Microsoft Excel Tutorials

Easy Excel Random Number Generator

Recently, I got a request from our city manager asking if I could randomly select 150 people from a list of names. I think the purpose was to do a survey, but maybe it was to select contest winners. I didn't ask. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to generate random numbers in Excel. Includes an extra function if you're a Microsoft 365 subscriber.
Randbetween function.

Excel Slicers: Easy Route to Data Filtering (Includes Practice File)

Learn how to use Excel Slicers to easily filter data on a table or pivot table in this tutorial. Discover the differences between Slicers and AutoFilter, how to add and position Slicers, make multiple selections, and understand Slicer sorting. Includes a practice worksheet with step-by-step instructions.
Excel slicers below data rows.

Excel Solver Made Easy: Master It with our Step-by-Step Tutorial

Master Excel Solver in our beginner's tutorial, which demonstrates the tool's ability to handle complex "what-if" scenarios. Learn how to define objective, variable, and constraint cells to achieve desired results, while staying within specific criteria. Follow the tutorial and practice file to install Solver, set up Solver parameters, and apply the powerful tool to practical situations like local elections.
Solver results on top of original results.

Eliminate Invalid Email Addresses in Excel: Discover These 2 Effective Methods

Struggling with invalid email addresses in your Excel data? We provide an easy-to-follow guide on how to identify and eliminate these errors. You'll value the clarity that a clean email list brings to your business communications. Jump in and start refining your email data today.
Excel Data Validation box with formula.

Transform Your Data: Expertly Convert JSON Files to Excel with Ease

Learn how to convert JSON files to Excel effortlessly using Microsoft Excel and Power Query. JSON files are lightweight and easy to parse, making them a popular format for data exchange. Review your JSON file before importing it into Excel, and follow step-by-step instructions to import and transform JSON files using Excel's Power Query
JSON file pulled in Excel Power Query Editor.

Excel Ribbon: An Easy Way to Boost Your Spreadsheet Productivity

Are you looking for ways to customize your Excel ribbon? This tutorial guides you through the process, starting from understanding what the ribbon is to learning how to collapse, reopen, and add tabs to it. You'll also discover how to add commands to a custom group, and save your ribbon configuration. Make Excel work for you by tailoring it to your needs today.
Excel Ribbon Display Options

Excel Hack: How to Convert Month to Number in No Time

Struggling to convert month names to numbers in Excel? This tutorial simplifies the process by using Excel's MONTH function. Learn how to change text strings to numerical data, like converting March to 3. A step-by-step guide ensures you'll master this essential skill.
Excel month arguments dialog and result.

Catch Costly Mistakes: How to Find & Fix Common Excel Formula Errors

Ever struggled with Excel formula errors? Learn from some of my common mistakes and frustrations. This guide offers insights into Excel's Formula Auditing tools, providing practical solutions. Whether it's a simple punctuation fix or understanding specific error types.

Solution: PivotTable Field Name is not Valid

Learn how to fix the frustrating "PivotTable Field Name is not Valid" error message in Excel with two easy solutions in this tutorial. Discover how to unhide Excel columns and delete empty columns to create a working PivotTable report.
PivotTable Field Name not valid error dialog

Simplify Your Workflow: Learn How to Use Excel Macro Recorder

Looking to streamline your work in Excel? The Excel Macro Recorder is the answer. It captures your actions and transforms them into automated macros. This tutorial walks you through the process of using the Excel Macro Recorder, including how to assign a macro name and shortcut key, record your spreadsheet actions, and save your macro. Start exploring the Excel Macro Recorder today
Record macro dialog box

2 Simple Solutions to Copy Excel Values, Not Formula

Learn simple methods to copy Excel formula values without copying the formulas themselves. This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions and includes a video demo and sample spreadsheet. Discover why copying formula values can be useful and how to do it in two different ways.
Excel column showing formulas and column with pasted values.

Excel Macro Editor Basics

This Excel tutorial is the follow up to the previous article we did on using Excel's built-in macro recorder. It will introduce you to the macro editor and layout so you can create or edit your own macros. It's also a great way to learn how the macros work.
Excel macro dialog box.

Don’t Waste Time Counting Words: Let Excel Formulas Do the Work

Are you curious about Excel word count? This tutorial guides you through the process, starting with understanding how spaces impact word count. You'll learn about the TRIM, LEN, and SUBSTITUTE functions, and how they contribute to accurate word counting. The tutorial also breaks down complex formulas and introduces the concept of custom functions.
Excel sheet with added column indicating word count

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.
Autofiler set and drop-down entries in menu.

Mail Merge Tutorial Using Word and Excel

This tutorial shows how to use an input file from Microsoft Excel as the data source to do a mail merge in Microsoft Word.
mail merge wizard menu item