Use Excel's data filtering for analysis

What is your favorite way to analyze data in a worksheet? Data filtering is my go-to tool for analyzing data because it allows me to filter out data not necessary for the analysis. I use data filtering to temporarily hide some of the data in a table, so I can focus on the data I want to see. In the screen shot below I am using data filtering to select only my Excellent customers for analysis.

Contact me at sharon_daniel@att.net or 561-289-9484 for support on using Data Filtering. Whether you need advice on creating formulas or solving issues, count on me!

Using excel's substitute function

I love the way Excel functions, like SUBSTITUTE, can save you time. If you are not familiar with this function, use SUBSTITUTE when you want to replace specific text in a text string. Let’s see how with the example below. I want to substitute “Cost” for “Sales” and use the formula highlighted on the Formula bar.

Can you think of any examples where you could use this? Companies often change their names so this function can be used to change Suntrust Bank to Truist Bank with minimal effort.

Contact me at sharon_daniel@att.net for support on using the SUBSTITUTE function. Need help with Excel - coaching, data analysis and/or training? Contact me at 561-289-9484 to discuss your needs.

Asking "What If" in Excel

What IF? We often ask this question! You can also ask it in an Excel formula using the IF function. A function is a predefined formula that performs calculations using specific values in a particular order. Excel includes many common functions including sum, average and count.

The IF function tests whether a condition is true or false and then performs an action. An example is shown in the screen shot below. If the value in L2 (the Total value) is greater than 500, then enter High in M2; if not, enter Low in M2, written as =if(L2>500,”High”,”Low”). Note - always enclose text in double quotation marks.

Contact me at sharon_daniel@att.net for support on using the IF function. Need help with Excel - coaching, data analysis and/or training? Contact me at 561-289-9484 to discuss your needs. See my website for a complete list of the ways I can help you - InfoExpressVBC.com.