How to do your own modelling in Excel with Forecast
Excel can use past data to project possible future results with the Forecast feature. It’s a very simple version of statistical ‘modelling’. The Forecast function will let you predict future values and data trends, such as consumer trends, future sales and or inventory needs, based on seasonality. Here’s a simple guide on how to use the Forecast feature. Although the data below looks fairly complicated, […]
The best way to add drop-down list in Excel
Previously we talked about How to add a Drop-down List in Word, but you can also work more efficiently in Excel worksheets by making use of drop-down or pull-down lists. We will show you how to use Microsoft Excel’s data validation function to create useful lists within your spreadsheets. How to avoid the trap that lies waiting for the unwary who follow Microsoft’s ‘simple’ instructions. […]
New Features in Excel 2021
In addition to the general Office 2021/LTSC features there are some useful additions to Excel 2021/LTSC including the dynamic array functions, improved XLookup()/XMatch() and Let() but sadly no Lambda(). All these features are in Excel 2021 and Excel LTSC for both Windows and Mac in addition to the overall updates that apply to all the […]
Understanding the new Lambda helper functions
As if Lambda() was already a great addition to Excel 365, Microsoft is adding what they call ‘helper’ functions to add even more abilities. Here’s a very short overview of each helper function with links to more information. In some cases, the helper functions are a new and better way to do things already possible in Excel. Some others add […]
New Lambda options and helper functions for Excel
Excel 365’s nifty LAMBDA feature is getting an interesting, literally optional, improvement plus ‘Helper’ functions to extend its usefulness. LAMBDA, a powerful tool that allows users to create their own Excel 365 custom functions without VBA. The feature allows longer formulas to be written once then referenced in a worksheet to a shorter name of the user’s choosing. LAMBDA isn’t just another Excel function, it’s an important change in how Excel works. With Lambda() Excel understand functions as […]
Shared editing of encrypted docs now possible but not for everyone
Microsoft has announced that Office desktop apps (Windows and Mac) can now co-author encrypted documents. Until now, encrypted docs could only have shared editing using Office on the web. What’s in the fine print is often overlooked, this feature isn’t for everyone. The announcement in bold from Microsoft has got all the media attention, as […]
How to use Excel to get API data from any source
There are many API’s available on the Internet that can provide great and timely data in ways that Excel can understand, here’s how you can do it. We’ve recently received emails asking how to use Excel to import data from specific API’s. Always we have the same answers because most API’s work in similar ways […]
There are two official document standards – why?
Here’s what you need to know about the two official international document formats, Microsoft’s OpenXML (.docx .xlsx etc) and Open Document Format (.odt .ods etc) both supported in Microsoft Office and most other office suite software. Each format has been recognized by international bodies so there are two ‘official’ document standards for Planet Earth. Both […]
How to Filter Data in a PivotTable
Excel’s PivotTable allows you to evaluate trends, comparisons, and patterns within datasets. Once a PivotTable is setup, you can filter “Drill down” into it to focus on key information. These days there are several ways to filter a PivotTable, Slicers (which Microsoft loves to boast about), AutoFilter and by Field List. All these options mean […]
Bumper month for new features in Office 365
The September 2021 release preview has a lot more than usual new and updated features in Office 365 for Windows. Almost as if Microsoft has been saving them up for a bumper surprise! It’s all in the ‘Current Channel (Preview)’ release v2109 build 14430.20088 that’s out now. This is the last stage before the updates […]
Get Microsoft 365 free in 4.5 different ways
If you’re not willing or able to spend the money, there are several ways you can access Microsoft Office for free. These tips are just good for saving money. Some are useful standby’s to keep in mind if you can’t use the full Microsoft 365 desktop programs. Maybe your computer is playing up or you’re […]
Clever ways to use Checkboxes in Excel
Now you know how to insert checkboxes in Excel, here are some ways to use check box cells in Excel. Counting the checked/unchecked boxes, calculate percentage checked and even showing a separate list of items based on their checked status. A cell with a check box has two values: TRUE – checked FALSE – UNchecked You can use the values […]
Office now supports ODF version 1.3 documents
Microsoft has updated the Office programs to support the OpenDocument format (ODF) to version 1.3. Most people use Office Open XML format (OOXML) which is the official name for what is usually called the ‘new’ Microsoft Office formats, .docx .xlsx .pptx etc. OpenDocument files .odt .ods .odp etc are also supported in Office 365 and […]
Office apps for Chromebook to be stopped
The Office for Android apps won’t be supported on Chromebook devices from mid-September. That admission was finally dragged out of a reluctant Microsoft. That leaves Chromebook users with Office on the web and Outlook.com in the Chrome browser. See Two ways to use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook Microsoft reluctantly admitted their plans after these […]
Document collaboration with Office in a browser
Here’s how to collaborate on a ‘live’ file (Word document, Excel workbook, PowerPoint deck or OneNote notebook) saved on OneDrive or other cloud service. It’s part of our series on accept a sharing request and collaborating on a ‘live’ document saved online. Microsoft spends a lot of energy getting people to share documents, but little […]
How to accept an Office document share or collaboration
Microsoft spends a lot of time explaining how to share a file (Word document, Excel workbook, PowerPoint deck or OneNote notebook) but very little on how to accept a sharing request and collaborate on a ‘live’ document saved online. Live or real-time collaboration lets two or more people work on a document (Word, Excel, PowerPoint […]
