Microsoft Excel Tutorials

How to Count Characters in Excel

A reader posed an interesting conversion problem between an old database and a new online one. She wanted to use an Excel file to move the data from one system to another. However, the new system would not accept field values longer than a certain number of characters. In this tutorial, I'll show how to check the character count in Excel using the LEN function.
Function Arguments dialog with cell C2 in Text field.

Use VBA Function to Show Excel Filter Criteria

Have you ever received an Excel file and wondered how it was filtered without checking each column’s data filter? Or, maybe you needed to send a file and show your filters. That was a problem I faced recently when I started with a list of 3200 non-profits for the county. I needed a ...
excel with filter criteria displayed

Learn How to Use Excel Goal Seek: A Beginner’s Guide

Learn how to use Excel Goal Seek to quickly find answers to "what-if" scenarios in your spreadsheet. This built-in function allows you to see the cause and effect of changing one data item in a formula, making it a useful tool for finance and sales analysis. Follow the step-by-step tutorial and watch the video to see how it works.
Excel Goal Seek dialog box

How to Convert Word List to Excel

Have you ever received data in an inefficient format? Maybe it was a contact list that looked more like mailing labels. In this tutorial, I'll show how to convert a Microsoft Word list so you can use it with Microsoft Excel.

Convert Word to Excel with Search & Replace

One item I've learned from using computers is that there is usually more than one way to solve a problem. This week two people approached me with a similar problem. They were trying to get a simple, but long address list from Microsoft Word into Microsoft Excel. One tried to use macros and the other resorted to cut and paste. In each case, I thought a simpler solution involved Word's Search and Replace feature. Here's Part 1 of a two part tutorial.

Video: How to Use Goal Seek in Microsoft Excel

Short video showing Goal Seek example in Microsoft Excel.
Excel Goal Seek dialog box

Excel Named Range: Your Key to Formula Simplicity

Want to make your Excel formulas more user-friendly? Try using named ranges. This feature replaces cell references with easy-to-understand names, enhancing your productivity. Our tutorial guides you through the process of creating and using named ranges, and introduces you to the Name Manager, a tool for managing your named ranges.
Example of PCODE named range.

Boost Your Productivity with Excel Data Forms

Are you tired of tedious data entry in Microsoft Excel? Discover the power of Excel data forms. A tool designed to speed up your work and reduce errors. Imagine focusing on one entry at a time, making it easier to copy and paste information. Start using Excel data forms today and experience a more efficient data entry and validation process.
Example of Excel Data Form.

How to Move Faster and Efficiently with Excel Custom Lists

Excel custom lists can transform your data entry process. They allow you to autofill series, saving you time and effort. Our tutorial explores the benefits of Excel custom lists, provides instructions on how to create them, and offers tips. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Excel user, this tutorial can help you make the most of this powerful feature.
Creating an Excel custom list from cell range.

Discover Easy Formulas to Extract Text from Excel Cell

In this tutorial, master extracting text from Excel cells with simple text functions. Grasp the concept of Excel substrings and tackle text string messes. Next, skillfully build nested formulas using LEFT, FIND, and RIGHT functions to separate street numbers and names. Finally, transform your spreadsheet by converting formulas to values and adjusting cell formats. Includes practice workbook.
Street address column values copied into new columns.

How to Freeze Top Row in Excel and Make a Sticky Header

Struggling with viewing important data in large Excel spreadsheets? Our Excel sticky headers tutorial can help you. Learn how to effectively use Excel panes to keep your crucial rows and columns in sight. Whether you're looking to freeze the top row, a specific column, or a combination of both, this guide provides the steps you need for better spreadsheet management. Extend your Excel skills today and experience a more efficient data handling process. See the simple techniques that make a big difference.
Excel Freeze Pane options.

Convert Excel Columns to Rows for Easier Analysis

Ever struggled with data analysis due to the orientation of your Excel data? This tutorial introduces Excel's Transpose function. A tool that effortlessly switches columns and rows. It's a must-have for data organization, enabling you to view your data in a way that best suits your needs.
Transposed table in Excel