I’ve written about many of those tips. I suggested to my co-worker that he could reduce steps by using Excel Tables. And no, I’m not talking about pivot tables but something simpler and equally powerful. (Includes sample Excel file.)
The Basics of the Excel IF Function
One way to make your Excel spreadsheets smarter is to use the IF function. The program will evaluate one field to see if it’s true and enter a new value based on whether the condition was met. This article and sample worksheet shows a simple example of calculating an allowance.
How to Limit Mistakes with Excel Dependent Lists
This Excel tutorial shows you how to build a worksheet using dependent lists. In other words, the selection you make from one list defines the options on the next list. For example, if you select California from one list, the next list filters your selection to just California agents. Includes sample Excel worksheet.
Simple Methods to Copy Excel Formula Values
Recently I was watching an Excel product review and noticed the author copy Excel values from a formula into another column. This was fine, but then he deleted the column with the formula. Sound familiar? In this tutorial, Ill show you two faster and easier ways to overwrite formulas with their values. (Includes video demo and sample spreadsheet.)
Excel AutoFilter Makes Spreadsheets Useful
Learn how to use Excel autofilters to make large spreadsheets more manageable. This feature lets you filter columns by specific entry values. Includes sample spreadsheet.