Time Saving Excel Tricks
Microsoft Excel is a trusted name used by organizations and companies, big and small. There is no denying the fact that Microsoft Excel is very simple to use and highly effective. With Excel managing, storing and updating data has never been so easy – it has numerous easy functions to accomplish the task.
Microsoft Excel 2013 has been used for business management for a while but there might still be methods that you haven't heard of before and could benefit from. Here are 10 tips that will help your business sales to go up.
1. Work left to right
The very first thing to consider in Excel is the way you store your data.In Excel your data flows from the left to the right and then goes down, so you should store it in the same way. Independent values should come on the left hand side while all the dependent ones on the right. Managing lots of data and calculating becomes quite simple with this method.
2. Rely on the shortcut keys
Being familiar with the different shortcut keys in Excel will help you increase your productivity.l.For example, the F1 key is used for help, and F2 for editing the cell and so on. Also, other features such as autofill and the alt keys prove to be helpful. Knowing all your shortcut keys can help you easily do your work on Excel. Here’s a list of all Excel 2013 shortcuts.
3. Use the filters
Filters in Microsoft Excel help managing your bulk data.. I If you’re working on a big spreadsheet which contains a lot of data, filters can come in handy. They help you organize all the information depending on the criteria you have laid down. You will find ‘Filters’ under the Data tab, then just insert your criteria and easily retrieve the desired infromation.
4. Custom list option
It wastes a lot of time when you have to enter the same data again and again. But using the custom list feature will definitely save you time.. This option can be seen in the tools menu, you can create a list by selecting a cell range with the accurate values and then opening the dialog box or manually adding values into the dialog box.
5. Add more rows and columns at a time
Adding rows and columns manually can take a lot of time.A better way out is to do it is to select the number of rows or columns you need to add and click right tab to add the same amount.
6. Excel microcharts
Another extensive feature of Microsoft Excel is the microcharts which enable you to view the numbers or the values through the graphs. These charts can be placed right next to the data cell. To add the microchart to the spreadsheet you have to first go the the sparkline menu, choose the graph you want and then select the appropriate values. Your chart will be added to the desired column.
7. Hide your information
Not many people are aware of the factthat you can hide the rows and columns of the spreadsheet and only open the ones you want to work on. This reduces errors and also keeps your data away from prying eyes. Just select the row below the last one and then press control, shift and down and choose the rows which need to be hidden. Only the rows you want to work on will show up.
8. Watch Window
When you’re dealing with lots of data and make a number of changes, some of them may go unnoticed. Activating Watch Window allows you to view all the changes in one place. Thus you know which rows or columns have been modified. To use this feature, first select the cell you want to look at, and from the ribbon tool use Watch Window.
9. Toolbar customization
Customize your toolbar so all of the features you need are right there for you. Add as many tools you like so that you don’t need to find them every time you need them. It simplifies your Excel experience and saves time.
10. Printing into header/footer area
Printing is the final task once your spreadsheet is done. Most of us find it convenient to label the spreadsheet so we can recognize it without having to spend time looking at the content. To achieve this in the printed version, insert the filename and any descriptor you prefer into the header/footer area.
The complete knowledge of Microsoft Excel can make a difference in your work day by boosting productivity, saving time and creating faster outcomes. Start with trying out these 10 easy featue and enjoy a smoother working with your spreadsheets.
Author Bio: Morris Edwards is an Excel Trainer by profession and Writer by hobby. He is working as a Excel trainer at A1 MYOB Course Singapore which provides training Courses for Excel. His advanced Excel skills will provide you the most recent information. He has been writing for several years about the Microsoft Excel updates and having great knowledge in it.