Data changes result in recalculations of totals which are not always visible, depending on your spreadsheet layout. To keep an eye on how these totals are being affected without dashing around your spreadsheet, collect the important totals into a Watch Window. You can then see the collective effect of your new data from wherever you […]
Whilst everyone is changing from the old 2003 version of Excel to the new 2010 version, some people will still need to provide spreadsheets in the older version. If this is for a single or occasional file, in the Save As dialog box simply change the File Type in the bottom box to Excel 97-2000 […]
AutoCorrect entries simply replace a text error or shortcut with the correct or longer version. For example, typing “teh” will automatically correct to “the”. This feature has a long list of entries which you may wish to change, remove or add to. Select the File tab, Options and go to the Proofing tools page. Click […]
There are many built in lists in Excel, numerical, date/time, text and numerical, and some text entries for month and day (try typing Jan in a cell and replicate the sequence down with the bottom right corner of the cell). For sequences that are not immediately available, Excel gives you the option of creating your […]
To enter the equation editor, click on the Insert tab and select the equation button on the far right. This brings up the Equation Tools ribbon with many preset symbols and options. The equation is entered in the highlighted text box on the worksheet. Mathematicians, have fun!
For larger spreadsheets, Range Names are more convenient than scroll bars. To name an individual cell or block of cells highlight the cell or cells first, click on the Name Box, type in an appropriate name, and press the Enter key. (Range names do not accept spaces.) To find the block again, use the drop-down […]
There are times when you inherit a spreadsheet and wonder how it works. You can identify the cells with formulae, but still have difficulty tracing the sources or subsequent calculations. This is where Excel’s Auditing Tools can help point you in the right direction (literally). Tracing Precedents and Dependents Select a cell with a formula. […]