The Most Useful Excel Functions – According To Expert Users

The VLOOKUP function is often overlooked

The VLOOKUP function is often overlooked by Excel users because it can be a little daunting at first. But once you understand how it works, it's one of the most powerful functions in Excel.

The VLOOKUP function allows you to search for a value in one column of data and return the matching value from another column. This can be really useful when you need to compare two lists of data and find the matching values.

Most people overlook the VLOOKUP function because they don't understand how it works. But once you learn how to use it, you'll find that it's one of the most powerful functions in Excel.

INDEX/MATCH. Much more powerful than VLOOKUP

Far and away my favorite Excel function is the combination of INDEX/MATCH. Much more powerful than VLOOKUP and also uses fewer computer resources. You can have INDEX/MATCH look at an entire Excel sheet, then find something in a row, something in a column, and return the exact result regardless of where it sits on the page.

The undo function is the most useful

The undo function. It's the most useful because it allows you to reverse any changes that you make to a worksheet. This is especially helpful when you make a mistake or if you want to go back and edit an earlier version of your work.

To undo changes, just press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac). This will undo the last change that you made, and it will also restore deleted cells and text. If you want to undo multiple changes, just keep pressing Ctrl+Z or Command+Z. Note that the undo command only restores changes that were made within the past few minutes; anything older than that will be lost.

The TRIM function helps a user to remove all spaces

The TRIM function helps a user to remove all spaces in a cell, leaving only single spaces between words. You may notice that if you have copied content from somewhere else, the cell may contain trailing spaces. The TRIM function will remove these spaces.

In many cases, the spaces will go unnoticed until something stops working. For instance, the COUNTIFS function may fail to function as a result of space somewhere in the cells. To use the TRIM function (let’s say for cell B3), you type =TRIM(B3).

Why people don't use sumif and sumifs more

As a digital marketer who uses excel daily, I've never understood why people don't use sumif and sumifs more.

Everyone wrestles with pivot tables (or gets somebody else to create one they don't understand) when sumifs & countifs can do the same job more cleanly.

They also mean so long as you add a row with the right data, no need to refresh anything, your formula just works.

The IF function is extremely useful

For me, the most useful Excel function is the IF function. The IF function is extremely useful. This function means we can automate decision making in our spreadsheets.

With IF, we could get Excel to perform a different calculation or display a different value dependent on the outcome of a logical test (a decision).

The IF function asks you for the logical test to perform, what action to take if the test is true, and the alternative action if the result of the test is false.

'=IF(logical test, value if 1, value if 0)

The most useful feature on Excel is Index + Match

With the pandemic causing various vendor and supply chain issues, what is quickly becoming the most useful feature on Excel is Index + Match. Instead of having to rely on VLOOKUP, in which you are forced to at the far left column, this feature, you can search the entire spreadsheet to match various values.

This is extremely useful when having to cross reference various supplier, merchant, and vendor categories. The Index + Match feature is an invaluable tool that saves time and increases accuracy, and will certainly be used to a greater extent this year.

SUM operations - VLOOKUP - INDEX-MATCH

'=sum, arguably the most often used function in excel, performs just that:

It sums a column, row, or range of numbers, but it does more than that. It also subtracts, multiplies, divides, and employs any of the comparison operators to return a value of 1 (true) or 0 (false) (false).

This is an abbreviation for the vertical lookup, which is in charge of looking for a certain value in the table's leftmost column. It then returns a value from a column you specify in the same row. The VLOOKUP function's parameters are as follows:

• lookup value - This is the value to be found in the first column of a table.
• table - This is the name of the table from which the value is fetched.
• col index - The index of the column in the table from which the value is to be fetched.
• range lookup - [Optional] TRUE Indicates a close match (default). FALSE denotes an exact match.

The INDEX-MATCH function is used to return a value from the leftmost column. You're stuck with VLOOKUP when it comes to returning an assessment from a column to the right. Another reason to utilize index-match rather than VLOOKUP is that VLOOKUP needs greater processing power from Excel.

This is due to the fact that it must assess the complete table array that you've chosen. Excel simply has to consider the lookup and return columns when using INDEX-MATCH.

FILTER() is one of Excel's most useful

We run a spreadsheet based SaaS so this is something we do everyday.

FILTER() is one of Excel's most useful, but underutilized function as it was introduced in Office 365. It's a dynamic and formula version of the awesome filter tool. FILTER() is an advanced function where you can now control inputs and conditions to load results of data from an array.

You can do multiple sorts within the same sheet at the same time!

The most valuable Excel function, and the one used all the time by our data team, is the ability to sort values. Few people know, however, that you can do multiple sorts within the same sheet at the same time!

You probably already know you can sort from smallest to largest, largest to smallest, in alphabetical order, or in any way that makes sense to you. However, with multiple sorts, you can highlight the cells and sort each column differently if needed. It's a pretty basic function, but it's a real lifesaver!

SUM() and AVERAGE() would be more essential than VLOOKUP()

The answer to this question depends on exactly what you are trying to accomplish with Excel. If you're using a spreadsheet for accounting purposes, then functions like SUM() and AVERAGE() would be more essential than VLOOKUP(). On the other hand, if your goal was just creating an excel document that contains all of your contact information from various sources so people could easily find out who they should call or email when needed, then VLOOKUP would probably not be necessary.

INDEX/MATCH function can be used in many ways

I believe that the most overlooked function by people using Excel is INDEX/MATCH. This function is so unique because it allows you to find relative information. That is, if you have a list of data in one column, and want to know what information it corresponds with in another column, this function can be used to do so.

The INDEX/MATCH function can be used in many ways, but can be very difficult for people to understand at first. I recommend going over the help files for this function once you learn about it in order to better understand how it works.

Its “built-in search bar” right next to the help tab

Every blog and user on the web talks about Excel formulas as the most useful excel function and they may be right, but this function specifically deals with calculations and is, at least, not an overlooked function.

However, in my opinion, the most useful function of Excel is its “built-in search bar” right next to the help tab, symbolized with a bulb and states as (Tell me what you want to do). Users overlook it mainly because they prefer exploring the search engines, looking for the practical experiences of others.

Second, many users don’t even notice it and even if they do, they don’t consider its functionality as helpful. In fact, it’s a misconception. This function has answers to almost every problem and is constantly updated through user feedback and experience.

Hopefully, this answer is helpful to you. You can contact me at the same email address for any follow-up questions. Also, feel free to modify or edit the answer to support your publishing requirements.

The most important excel function to me is concatenate

I'm mostly using it for copy generation for outreach copy , URLs, or keyword generation. It's often under looked because most people don't think of generating text in a spreadsheet.

I had to include this as well -- The coolest function is the IF statement. You can nest them inside each other to create multiple conditions for your data. Most people don't use this because conditional formatting is enough for them, but they don't realize there is more filterable potential with IF statements.

The artful use of VLOOKUP unlocks database functionality in Excel

The most important and versatile Excel function is the VLOOKUP. The artful use of VLOOKUP unlocks database functionality in Excel, and will save you hours and hours of time in automating repeatable tasks. Many users know this function, but few apply it to its full potential.

I use two magic formulas: Index and match

My name is Steven Zhang. I'm a chemical engineer, and I use Excel daily. I mainly use it to keep an inventory of spare parts, validation document codes, and cash flow. All of them involve a lot of data and operations. Thus, to speed things up, I use two magic formulas: Index and match. They allow me to quickly find specific things on a large table.

I can also fill tables and make operations with them. They are two very powerful functions that not all people master. And they should.

Also, if you are into has flow analysis, then IRR and NPV are two of the most important formulas that you must know. SLN, SYD, DB, DDB, and VDB are ideal for those looking to study the effect of depreciation on both IRR and NPV values.

These are the formulas that I use the most. People often overlook them because you can calculate the IRR and NPV by hand. The same happens with depreciation. On the other hand, if your worksheet is not full of data, then using index and match might not be so attractive.

The VLOOKUP saves you time when you’re organizing your billing

The VLOOKUP function is probably the most useful Excel function. It saves you time when you’re organizing your billing, creating mass email contact sheets, or doing any kind of work that needs to be referenced back to its data.

When we amass our net profit data sheets, for example, we organize every product along with their quarterly sales to see what’s selling best for our store. We can program Excel using the VLOOKUP function to automatically calculate which product from the table is most profitable and to populate where we need it elsewhere.

I hope VLOOKUP isn’t overlooked when it has such a versatile application for any business, but if it is I would say it’s just due to a lack of experience with Excel overall. It’s the best time-saver on there.

INDEX And MATCH - The Most Useful But Most Overlooked Excel Functions?

In my opinion, INDEX and MATCH have to be some of the most powerful but overlooked excel functions. Whilst a VLOOKUP can be used to take your search criteria and return the value you're looking for, the INDEX and MATCH functions are more flexible and make the calculation speed much quicker. This is because, unlike VLOOKUP, the field to be matched doesn't have to be the first column in your data set.

I think the reason INDEX and MATCH are often overlooked is because these formulae have to be used together, and requires the use of nested formulae. Something that many users may not have the knowledge to do. I believe most users also prefer to use a single formula via VLOOKUP as this is much more commonly used.

A tie between INDEX-MATCH and Pivot Tables

This has to be a tie between INDEX-MATCH and Pivot Tables. The former is intimidating to most people because it's a nested function, and they use a VLOOKUP instead, but that can slow their workbooks WAY down. The latter is intimidating to people who don't interact with Excel frequently. It sounds so intense! But Microsoft has made it so easy to drag and drop fields, I wish more people knew how to leverage this tool.

Calculatons surrounding cash-flow: PV, Rate, FV, NPER and PMT

My personal favorite excel formula is the various calculatons surrounding cash-flow. These are PV, Rate, FV, NPER and PMT. These are so powerful. Especially when you're trying to understand things like figuring out how long it'll take to pay down debt. What it could look like if you were to increase your payment amount by $200.

For example, you already know your mortgage payment is $1,800 per month for interest and principal, you still owe $270,000 on the mortage and your rate is a fixed rate at 2.75%. What do you have to pay per month to have your mortgage paid off in 10 years. The answer is the PMT function in excel: =PMT(rate, period,pv) or in excel you'd put =PMT(2.75%/12,10*12,-270000). What a powerful formula to help people pay down debt in all sorts of situations!

If you're more interested in using a formula in the corporate world, learn vlookup! That was the first formula I would teach anyone. I can't recall the number of times people are like I need to pull this value over here to compare! Its amazing how many times I've seen that formula used and the variations and complexities that you can add to it!

VLOOKUP stands for Vertical Lookup

My life hasn't been the same since I learned how to use the VLOOKUP formula in Excel. VLOOKUP stands for Vertical Lookup and it's a simple yet important function that you can learn how to use in minutes. This function allows you to look up and retrieve data in a table. There are multiple tutorials on how to use it on Youtube which I would recommend watching. Trust me, learning it will save you a couple headaches!

FILTER: Following the SORT function, this function filters a rundown

FILTER: Following the SORT function, this function filters a rundown. I utilize this function to filter a range. This is a very strong function and is a fantasy for breaking down information and creating reports.

The FILTER function takes three contentions:

• Range to filter
• The measures that determine which results to return
• What move to make if there were no results

SUMIFS can be powerful for quickly identifying & summing

SUMIFS can be powerful for quickly identifying & summing key data that meet specific criteria. While pivot tables are often a good solution for broader reporting, SUMIFS can act as a filter and allow you to quickly enter different criteria.

Quick analysis is an underrated Excel go-to

Quick analysis is an underrated Excel go-to for our business. It’s an easy way to access various functions and analyze your data quickly.

After highlighting a table of data, you can click the bottom-right corner of that table to open a short menu of functions for formatting, analyzing, and computing your data. This is a swift and user-friendly option for Excel novices who don’t have their function shortcuts memorized.*

The quick analysis tool is versatile enough to create charts, forecasts, and even color-code your data so you can produce fast results for minimal input. Don’t overlook this one when training your employees to shape the most efficient number-crunchers out there!

Most users overlook the INDEX() function

Most users overlook the INDEX() function. This is because many might see it only as an alternative to VLOOKUP(), which is one of its uses at times. HOWEVER, the INDEX() function is much more powerful than that. It can be used for lookups, to create dynamic formulas, or even simply to extract part of a text string, which makes the INDEX() function so powerful.

Why is it overlooked by most users?

The INDEX() function is overlooked by most users because it does not always seem to give the same result as VLOOKUP(). This, however, could be simply due to a lack of understanding of how INDEX() searches and extracts information. INDEX() searches any number of rows or columns, while VLOOKUP() only works well inside a single column. INDEX() can be set to return values from any cell in the row or column used, while VLOOKUP() will always look for its importance in the leftmost column of the table array and return a result from the same row as that match.

CONCATENATE consolidates the values from multiple cells into one

The CONCATENATE function consolidates the values from multiple cells into one.

It helps sort out the various pieces of text, for example, somebody's name, a location, a reference number or a path URL.

It prompts you for the various values to utilize.

'=CONCATENATE(text1, text2, text3, … ))

The main reason for being overlooked is that people do not recognize it since they only know the basics of excel, such as copy, paste, etc. This kind of formula has been used when data is large or big, such as data extracting or data mining.

Index is the most important but underappreciated feature

Excel is a powerful piece of software that most businesses use for a myriad of purposes, including assisting a business owner in making more informed decisions. It encompasses a set of functions that can be advantageous to businesses, but not all of these functions are known by users, and some of the most significant functions are often overlooked. As a business owner, I can say the Index is the most important but underappreciated feature.

Because of its complexity, it is an undervalued function. It saves time by returning the value or a reference to a value from a table or range. It's a remarkable function because it is simple to develop and produces accurate results in a matter of minutes.

VLOOKUP() function can be a little tricky to set up

The most important Excel function for me is the VLOOKUP() function. It allows me to lookup a value in a table and return the corresponding value from another column in the table. This is really useful when comparing data or finding specific information in a large dataset.

Users often overlook the VLOOKUP() function because it can be a little tricky to set up. You need to know the exact location of the data you're looking for, and you also need to know the column headings in the table. If you get the syntax wrong, Excel will return an error. But once you understand how the function works, it's a potent tool that can save you a lot of time.

IFERROR - CHOOSE - TRANSPOSE

1) IFERROR is the unsung hero of Excel. It lets users create their own results when formulas find errors in a spreadsheet.

It’s useful for presenting data in a more professional way since error messages are replaced with whatever the user chose.

I think it’s overlooked because it’s a slightly more advanced function that the everyday Excel user won’t need to use.

2) I can’t overlook the CHOOSE function. It lets you link a list of information on a spreadsheet to another list with a simple formula. If one column is edited, the other will follow.

I think it’s overlooked because people underestimate it. It's similar to other functions but CHOOSE shines when used with other formulas.

For example, if I use it with a MATCH function, I can bring different values from multiple sheets into one.

3) In my opinion, one of the most important functions is TRANSPOSE. It makes organising data easier since I can rearrange data sets quickly.

I think it’s overlooked because Power Query lets you transpose data in two clicks. It’s faster and doesn’t require any codes.

Paste Special is the most important excel function

Copy and Paste is one of the simplest and most used functions in excel. But users often carry a format they don’t want or copy a formula over when in essence, they want a value. In the midst, Paste Special is often overlooked by most users forgetting it can fix those frustrations quickly. This function enables a user to pick which elements of the copied cell to bring over. After using Ctrl + C to copy items, press Ctrl + Alt + V to bring up Paste Special and make your selection, or use Alt + E + S + V as the shortcut to paste values.

VLOOKUP will search for a value in a table

The VLOOKUP function is the most commonly used and renowned one in Excel. It will search for a value in a table and bring back information from another column pertaining to that value. Such a powerful function is great for merging data from different lists into one or comparing two lists for toning with the missing items.

The users mostly overlook it because of its disadvantage of being unable to take it to the left.

SUMIF - Index - IF are some useful Functions that you need to know

Microsoft Excel is a software that allows users to calculate data with formulas using a spreadsheet system It is also for organization and formatting. As a Founder, it will be helpful in many parts of business and analysis. Here are some useful Functions that you need to know in using Excel:

1. SUMIF. It is highly popular and is used in excel. It makes the work easy.. If they have that number they want to add they do not have to add it separately one by one they can use this function to add in one click.

2. Index. It may be a complex function but it is useful in recovering individual values, entire rows, and columns.

3. IF. It limits the number of arguments. It is useful because of the logical comparison of the values and what the user is expected to do. It also traps errors and handles them easily.

VLOOKUP works a lot like a phone book

In my opinion, VLOOKUP is the most important Excel function.

VLOOKUP is overlooked by most Excel users because they don’t actually understand how to make the most of it. Standing for vertical lookup, this function searches for a specified value in one column and finds out its corresponding value on the same row in another column.

In simple words, you use this function when you need to find specific information in a large spreadsheet. VLOOKUP works a lot like a phone book, where you start with some data you know, like someone’s name, to find out what you don’t know, like their phone number.

SUMIFS is a more superior function

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In my opinion, SUMIFS is the most important Excel function. This is because it only executes the desired function upon meeting specified criteria.

The reason why SUMIFS is overlooked by most users is that they use SUMIF.

This is because they just specify one condition rather than more. SUMIFS is a more superior function, as it allows multiple criteria options.

Concatenate combines multiple cells, ranges, or strings of data into one cell

One of the most important Excel functions is Concatenate. This function combines multiple cells, ranges, or strings of data into one cell.

This function is overlooked by a lot of users because they just don’t know about it. It’s never really taught in school or in online courses. Most people focus on analytical functions and text-based functions like concatenate usually don’t get enough importance.

It’s still a very useful function. If you have first names in one column and surnames in another, concatenate can combine them to form full names in a new column.

IFERROR can help find more detailed errors than the ones provided by the program

I believe that IFERROR is the most important Excel function as it can help find more detailed errors than the ones provided by the program. It can even be used to perform an entirely different calculation. The IFERROR function only needs two things to work. Those being the value to check for the error and the kind of action to perform instead.

Most users overlook IFERROR as it delves into more complex methods. Excel is used by beginners and students who do not wish to understand the advanced mechanics of the program. But, for a professional, it can be a dream come true. The IFERROR function can be combined with VLOOKUP to display a detailed message.

SUMIF can be used to compute values in a range

According to me, one of the most important functions in Excel is the SUM function. One of the most fundamental functions, it can also be used as a condition to ignore specific cells from the total. For this, SUMIF can be used to compute values in a range. But this is only for deals that meet specific criteria. I can allot as many conditions to this function as I want. The biggest drawback of SUMIF is that it is not used as an array formula. This function can be overlooked because it looks for precise conditions and then sums up the related cells, else it leaves them be.

With the VLOOKUP function I can look for a part number on a suppliers' price list

For me, the most useful excel function is the VLOOKUP. I work for an eCommerce business called First Mats and as with all retailers, costs for the products we sell change every so often. Our range includes almost 4000 products from over 45 different manufacturers and suppliers. To update a cost or price for each of the products individually would take forever, but with the VLOOKUP function I can program Excel to look for a part number on a suppliers' price list and update the costs quickly and easily.

MATCH To Find What You're Looking For

I think that it can be a hassle to search through data one by one. It's why it is helpful that there is a function for that in Excel. If in case you are looking for a value in a specific row or column, you can use MATCH. It will help you locate what you are looking for fast.

It could be overlooked by some because it might be difficult to understand. However, that may not be the case for the majority. The MATCH function is useful and helps save time. You won't have to go look at each row, column, or table one by one.

The IF function can show you the results of two different scenarios

Excel’s wide variety of features and functions indeed makes it a valuable business tool. Businesses can use Excel to accomplish numerous tasks like data analysis, forecasting, accounting, and people management. Among Excel’s many different functions, one of the most useful for me, as a manager, is the IF function. This function can show you the results of two different scenarios. So, it will allow you to make logical comparisons between values. And it will help make decision-making faster and easier for you.

Table Formatting function to keep track of everything that I need to know

Being a media professional, I need to have all of the actionable data and information available to, and about the company that I work for on hand at all times and Excel’s Table Formatting function make it possible to keep track of everything that I need to know and converts it into an easy to read and simple to follow database that can be constantly updated, ensuring that I have all the information that I need, whenever I need it.

And when my colleagues tell me that they don’t know what it is, I’m genuinely surprised as I’ve always thought that it was the reason most people use the program, but apparently, they don’t know about it, which is is why it’s also, in my opinion, the most overlooked Excel application.

The SUM function including the SUMIF in doing reports or basic computations

In my experience as a founder, I know how important and helpful excel is in doing business. For me, I can say that many individuals overlooked and underrated the value of the SUM function including the SUMIF in doing reports or basic computations. This excel function makes everything much easier and can combine conditions in your computation. I think that the reason why it is often overlooked is that there are also different functions such as filter and manual formulas that when combined will give the same result. But little did some know, it will be easier to use SUM and SUMIF in these.

Text join and concentrate helps us to join two or three texts into the same cell

The most important excel function that is useful but not used by many is the text join and concentrate function. This function helps us to join two or three texts into the same cell so that we can convey a message as a sentence and this can help to convey messages if we want to make any particular changes in the sheet and we want to convey it to the employee then we can immediately do it by using this function but this is not used by many people.

‘&’ is a replacement to the Concatenate operator

I have known many ‘excel experts’ who had no idea that ‘&’ is a replacement to the Concatenate operator.

Need to combine two columns of first and last names? A1 & “ “ & B1. Boom, First_name space Last_name.

Need to convert user ID’s to email addresses? A1&”@email.com”.

It saves time and is an extremely useful tool.

You can get help through the watch window

I use Excel regularly to prepare financial statements for my business and a function that has been amazing for me but is underutilized is Watch Window.

When preparing your profit and loss or balance sheet by linking various balances from the trial balance, you obviously want to maintain the total figure in front of you so you can see what the change in the total figure is every time you link a particular figure. You can get help through the watch window. This can be found in the Formula Tab. A small window will emerge, and you must choose the watch window option. Then, after each work, select the cell reference that you need to look at. You don't have to go to the Balance sheet every time to see if it adds up and this will save you alot of time.

IF function allows for the automation of logical decision making based

For me, the most useful Excel function is the IF function because it allows for the automation of logical decision making based on specific criteria within a spreadsheet. The IF functionality also enables the formulation of logical comparisons between two or more values. This functionality will enable a model or program to make decisions while following a set program flow dictated by the established criteria.

Its ability to create impressive data visualisation dashboards

One of the most useful aspects of Excel is its ability to create impressive data visualisation dashboards. It seems to be an incredibly overlooked Excel function. While most people know it is possible to create a simple chart in Excel, people don’t seem to fully use its functionality to display data in a really user-friendly way.

It’s also a very affordable custom data dashboard option for smaller companies compared to specialist BI tools. Dashboards can be static or fully interactive, with the user making selections that will dynamically update the data.

It is perhaps not used as much as it should be partly because people are unaware of what can be created and because creating a functional and visually appealing dashboard can be challenging. It needs a good understanding of both design and data analytics skills, but it is a skill well worth mastering.

The magic of TEXTJOIN to select acells and set the delimiter

One of my most used Excel functions was CONCAT, previously CONCATENATE but helpfully shortened by Excel! It's something I regularly use to tidy up data. However, until very recently, I had completely overlooked that Excel had added an even more useful function that does much the same thing. So this is my current most used function, TEXTJOIN.

For anyone not familiar with CONCAT, it combines data from several cells into one cell. However, if you don't want it to combine everything into one long string without separation, you need to select each cell in turn and add spaces (or another delimiter). So you might end up with something like this =CONCAT(A2,, ,B2,, ,C2,, ,D2,, ,E2) to combine data from 5 columns and add a space and comma between each item.

The magic of TEXTJOIN is that it will allow you to select a whole range of cells and set the delimiter rather than adding each one in turn. So the above function can be reduced to =TEXTJOIN( , ,TRUE,A3:E3). The first part sets the delimiter, then TRUE or FALSE determines whether empty cells are included, then the range of cells can be selected. It may not look like a huge difference on a small example, but this is a huge timesaver when dealing with large data sets.

Because the functionality between the two is quite similar, and TEXTJOIN is relatively new, I think many people also overlook it, but it is incredibly useful and solves one of the frustrations with CONCAT.

I heavily rely on the ‘ WHAT IF ‘ feature

I heavily rely on the ‘ WHAT IF ‘ feature of Microsoft excel. And it amuses me how many people simply don’t know how to use this function. Hence for me, this would be the most overlooked feature.

CTRL+PGDN/PGUP. Switching worksheet can no longer delay any of your work

CTRL+PGDN/PGUP. Switching from worksheet to worksheet can no longer delay any of your work - even without a mouse or trackpad. I always work on a large number of data in Excel and have more than ten worksheets in each workbook. And I can’t just live without the ctrl+page down/page up shortcut. It enables me to navigate freely and quickly between worksheets without moving my hands off my keyboard. And it has saved me lots of hours of work. With this shortcut, you can finish a 1-hour work in just less than 30 minutes. Obviously, when you want to go to a different worksheet, you’ll use your mouse or trackpad to manually switch between them. But what if your mouse is not working or your laptop’s trackpad can’t be used either?

It would be a total mess then. Pressing ctrl+pgup lets you move to worksheets to the left and ctrl+pgdwn to the right. Once you discover the magic it offers, you’ll definitely can’t live without it.

Undeniably, Excel has bestowed power into our hands. A power that enables our lives to be easier to live. Primarily, it reduces the time we consume  at work.   The mere fact that it’s making us transact and do business operations smoothly is more than enough to say that it’s something we can’t live without. And using keyboard shortcuts when working on it has made it even more for the same reason.

TRIM function prompts you to remove spaces between words

The Excel function that I find most useful is the TRIM function. This feature continues to prove invaluable when I'm trying to fix computational errors generated by extra spaces between words in the formula. These spaces are normally difficult to detect for most people, which makes it difficult to get to the bottom of the error. However, the TRIM function prompts you to remove the spaces between words that are actually causing the error, saving the user both time and effort.

CONCATENATE to combine texts from different cells into one

I find the function, CONCATENATE, to be an extremely useful tool in Excel, although most people seem to be unaware of it. I came across the function totally by accident when I was trying to figure out how to combine texts from different cells into one cell on the same row, and to do this automatically. Now I use it on a regular basis when I want to combine data from different cells to create meaningful, comprehensive, usable pieces of information for each row of the spreadsheet.

Ctrl, shift, + and VLOOKUP

Though excel has multiple useful functions, two of the functions that are most preferred by me are:

1) *Ctrl, shift, + *- This comes in handy when you have to add multiple rows between existing rows. It is quicker when trying to add rows in bulk.

2) *VLOOKUP *- Even though a lot of people consider it a difficult to learn function, VLOOKUP is one of the easiest ways to look up values in an excel sheet. It can look up the value in one column and returns a corresponding value from another column that is placed from left to right. Once you learn it, it indeed comes in handy while looking for data in an array of data.

Why Charting In Excel Matters (And Is Often Overlooked)

Trying to present important and influential data to clients in a way that they can understand might actually be next to impossible if it wasn’t for Excel. The program, via the Charting function, allows you to convert the information that you need to share into easy-to-understand graphs that don’t overwhelm and confuse your clients with figures, percentages, and numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s helped me to secure a number of customers, and if it’s used the right way can help any small business to succeed. If you’re going to use Excel to take the next step on the entrepreneurial ladder, you need to learn how to use, and master Charting. It really is that simple.

There are many useful excel functions

There are many useful excel functions, but here are some of my favorites.

1. *Paste special*. Copy and paste is the simplest excel function that comes in handy a lot.

2. *Add multiple rows*. We often need to add more rows into existing rows. You can use shortcuts ( ctrl, shift,+) to add rows.

3. *Remove duplicates. *This is another simple function of excel. It helps in removing duplicates in the data.

4. *F4.* There are two ways of using F4. one is when you want to toggle through the various options. And second is when you want to repeat the previous action. It can help you improve your excel productivity.

IF function is extremely useful and is readily used in different aspects

Being one of the basic functions in Excel, the IF function is extremely useful and is readily used in different aspects, especially in data analysis. In the IF function, you can automate the entire decision-making procedure, which can be significantly helpful in eliminating the redundant decisions in an organization by making the decisions based on different conditions. Here you simply create a logical test and an action to take according to the results. For each condition, the test occurs, and accordingly, the result will come under True or False. These results are backed up by certain calculations set beforehand in the tables.

COUNTBLANK can count the number of blank cells in a specific range

With multiple data hoarding in an excel sheet, it can get slightly messy, especially when you have missing values. With millions of rows and columns, finding the missing cells can be a daunting task. This is why the COUNTBLANK function can be extremely helpful in counting the number of blank cells in a specific range. You simply need to specify the range, and it will give you a quick result of the blanks. This will help you identify the missing parts and lookup for the data to fill the gaps. It directly finds the missing value and allows you to embed the right data accordingly.

RANK can retain the rank of a particular numeric value compared to another list

To determine the placement in the order array, you may go for manual procedures. However, this can be extremely time taking. Not many are aware of it, but the RANK function can help to retain the rank of a particular numeric value compared to another list of other numeric values. This can help you identify the right value and how it will fall in an ordered array with just a single formula RANK(number, list). If you want to return the data sets of a particular range into percentages, you can also use the PERCENTRANK, which is very similar to the RANK function.

VLOOKUP automatically finds the right data in other sheets as per the ID

Not everybody is aware of how easily you can look up a certain value in a data table. While you may spend hours finding that specific value within hundreds and thousands of rows and columns, the VLOOKUP function can do the job for you within a few seconds. It automatically finds the right data in other sheets as per the ID. Another parameter referred to by the VLOOKUP function is the column containing the data you want to spot. When you specify the rows and columns in the function, you can easily use this function to find the same values on other tables seamlessly.

MAXIFS can help you find the maximum value out of certain subsets of data

Form determining the maximum amount of profits your company makes in a day to the maximum hours spent on closing the deal. Finding the maximum values can be extremely hard yet important. If you want to calculate the maximum values in certain subsets of your data, you can use the MAXIFS function, which can help you find the maximum value out of it. You can use it for as many rows as you want. You can simply find the maximum value here and use this data in your business processes accordingly. The formula used to apply the MAXIFS function is MAXIFS(max_range, criteria_range_1, criteria_1,...)

IF helps to automate decision-making and perform logical tests

The best Excel function is one that makes any dreaded task easier. Plus, accountants and other Excel users can more easily illustrate the impacts of financial decisions to clients and co-workers by using the proper functions. However, Excel has hundreds of them, so it takes time to master them all.

While some users take pride in memorizing the most obscure Excel functions, I like to keep it simple. That is, some of my favorite and most-used functions are the essential ones I learned back in college. Still, when our Excel skills advance, we sometimes overlook these simple formulas as too basic. In reality, though, they are just as valuable as the day we learned them.

Take the IF function, for example. It helps us to automate decision-making and perform logical tests. The syntax is easy enough but powerful: =IF(logical_test, [value_if_true], [value_if_false]). But IF allows users to plan for different scenarios and make data-backed decisions.

To illustrate, I’m the CFO of a prominent non-profit organization. Our financial outlook can change quickly based on donations and grant funds.

But by using an IF statement, I can plug in different values and see how they will impact us in the long run.

VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH

In my opinion, the lookup formulae in excel is an essential Excel function, and is still, underused by many. I feel the reason for people using it less has to do a lot with the lack of awareness amongst people about the presence of this formula. With experience, a lot I worked with didn’t know much about VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH until I talked with them about it.

SUM is much more accurate than doing it by hand as there are less errors

The simplest but most effective Excel function in my line of business is the SUM feature which easily adds up the numbers in the columns I create.

I deal with a lot of numbers on a daily basis which would take forever to count manually. The SUM function makes my life so much easier, and is much more accurate than doing it by hand as there are less errors.

As a finance expert, I help people save money and see where they can make adjustments in their budget to be able to live and retire comfortably. The SUM function has saved me on many occasions when it comes to getting numbers out timely and efficiently for my clients to see.

Lookup is easy and very useful, it is time you mastered it!

In my opinion, the most important Excel function is the lookup function. Most users overlook it because it sounds so complicated. When I heard about it, I would always think about that old computer commercial where the man said blip-blip instead of computing. But what he was saying was compute. The most important function in Excel is the lookup function. Most users overlook this because they do not understand how to use it. I would tell them to look up values in tables with this function and create formulae based on this information. Lookup is easy and very useful, so if you don't know how to use it, it is time you mastered it!

TEXT function simplifies time spent on Excel!

I believe that one of the most useful, and overlooked, Excel functions is the TEXT function. The TEXT function helps convert dates and numbers into a text string in a particular format. This tool falls in the category of string formulas that convert numerical values to a string. It’s especially handy when you need to view numeric data in an easy and readable format.

It’s important to remember that the TEXT function only works to convert numeric values to text; therefore, its results cannot be calculated. This formula is so useful on a day-to-day basis, but I think it’s often overlooked because people find it so basic! What they don’t realize is how something this basic can save so much time in the long run. I highly suggest you start using the TEXT function and watch as it simplifies time spent on Excel!

IFERROR function simply consists of handling and hiding errors in a formula

A very important and often under-used Excel function is, in my opinion, the IFERROR function. Although it's very simple to master, I've come across a lot of people that don't even know about this function and had no idea how many headaches it can save them. The IFERROR function simply consists of handling and hiding errors in a formula; it may not seem like a lot, but it gives your spreadsheet a much more professional appearance and will prevent you from looking bad in front of others who read it. The syntax of the formula is IFERROR(value, value_if_error). The IFERROR function checks for the following errors: #N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, #DIV/0!, #NUM!, #NAME?, or #NULL!.

Concatenate just seems to be relatively unknown

The Concatenate function is in my opinion the most useful function in excel. This is especially true when you have multiple columns worth of data that you need to combine. Concatenate combines the values from multiple cells into one. An example would be when you need to combine personal information such as a name, address, and phone number into one cell.

The reason it is overlooked by most users is because it just seems to be relatively unknown. It can be tough to spell and does not fall in the same category as SUM or IF. Users tend to forget functions that are not used every day, but this is one that can save users extensive amounts of time if they will tuck it away.

Sort data into a certain order is vital for using Excel

Being able to sort data into a certain order is vital for using Excel. For example, if you have a chart which consists of one column or first name andanother column of last names, you could choose to sort the chart by the last names, in alphabetical order, while still keeping everyone’s first and last names together.

Select all of your cells at once: all you need to do is to click the upper left corner cell

If you want to select all of your cells at once, all you need to do is to click the upper left corner cell of the entire spreadsheet. When you do this, the whole spreadsheet will be selected instantly. This can be a really useful tool in case you want to change something about all of the data you've inputted, such as the font or the size.

It's really worth taking a closer look at the SUMIFS function

The Excel tools that make the process appear simple are the most useful. One of the most useful Excel functions is SUMIFS. It adds up the values that meet certain requirements. It's really worth taking a closer look at the SUMIFS function. It's a very handy Excel feature. It can be tough to determine which function to employ for specific Excel activities with such a vast number of options.

The CONCAT Function

The CONCAT Function is one of the most underrated Excel functions, purely due to the fact that it is one of the biggest time savers for those who need to combine data from multiple cells. And unlike the merge tool that will physically merge multiple cells into a single one, this function only combines the contents of the combined cells. For example, if I have columns containing first name, last name, and titles of 300 people and need that information together, I don't have to waste time re-typing each combination, hoping that I don't end up making any typos, as the CONCAT function makes this possible for all 300 in under a minute. However, most Excel users aren't familiar with this function, purely because the ampersand character (&) is the more popular alternative, even though using the CONCAT(cellRange) is often faster than typing =A1&B1&C1.

VLOOKUP is the most important function in Excel

In my opinion, VLOOKUP is the most important function in Excel. It is created to find data from a specific column in a table.

It looks at a value in one column and locates its equivalent value on the same row in another column. Business owners and retailers can use the VLOOKUP function to search a product and find its number or price in return.

Most people don’t know exactly what it is used for. As a result, this function is often overlooked by people.

Another reason is that this function only retrieves data from columns to the right. This imitation also prevents users from taking advantage of VLOOKUP.

COUNTIF function is partly ignored as beginners are not aware of its broad functionality

In my humble opinion, the COUNTIF function is important. This function counts the number of values that meet a specified criteria even if they don’t have numeric data. You can direct the function on what to look for and where such data can be found in the sheet.

This function is overlooked as individuals are unaware regarding how to fully utilize its properties. Individuals opt for the much more popular SUMIF function instead when they have to specify data according to their respective categories. The COUNTIF function is partly ignored as beginners are not aware of its broad functionality.

The most popular Excel function is VLOOKUP.

VLOOKUP is one of the most powerful functions in the Excel toolbox, yet it is only used by a tiny number of Excel users. Why is this so? The answer lies in a fundamental misunderstanding about how VLOOKUP works.

The VLOOKUP function does not return a value from the referenced column but rather goes through the lookup_value and finds the corresponding value from another column table array. This is achieved by using:

VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, range_lookup) = the formula in the above line means: If lookup value is less than zero then return 1. Otherwise, return the first value in the table array that contains a value greater than or equal to the lookup value and less than or equal to the lookup value.

IF requires the somewhat bulky use of parentheses to open and close

The IF function is very useful and highly important in Excel. It helps you make logical comparisons between a value and what you expect. An IF statement can have two results, therefore. One is if your comparison is True, the second is if your comparison is False.

The IF function is overlooked because it requires the somewhat bulky use of parentheses to open and close, and this can be difficult to manage. There is also a limit in the amount of arguments an IF function can have.But the IF function is a simple and elegant way to trap and handle errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What function helps to remove all spaces in a cell, leaving only individual spaces between words?

TRIM is the most useful Excel formulas which helps users to remove all spaces.