2. Excel on steroids
Work smarter, every day!
Anytime Learning courses provide in-depth coverage of business reporting using formulas and functions to provide enhanced
performance and productivity for better reporting and decision making!
Sign up for training on your favorite Sage Intelligence product or take your Microsoft Excel skills to the next level with Excel on
Steroids developed by Sage.
www.SageU.com
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
For advanced business reporting in Microsoft Excel
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders where required. In the event of unintentional omissions or
errors, any information that would enable the publisher to make the proper copyright arrangements would be
appreciated.
Sage shall not be liable for any damage, loss, or liability of whatsoever nature arising from the use or inability to use
the services or content provided from and through this book.
Sage makes no representations or warranties, implied or otherwise, that, among others, the content contained in
this book is free from errors or omissions. The book is supplied on an “as is” basis and has not been compiled or
supplied to meet the user’s individual requirements. It is the sole responsibility of the user to satisfy itself that the
contents available from and through this book will meet the user’s individual requirements.
Neither Sage nor any of its agents or representatives shall be liable for any damage, loss, or liability of whatsoever
nature arising from the use or inability to use this book.
32
4. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel Tips and Tricks
1. How do you minimize the Ribbon?
If you want more space on your screen for your worksheets, you can minimize
the Ribbon.
• Right-click any of the tabs (for example, Home, Insert)
• Select Minimize the Ribbon
2. How do you move the Quick Access Toolbar?
• Right-click over the Quick Access Toolbar
• Select Show Quick Access Toolbar Below the Ribbon or Above the Ribbon
(dependent on the current location)
3. How do you customize the Quick Access Toolbar?
• Right-click on the Quick Access Toolbar
• Select Customize Quick Access Toolbar
• Select the desired Choose Commands From
• Select the Commands you want on the Quick Access Toolbar
• Select Add
• Repeat until all the commands you want are on the Quick Access Toolbar
• Select OK
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Excel 2007 Interface
The new user interface makes use
of the Ribbon. The Ribbon contains
all the commands previously located
in the complex toolbar and menu
system, but now located in one place.
The Office Button
In the top left corner of the Microsoft
Excel application is the Office Button.
Selecting this button brings up a pop-
up menu that allows you to do all the
document functions that were found
in the old menu file functions, namely:
• Open
• New
• Save
• Save As
• Print
• Prepare
• Send
• Publish
• Close
It also contains the Microsoft Excel
Options previously contained in
Microsoft Excel 2003 in the Tools,
Options Menu.
The Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar, by default,
is located above the Ribbon, next
to the Office Button. This toolbar
contains commands that are
independent of the Ribbon tab that
is currently displayed. You can move
the Quick Access Toolbar from one of
the two possible locations, and you
can customize the toolbar by adding
buttons that represent commands,
including assigning your macros to
icons.
76
5. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
8. How do you quickly open the Format dialog box?
• On the keyboard, press Ctrl + 1
9. How do you quickly wrap text in a cell?
• Enter in the desired text
• Press Alt + Enter
• Press Enter
10. How can you quickly copy formatting?
• Select the cell with the desired applied formatting
• From the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, double-click
the Format Painter button
• Select any cell you would like to apply the formatting to
• Press Esc
11. How do you quickly insert the date?
• Hold down the Ctrl button and then press ; (semicolon) on the keyboard
Working with worksheets
Worksheet navigation
made easy
Often, you may have multiple
worksheets in a workbook and
struggle to quickly navigate to a
particular worksheet.
Microsoft Excel does provide
navigation arrows on the bottom
left of the screen. By simply clicking
these arrows, you can scroll to
worksheets on the left or right.
However, when you have quite a few
worksheets, it can be time consuming
to use these navigation arrows.
The “right-click method” can speed
this up.
Range selection made easy
It can be time consuming to use your
mouse to select a range of cells,
especially if it is something you need
to do regularly (for instance, as a
source for charts or PivotTables).
To speed up this process, you can
use Ctrl + Shift + *
4. How do you quickly navigate between worksheets?
• Right-click on any of the navigation arrows
• You will get a list of all the worksheets in the current workbook
• Select the desired worksheet
• You will be navigated to that worksheet
5. How do you select a column with only two keystrokes?
• Select any cell in the column you would like to select
• Press Ctrl + Space Bar
6. How do you select a row with only two keystrokes?
• Select any cell in the row you would like to select
• Press Shift + Space Bar
7. How do you quickly select a range of cells?
• Select any cell in the range of cells
• On the keyboard, press Ctrl + Shift + *
The Home tab
Font themes
Built into Microsoft Excel 2007 are
themes that group together colors
and so on. These are available
depending on the choice you make.
They are used in a number of places
such as when you select the font or
color buttons in the Font group on
the Home Ribbon.
Wrap Text
There is a very nice keyboard
shortcut to Wrap Text. Simply use
your Alt + Enter key.
Copying formatting
To help speed up the copying of
formatting you can use the Format
Painter button.
Insert date shortcut
Rather than typing out the date in a
cell, you can use a keyboard shortcut
to insert the current date instantly.
98
6. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Home tab
Viewing parts of several
worksheets on one worksheet
One worksheet can be used to
view several individually separate
and distinct areas. This can be done
using the Paste Picture Link option.
There are a few options when
consolidating information from
multiple worksheets. The option for
this tip enables you to paste the
copied cells as objects (pictures).
Pasting them as objects is useful
as you can resize the objects. This
tool is helpful when needing to
print multiple areas of a workbook
onto one worksheet or creating a
dashboard summarizing parts of
the workbook.
15. How do you view parts of several worksheets
on one worksheet?
• Select the desired range to be copied
• Right-click the selected range, select Copy
• Navigate to the destination worksheet
• From the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, select the down arrow under Paste
• Select As Picture, Paste Picture Link
• Your object (picture) will now be pasted and can be resized as desired
• Repeat the above steps for additional objects
The Home tab
Pasting paragraphs of text into
a single cell
If you have text that is in a text
program (for instance, Microsoft
Word) and would like to copy
and paste it to Microsoft Excel, by
default Microsoft Excel separates
the information into different cells
based on the paragraph marks.
By using the below method, you are
able to paste the text into a single
cell in Microsoft Excel.
Converting negative values
to positive values
This tip allows you to quickly convert
a range of negative numbers into
positive numbers, without having to
edit each cell.
12. How do you paste paragraphs of text into a single cell?
• Copy the desired text from the text program (Microsoft Word)
• Select the desired cell in Microsoft Excel
• Press F3 on the keyboard
• Select Paste
• Press Enter
13. How can you quickly copy text?
• Select the desired text
• From the keyboard, press Ctrl + C
14. How do you convert negative values to positive values?
• In a blank cell, enter in the value -1
• Select the cell with the value -1
• Select Copy
• Select the desired range with negative values
• Right-click the selected range
• Select Paste Special
• Under the Operation group, select Multiply
• Select OK
• Your values are now converted to positive values
Before:
After:
In Microsoft Word
Pasted into Microsoft Excel
Pasted into Microsoft Excel using F2
1110
7. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
18. How do you display values that are millions as thousands?
• Select the desired cell/cells
• Right-click the selected cell/cells
• Select Format Cells
• Select the Number tab
• Under Category, select Custom
• In the Type box, enter 0
• Select OK
16. How do you keep 000 in front of values?
• Select the desired cell/cells
• Right-click the selected cell/cells
• Select Format Cells
• Select the Number tab
• Under Category, select Custom
• In the Type box, enter 000
• Select OK
17. How do you format your dates to show the period number?
• Select the desired cell/cells
• Right-click the selected cell/cells
• Select Format Cells
• Select the Number tab
• Under Category, select Custom
• In the Type box, enter m
• Select OK
The Home tab
Keeping 000 in front of values
Using a custom format allows you
to keep the full number and not lose
any leading zeroes.
Before:
After:
Formatting your dates to show the
period number
By using a Custom Format, you can
show the period of the date (in this
case the month) without changing
the date in the field.
Before (dates in March 2007):
After (using a Custom Format):
The Home tab
Displaying values that are in
millions as thousands
Sometimes every figure in a
spreadsheet is in the thousands,
tens of thousands, or even in the
millions. By rounding the figure to
smaller, representative figures, you
can save space.
Before:
After:
1312
8. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Home tab
Break text into different rows
In earlier Microsoft Excel releases,
it was challenging to arrange lines
in a readable layout, but Microsoft
Excel 2007’s new Editing, Fill, Justify
feature makes it easier.
In the below example, the text is
flowing over to column G. You would
rather have the text from columns A
to D. Justify will automatically break
the text.
Before:
After:
Clear All from cell/cells
Clear All clears the contents and/or
the formatting of a cell.
Believe it or not, you can do it by
dragging the fill handle backward.
22. How do you break text into different rows?
• Select the range of columns you would like to fit the text to
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select the Fill icon
• Select Justify
• Select OK
23. How do you Clear All from a cell?
• Select the cells you want to clear
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select the Erase icon
• You have the option to Clear All, Formats, Contents, or Comments
24. How do you Clear a range of cells using the Fill Handle?
• Select a range of empty cells
• Select the Fill Handle
• Drag it back over the area you would like to clear
• If you also want to clear the formats in the cells, just hold down the Ctrl key
as you drag the fill handle back over the selection
19. How do you quickly sum up numbers?
• Select the cell where you would like the result to appear
• From the keyboard, press Alt + =
20. How do you fill a range of dates/months?
• Enter the start date in your first cell
• Select the cells you want to fill, including the first cell
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select the Copy Down button
• Select Series
• In Type box select Date
• In the Date Unit box select Month
• Select OK
21. How do you fill a range of text or formula?
• Select the range of cells to be filled
• Enter in the desired text or formula into the cell
• Press Ctrl + Enter
The Home tab
AutoSum button
The AutoSum button has the
most common functions plus the
option to select More Functions,
which opens the Insert Function
dialogue box. You can also key
the keyboard shortcut Alt + =
to do the SUM function.
Fill series
The series option calls up a dialogue
box that allows you to select how
the series fills the selected cell;
for example, you may want to
incrementally increase the date by a
month in a range of cells.
1514
9. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Home tab
Conditional Formatting
In Microsoft Excel 2003, Conditional
Formatting was limited to three
conditions per cell; in Microsoft
Excel 2007 you may have as many
conditions as you like. Another
limitation in Microsoft Excel 2003
was that only one condition per cell
could be true, so according to the
order of the conditional formatting,
the first true condition would be
indicated; however, you can control
this in Microsoft Excel 2007.
Highlight Cell Rules:
• Greater Than
• A Date Occurring
• Duplicate Values
Top/Bottom Rules:
• Bottom 10%
• Above Average
• Below Average
Data Bars:
Color Scales:
Icon Sets:
The parameters of the Conditional
Formatting can be customized by
selecting More Rules from any of the
pop-up dialogue boxes.
29. How can you add icon conditional formatting?
• Select the desired cell or range
• From the Home tab, in the Styles group, select Conditional Formatting;
a drop-down box appears
• Select Icon Set
• Select the desired option
30. How do you highlight duplicates?
• Select the desired cell or range
• From the Home tab, in the Styles group, select the drop-down
arrow under Conditional Formatting
• Select Highlight Cells Rules
• Select Duplicate Values
• Select the desired Format
• Select OK
25. How do you quickly sort a column of data?
• Select a cell in the column you wish to sort
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select Sort Filter
• Select the Sort A to Z or the Sort Z to A icon
26. How do you apply multilevel sorting?
• Select any cell within the data list you wish to sort
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select Sort Filter
• Select Custom Sort
• Select the drop-down arrow in the Sort by box and select the desired column
• Select the drop-down arrow in the Sort On box and select the desired option
• Select the drop-down arrow in the Order box and select the desired option
• Select the Add Level icon to specify the next sort column
Repeat steps 3 to 5
• Repeat steps 6 and 7 for subsequent sort columns
• To change the order of the sort, use the Arrow buttons to move the
sort items up or down
• Select OK
27. How do you create a Custom List?
• Select the desired list in Microsoft Excel
• Select the Office Button
• Select Excel Options
• Select the Popular category
• In the section Top options for working with Excel
• Select Edit Custom Lists
In the Custom Lists dialogue box, select Import
• The copied list is pasted to the list entries box
• Select OK, OK
28. How do you sort based on a Custom List?
• Select any cell within the data list you wish to sort
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select Sort Filter
• Select Custom Sort, select the desired Column and Sort On
• Select the drop-down arrow in the Order box and select Custom List,
select the desired Custom List
• Select OK, OK
The Home tab
Sorting data
You can access the sort functionality
through the Sort and Filter icon in
the Editing group on the Home tab
of the Ribbon. There is also sort
functionality located on the Data tab
of the Ribbon.
Depending on the type of data you
are in when you select the Sort
Filter icon, the sort option will differ.
For example, for dates it will read
earliest to latest, while for numbers it
will state smallest to largest.
Multilevel sorting
Multilevel sorting allows you to sort
up to 64 columns or levels at a time.
Using a custom sort order
The Custom List feature allows
the user to define a specific sort
order. This can be useful when
sorting a column in an order that
is not alphanumeric.
1716
10. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Home tab
Find Select
The Find Select button has
shortcuts to many of the options
found in the Go To Special dialogue
box previously found in Microsoft
Excel 2003 in the Edit, Go To Menu.
Select visible cells only
There are times when you need
to copy the visible data only. An
example of this is when you need to
copy Subtotals that have hidden
rows and columns and you want to
copy only the visible data. A normal
copy and paste includes the hidden
data, which can then be unhidden.
32. How do you select visible cells only?
• Select the range of cells
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select Find Select
• Select Go To Special
• Under Select, select Visible cells only
• Select OK
• On the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, select Copy
• Activate the worksheet you want to copy it to
• On the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, select Paste
31. How do you use Conditional Formatting to track items?
• Select the desired range of cells
• From the Home tab, in the Styles group, select the drop-down
arrow under Conditional Formatting
• Select Icon Sets
• Select the one with the Tick, Exclamation mark and X
• From the Home tab, in the Styles group, select the drop-down
arrow under Conditional Formatting
• Select Manage Rules
• Select Edit Rule
• Select Show Icon Only check box, select Apply, OK
The Home tab
Tracking items in Excel
Many people use Excel to keep track
of things. In the past (pre-Excel 2007)
people probably would put something
together like the below:
Excel 2007 provides great new
conditional formatting rules, which
allow automatic display of nicely
formatted icon sets.
As Excel best understands values, it
is best to set up the spreadsheet with
1 for people who attended and 0 for
people who didn’t attend.
Apply Conditional Formatting using
Icon Sets.
1918
11. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Insert tab
Changing calculation method
of subtotals in PivotTables
By default Microsoft Excel sets a field
to SUM if it is in the data area and
contains numbers; if it contains text
then it is set to COUNT. You can,
however, change these calculation
methods as follows:
Custom calculations
in PivotTables
There is a second tab on the Value
Field Settings that allows you to
select how the calculation are shown
(this is the Custom Calculation
functionality in Microsoft Excel 2003).
For example, you may wish to see the
figure as a percentage of the total.
34. How do you change the calculation method of subtotals?
• Select the Value field you wish to change the calculation of in the PivotTable
• From the Options tab, in Active Cell group, the Active Field,
select Field Settings (you can also double-click the field)
• Select the calculation method you would like to change it to
(for instance, Count, Average, and so on)
• Select OK
35. How do you create a custom calculation?
• Select the Value field you wish to change the calculation of in the PivotTable
• From the Options tab, in Active Field group, select Field Settings
(you can also double-click the field)
• Select the Show Values As tab in the Value Field Settings dialogue box
• Select the drop-down arrow for Show values As and select the necessary method
• Select OK
33. How do you create a PivotTable?
• Select any cell in the data list
• From the Insert tab, in the Tables group, select PivotTable
• Make sure that Select a table or range is selected
• Make sure your data is listed in the Table/Range box
• Select where you want the PivotTable to go, either in an existing worksheet or
its own new worksheet
• Select OK
• A blank PivotTable is now displayed
• In the Field List select the fields you want in the Row Area and either drag them into
the row area on the PivotTable or into the Row Labels area on the Field List box
• Repeat for columns, page area/filters, and data fields
The Insert tab
PivotTable concept
and layout
Microsoft Excel 2007 no longer uses
the PivotTable Wizard. A single
dialogue box allows you to select the
data range (if it was not preselected),
to use external data, and also to
select whether to insert the PivotTable
in an existing worksheet or create a
new worksheet.
At this point a blank PivotTable is
inserted with the PivotTable Field List
located to the right of the Microsoft
Excel workspace.
2120
12. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Importance of spreadsheet
security
Typing errors can lead to
inaccurate information, which
can have a devastating effect on
business
• Nevada, USA, 2006: Incorrectly
typed formulae led to a $5 million
discrepancy in budgetary figures.A
• Northern Territory, Australia, 2005:
A manual error in a departmental
spreadsheet led to a AUS$200
million mistake in government
funding figuresB
Excel 2007 is rich with security
and error-checking features,
such as formula evaluation, cell
precedent and dependence tracking,
data validation, and the ability to
track changes made to the sheet.
Combined, these features help give
you the peace of mind about the data
you use to make your decisions.
In addition, automated business
intelligence tools, such as the Sage
Intelligence product range, remove
a large proportion of the manual
aspects of report creation, avoiding
the opportunity for typing errors.
Excel and Sage Intelligence can save
your business time and money, giving
you peace of mind.
A-http://www.nevadadailymail.com/
story/1135458.html
B-http://www.abc.net.au/news/
newsitems/200506/s1394937.htm
Version Comments
1—1985
Version 1, for the Macintosh, was released. Version 1.0.6 and 1.5 are
released over the course of the next three years.
2—1987
The first Windows version. Labeled “2” to correspond to the Mac version,
it included a run-time version of Windows.
2.2—1989
Excel 2.2 for Macintosh includes the ability to apply different styles within
a single document and a 40% increase in calculation speed.
3—1990
Included workbooks, toolbars, drawing capabilities, outlining, add-in
support, 3D charts, and many more new features.
4—1992
Released for Windows 3.1, it becomes the first “popular” version due to
the widespread use of Windows 3.1.
5—1993
A major upgrade included multisheet workbooks and replaced Excel
Macro language with Visual Basic.
7—1995*
Known as Excel 95. The first major 32-bit version of Excel,**
which is very similar to Excel 5 in relation to features.
8—1997
Known as Excel 97. A new interface for VBA developers, UserForms,
data validation, and more.
9—1999
Known as Excel 2000. Can use HTML as a native file format, “self-repair”
capability, enhanced clipboard, pivot charts, modeless user forms,
digital signing of macros.
10—2001
Known as Excel 2002, this is part of Office XP. It has a long list of new
features, perhaps the most significant of which is the ability to recover
your work when Excel crashes.
11—2003
Microsoft Office Excel 2003. The new features in this version include: (a)
Improved support for XML, (b) A new “list range” feature, (c) Smart Tag
enhancements, and (d) Corrected statistical functions.
12—2007
Microsoft Excel 2007. A major overhaul to the standard Office interface
with the introduction of the “Ribbon,” changes made to the standard
file extensions for Office documents, extended conditional formatting
features, increased business intelligence functionality, and much more.
1952—First noncomputerized reference to the term “spread sheet” listed in Dictionary For
Accountants and refers to a worksheet providing a two-way analysis of accounting data—
an accounting matrix in which the columns and rows constitute either debit or credit sides
respectively or reverse.
Early ’60s—Professor Richard Mattessich pioneered computerized spreadsheets for
business accounting, applying computerized spreadsheets to accounting and budget
systems written on a mainframe computer in FORTRAN IV.1
1969—1971 Rene K. Pardo and Remy Landau develop LANPAR spreadsheet compiler.
Pardo and Landau file a patent covering a recalculation algorithm, which is initially rejected.
After 12 years of appeals it is granted and becomes the world’s first software patent.2
1979—Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston release VisiCalc for the Apple II computer system.
VisiCalc helps the Apple II bridge the gap from hobbyist users to businesses that need a
useful financial analysis tool, which helped propel Apple as a successful business. While not
the first spreadsheet program, its combination of features and affordability helped it become
the first popular spreadsheet program. VisiCalc had 254 rows and 63 columns.3
1980—SuperCalc is developed by Sorcim and is notable for being one of the first
spreadsheet programs capable of solving circular references (that is, cells that depend
on one another’s results).4
1981—Lotus 1-2-3 hits the market and is the IBM PC’s first “killer app” (as VisiCalc was
for the Apple II). Designed primarily to combine visual graph functions with spreadsheet
applications, 1-2-3 was faster, more powerful, and easier to learn than VisiCalc, giving IBM
great success in the PC arena.
1982—Microsoft’s MultiPlan is launched. Designed to compete against VisiCalc, Microsoft’s
first spreadsheet program was its first foray into the realms of business applications. While
being outsold by Lotus 1-2-3 in the United States, Multiplan sold well overseas, giving
Microsoft a solid platform for future international growth.
1984—AppleWorks—one of the first packages that contained an integrated suite of
products, AppleWorks included a spreadsheet module that could work seamlessly with all
other modules, such as the word processor. AppleWorks was so popular for a time it even
overtook Lotus 1-2-3 in industrywide sales charts. It was one of the first applications to use
menu bars rather than a command line interface.5
1985—Microsoft Excel first appears for the Macintosh platform.
Did you know?
• There are hundreds of ready-made
templates on the Microsoft Excel
website that you can download
for free. Available categories
include brochures, calendars,
expense reports, sports
schedules, and more.
• Where Excel 2003 had over
65,000 rows and 256 columns,
Excel 2007 has over 16,000
columns and over 1 million rows!
• In May 1996, more than 30
million people were already
using Excel worldwide.A
A-http://www.thocp.net/companies/microsoft/
microsoft_company_part2.htm
2322
13. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
38. How do you Group Dates in a PivotTable?
• Select the Field (Date) you wish to group
• From the Options tab, in the Group group, select Group Field
• The Grouping dialogue box appears, displaying dates or times
• Enter the starting and ending information in the fields provided
• In the By list, select the option you wish to group By (for example, Months)
• Select OK
39. Is there a quick way to Ungroup Dates?
• To Ungroup Dates, select the Field (Date) you wish to Ungroup
• From the Options tab, in the Group group, select Ungroup
40. How do you Group Dates by weeks?
• Select the Date field in the PivotTable
• From the Options tab, in the Group group, select the Group Selection button
• Under By, select Days
• Next to Number of Days, select 7
• Select OK
36. How do you apply a Custom Sort when sorting a PivotTable?
• Select any cell in the column you would like to sort in the PivotTable
• From the Home tab, in the Editing group, select Sort Filter
• Select Custom Sort
• Select More Options
• Deselect, Sort automatically every…
• From the drop-down arrow, select the sort order (for example, Jan, Feb, Mar)
• Select OK
37. How do you default your PivotTable to sort based on the
Custom List?
• From the Options tab, in the PivotTable group, select Options
• Select the heading tab Tools Filters
• Select Use Custom List when sorting
The Insert tab
Customizing sort options in a
PivotTable
Adding your own custom sort
options can make your PivotTable
even easier to read.
Often you need to sort your PivotTable
in month order, but normal sorting
sorts your months in alphabetical
order and not month order.
From PivotTable options, you can
also set the PivotTable to use the
Custom List by default.
The Insert tab
Grouping fields in a PivotTable
The group and ungroup functionality
is located on the Options tab, in the
Group group. The function operates
the same way as for Microsoft Excel
2003. You can also right-click to
access this function.
Grouping data in a PivotTable
by days of the week
Extending PivotTable functionality
even further, data can be grouped
into preset categories such as days
of the week.
Days
7
2524
14. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Insert tab
Calculated fields in a
PivotTable
Selecting Formulas calls up the same
Insert Calculated field dialogue box
as Microsoft Excel 2003.
The Field List in a PivotTable
You will need to use this button if you
close your Field List and then need to
make some changes.
Using the +/- Buttons in a
PivotTable
Hide and Show detail is now located
in the PivotTable as a small plus
(show detail) or minus (hide detail)
icon.
You can switch the Show/Hide
button off, by selecting the below
button from the Options tab, in the
Show/Hide group.
Using Field Headers in a
PivotTable
This option removes the headings
from the PivotTable.
44. How do you create a Calculated Field in a PivotTable?
• From the Options tab, in the Tools group, select Formulas
• Select Calculated Field from the drop-down menu
• In the Name box enter the new name
• Select the field the calculation is based on in the Field List
• Select Insert Field
• In the Formula box, create the formula
• Select Add
• Select OK
45. How to you show or hide the Field List?
• From the Options tab, in the Show/Hide group, select Field List
46. How do you use the Hide and Show buttons?
• From the Options tab, in the Show/Hide group, select +/- Button
47. How do you remove the Field Headings from
the PivotTable?
• From the Options tab, in the Show/Hide group, select Field Headers
41. How do you ensure that 0 values do not show in
the PivotTable?
• Select the cell to the right of the last heading on the PivotTable
• From the Data tab, in the Sort Filter group, select Filter
• Select the drop-down arrow from the Value heading (for example, Sum of
Product Sale)
• Deselect 0
• Select OK
42. How do you change the Source Data?
• Select any cell in the PivotTable
• From the Options tab, in the Data group, select Change Data Source
• Select the new Data Source
• Select OK
43. How do you clear all filters from a PivotTable?
• Select any cell in the PivotTable
• From the Options tab, in the Actions group, select Clear
• Select the desired option
The Insert tab
Filtering 0 Values in a PivotTable
It is possible to now show any 0
values in your PivotTable. To do
this you can apply an AutoFilter.
Change the source data
in a PivotTable
Once you have created your
PivotTable, you may decide that you
would like to refer to a different
data source.
Clear a PivotTable
You may want to clear all the fields
on the PivotTable to start again.
A very nice new feature in Microsoft
Excel 2007 is that if you have applied
multiple filters on the fields in the
PivotTable and you wish to view all
the data, you can clear all filters.
2726
15. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
48. How do you turn off all Subtotals?
• Select any cell in the PivotTable
• From the Design tab, in the Layout group, select Subtotals
• Select Do Not Show Subtotals
49. How to do you turn off individual Subtotals?
• Right-click the desired field
• Select the Subtotal “fieldname”
50. How do you turn off all Grand Totals?
• Select any cell in the PivotTable
• From the Design tab, in the Layout group, select Grand Totals
• Select Off for Rows and Columns
The Insert tab
Using Subtotals in a PivotTable
In Microsoft Excel 2007 there is a
shortcut for turning the Subtotals on
and off. This, however, applies to all
the Subtotals and switches them all
off or on.
The Tabular form of the PivotTable
Layouts does not allow for the
subtotals to be shown at the top.
Turn off individual subtotals
in a PivotTable
To turn off individual subtotals, you
still need to go to the field settings
for that field.
Using Grand Totals in a
PivotTable
There is a quick way to change
how the grand totals are displayed.
This will be applied to the entire
PivotTable.
See how the value adds up
Your business needs immediate insights to make swift and confident
decisions. But you may be assembling data by cutting and pasting.
That approach is slow, repetitive, and prone to human error. That kind of
inefficiency costs you money.
With Sage Intelligence, access to real-time data is available:
• In no time.
• On Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
• From any of your databases.
• At your fingertips.
Your business will save time and money with Sage Intelligence.
Use the Sage Intelligence ROI Calculator to see just how much you
can save by improving your reporting efficiencies.
Improved Excel skills can save time and money.
Visit www.sageintelligence.com and use our efficiency calculator
(example at right) for your business.
“It saves me about
four hours of time
(each month) with the
capability of having
all my company’s
financials in one
spreadsheet. I used to
have to go into each
company to pull
financials.””
Ederer Investment Company
Caitlin Dowd, accountant
2928
16. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Insert tab
PivotCharts
PivotCharts are much easier to create
and use in the new user interface.
The filtering functionality is made
much easier, and there are specific
PivotChart tools and context menus
available so that you can analyze
the data in the chart. You can now
change the layout, style, format, and
its elements the same way that you
can for a regular chart. In Microsoft
Excel 2007, the chart formatting that
you apply is preserved when you
make changes to the PivotChart.
As you change the PivotChart, its
associated PivotTable changes
and vice versa. There is a new
PivotChart Filter Pane that gives
you access to your chart fields for
filtering. You can move the PivotChart
to another location (for instance,
a new worksheet using the Move
Chart function).
When creating a PivotChart, make
sure your PivotTable report has at
least one row field to become the
Category field in the PivotChart
report, and a Data field to become
the Series field.
54. How do you create a PivotChart from a PivotTable?
• Select any cell within the PivotTable report
• From the Options tab, in the Tools group, select the PivotChart icon
• Select the ChartType
• Select OK
• You can now edit your chart by using the chart type and other options
55. How do you create a PivotChart from scratch?
• Select a cell in the data list
• From the Insert tab, in the Tables group, select the drop-down arrow
below PivotTable
• Select PivotChart from the drop-down list
• Make sure that the selected data range is correct and select OK
• Use the PivotTable Field List to create the PivotChart
51. Where do you go to change the PivotTable Report Layout?
• Select any cell in the PivotTable
• From the Design tab, in the Layout group, select Report Layout
• Select the desired option
52. How do you insert Blank Rows after each item?
• Select any cell in the PivotTable
• From the Design tab, in the Layout group, select Blank Rows
• Select Insert Blank Line after each Item
53. How do you apply a PivotTable style?
• Select any cell in the PivotTable
• From the Design tab, in the PivotTable Styles group, select one of the visible styles
or scroll through all the available styles
• You can also select the More button, to view the Styles
• You also have the option to create your own PivotTable Style at the bottom of the gallery,
which displays the New PivotTable Style dialogue box
The Insert tab
Changing the Report Layout in
a PivotTable
By default, Microsoft Excel uses
Compact Form for your PivotTable.
When using Compact Layout,
you lose access to each of the field
headings. You can access them by
selecting the down arrow next to the
main row heading and then changing
the Selected Field box. You will
also not be able to double click to
access the Field Settings.
To view the PivotTable as you would
in Microsoft Excel 2003, choose
Show in Outline Form.
Using blank rows in a
PivotTable
To space out a PivotTable, you
can choose to insert blank lines
after each item.
PivotTable styles
In Microsoft Excel 2003, you
could apply AutoFormat to the
PivotTable. In Microsoft Excel
2007 you can change the style of
a PivotTable by using a gallery of
styles. To remove a format, select
Clear at the bottom of the list.
You can only delete your custom
PivotTable styles.
3130
17. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Page Layout tab
Page Breaks
There is no need to change your view
to Page Break Preview to insert
Page Breaks. Please ensure you are
in column A when you are inserting
a Page Break. You can also select
Remove Page Break to remove a
page break.
Print Titles
This is not a new feature in Microsoft
Excel 2007, but it is now found in
the Page Setup group. Print Titles
are a fantastic tool when you need
to repeat a certain column or row on
each printed page.
58. How do you change margins in Excel 2007?
• From the Page Layout tab, in the Page Setup group, select Margins
• Select the desired setting
• If you select Custom Margins, you get the Microsoft Excel 2003 Page Setup
dialogue box and you can manually adjust the margins
• Select OK
59. How do you insert a Page Break?
• Select the cell in column A, below to where the Page break must appear
• From the Page Layout tab, in the Page Setup group, select Breaks
• Select Insert Page Break
60. How do you remove a Page Break?
• Select the cell in column A, below the Page Break to be removed
• From the Page Layout tab, in the Page Setup group, select Breaks
• Select Remove Page Break
61. How do you repeat a row when printing a worksheet?
• Determine which row is to be repeated
• From the Page Layout tab, in the Page Setup group, select Print Titles
• Select the Collapse Dialogue button in the Rows to Repeat at Top
• Select the desired row
• Press Enter
• Select OK
56. How do you create a Chart with a shortcut key?
• Select the range you would like to Chart
• Press F11 on the keyboard
• A new worksheet will be inserted with the Chart
57. How do you have an empty cell show as a zero in a chart?
• Select the Chart
• From the Design tab, in the Data group, select Select Data
• Select Hidden and Empty Cells
• Select Zero
• Select OK, OK
The Insert tab
Microsoft Excel charts
With Microsoft Excel 2007,
charts have a new look; layouts
use different fonts and colors. The
Ribbon interface has a Chart group,
which becomes visible once a chart
has been generated.
Once you have selected your chart
type, the chart is automatically
embedded in the worksheet, and
whenever you select the chart, the
Chart Ribbon will be available on
the Ribbon.
Create a New Excel chart
To easiest way to create a chart is to
select the data table and then select
the Insert tab. In the Charts group
select the chart type you require.
Hidden and Empty Cells
in an Excel chart
Selecting the Hidden and Empty
Cells button allows you to determine
how the graph deals with blank
spaces in your data. You have the
option to show them as gaps, as
zeros, or to smooth the graph over
the gaps.
3332
18. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
64. How do you create a Formula that will find a cell with the
highest value in a range?
• Open Microsoft Excel
• Select the desired result cell
• Enter in the below:
=ADDRESS(MATCH(MAX(D:D),D:D,0),4,4)
=ADDRESS(MATCH(MAX(“Column to calculate max”), Column to find the max,
finds the first value that is exactly equal), use column D (4) as the result reference,
use relative reference)
MATCH MATCH(lookup_value,lookup_array,match_type)
The MATCH function returns the row number of the highest value.
Lookup_value:
Is the value you use to find the value you want in a table. Lookup_value
can be a value (number, text, or logical value) or a cell reference to a
number, text, or logical value.
Lookup_array:
Is a contiguous range of cells containing possible lookup values.
Match_type:
Is the number -1, 0, or 1. Match_type specifies how Microsoft Excel
matches lookup_value with values in lookup_array. If match_type is
0, MATCH finds the first value that is exactly equal to lookup_value.
Lookup_array can be in any order.
ADDRESS ADDRESS(row_num,column_num,abs_num,a1,sheet_text)
The ADDRESS function returns the cell address of the highest value.
Row_num:
Is the row number to use in the cell reference.
Column_num:
Is the column number to use in the cell reference.
Abs_num:
Specifies the type of reference to return. 1 - Absolute, 2 - Absolute row;
relative column, 3 Relative row; absolute column, 4 - Relative
MAX MAX(number1,number2,...)
Number1, number2:
Are 1 to 255 numbers for which you want to find the maximum value.
The Formulas tab
Using Functions
Functions are available on the
Formulas tab. You can insert
a function by using the Insert
Function icon or use the Function
Library group, which lists the
available functions in logical
groupings (for instance, Financial).
Update Formulae manually
When there are a number of formulas
on a worksheet, especially if there is a
lot of data to be referenced, changing
one formula can slow the application
down substantially. By using the
option to manually recalculate, you
can bypass this recalculation and
avoid the delay. You can then choose
to manually update your formulae.
Formula Auditing—Showing
cell dependencies
Some spreadsheets can get
very complicated, with many cells’
relying on other cell calculations to
deliver information, and a change
of one cell can have dramatic
effects. Formula Auditing shows
you which cells are connected.
62. How do you set your formulas to update manually?
• Select the Microsoft Office button
• From the bottom right, select Excel Options
• Select Manual
• Select OK
63. How do you trace cells that are preceding or dependent on
the current cell?
• To trace all cells that are preceding:
• Select the desired cell
• From the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, select Trace Precedents
• If the Precedent cells are found on another worksheet, you get a dotted line
• Double-click the dotted line, select the reference, select OK
• To trace all dependent cells:
• Select the desired cell
• From the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, select Trace Dependents
• To remove all the arrows:
• Select the desired cell
• From the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, select Remove Arrows
Trace Precedents
Trace Dependents
Remove All Arrows
Dotted line Precedents
Dependents
The Formulas tab
Finding the cell with the highest
value in a range
At times you may be working with
data where you need to find the
maximum value. To do this, you can
sort or use the MAX function. You
may not want to sort the column and
are looking for the MAX value, but
would like to know the cell address
that contains the maximum value.
Example
3534
19. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Formulas tab
Filter date transactions
to show only dates that fall
between a range
By using a combination of the TODAY
and AND function, you can determine
whether a date falls inside of a
particular date range.
Example
This result gives you an answer of
either True or False which you can
then filter or use in combination
with another function. This can be
a handy when used in combination
with a SUMIF to calculate
transactions in certain date range.
67. How do I Filter date transaction to only show dates
between 30 and 60 days?
• Select the desired cell
• Enter the below:
=AND(TODAY()-B3=30,TODAY()-B3=60)
• Copy the formula down
• Use Filtering to Filter all values that are TRUE
TODAY TODAY( )
Returns the serial number of the current date. The serial number is the
date-time code used by Microsoft Excel for date and time calculations.
If the cell format was General before the function was entered, the result
is formatted as a date.
AND AND(logical1,logical2, ...)
Logical1, logical2, ... :
Are 1 to 255 conditions you want to test that can be either TRUE or FALSE.
65. How do you round a number to the nearest whole number?
• Select the desired cell
• Enter in the below formula:
=ROUND(C2,-2)
• Press Enter
ROUND ROUND(number,num_digits)
Number:
Is the number you want to round.
Num_digits:
Specifies the number of digits to which you want to round the number.
66. How do you delete all nonformula data?
• Make a copy of the desired worksheet
• Press F5 on the keyboard (The Go To dialogue box will pop up)
• Select Special
• Select Constants
• Select OK
• All cells containing constants (everything except formulae) will be selected
• Press Delete on the keyboard
The Formulas tab
Rounding numbers to the
nearest whole number
Using the ROUND function, you
can round a number upwards to the
nearest hundred, thousand, million,
or higher.
Example
The Rounded Up column is rounding
the values up the nearest hundred.
Deleting all nonformula data on
a worksheet
Have you ever found that at the
beginning of the financial year you
need to make a copy of the previous
year’s workbook? If so, you’d need
to delete all the old year’s data but
you would really like to keep all of the
formulae in the worksheet. By using
the Go To dialogue box, it is a quick
and easy method.
Constant
3736
20. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
Reports you can rely on. Information you can act on.
Sage Intelligence products comprise a powerful Microsoft Excel-based reporting
solution integrated into many Sage accounting and ERP software solutions. You can
run customized reports, on-demand, without having to manually update spreadsheets.
Now it’s easier than ever to find the answers you need and make informed decisions with
confidence.
Critical information made visible
Sage Intelligence uses real–time information pulled directly from various Sage accounting
systems—and even other databases—to give you easier access to your business
information. You can create dynamic reports that can be refreshed as needed, drilled into
for more detail, and sliced and diced for further insight. Get the information you need to
make timely, business-critical decisions.
Spreadsheet-based reporting at your fingertips
Sage Intelligence is an add-on solution and is integrated into multiple Sage accounting
products including Sage 50 Accounting—U.S. Edition, Sage 50 Accounting—Canadian
Edition, Sage 100 ERP, Sage 300 ERP, Sage 500 ERP, and Sage ERP X3. It’s Microsoft
Excel-based, so the tools and features may already feel familiar and intuitive. Plus, it
includes standard report templates you can use right away. That’s what we call
fast ROI.
The flexibility of customization—without the frustration
You or your accountant can custom-design almost any report you need, giving you total
control over your reporting process. Every customization you make can be saved for
future use, sparing you time and effort.
Role-based security to protect your data
Security controls give you the ability to set access to information based on the user’s role,
so you can protect the integrity of sensitive or confidential data.
Extraordinary business intelligence at a realistic price
Get the powerful functionality and flexibility of a business intelligence solution designed
specifically for small and midsized businesses.
Features
• Customizable, dynamic, real-time
reports for better visibility into
your business
• Ready to go within many
Sage products: no separate
installation required
• Familiar and intuitive Microsoft
Excel-based reports
• Customizable report templates
included for quick ROI
• Role-based security settings allow
you to control user access
• Sophisticated business intelligence
created especially for small and
medium-sized businesses
For more information about Sage
Intelligence—or to find out if your Sage
product has an integrated business
intelligence (BI) solution, visit the
product website or go to:
Sage.com
The Intelligence Reporting dashboard
provides you with a real-time overview of
your business activities, metrics, and
revenues all at a single glance and
refreshes in a single click!
Excel on steroids
Learn how to capture more meaningful data, in less time, using your favorite
spreadsheet.
These specialized training workshops developed by Sage Intelligence provide
in-depth coverage of key Microsoft Excel functionality.
Workshop 1: Business Reporting using Formulas and Functions
Workshop 2: Managing Data Lists and Macros
Workshop 3: Data Analysis using PivotTables/Charts
www.SageU.com
3938
21. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Formulas tab
Combining text from multiple
cells into one
Using the sign is the same as
using the Concatenate function,
but much simpler.
Example
Below is an example in column C,
of where the Main Account and Sub
Account numbers need to be joined
into one cell with a / to separate the
Accounts.
69. How do you combine text from multiple cells into one cell?
• Select the desired cell
• Enter in =
• Select the first cell to join
• Enter in
• If necessary, add any additional data that my not be found in a cell (“/”)
• Enter in
• Select any additional cells to join
• Press Enter
68. How do you convert text dates to dates?
• Select the desired cell
• Enter the below:
=DATEVALUE(A2)
The DATEVALUE function returns the serial number of the date that is represented
by the text date
Format the cell (serial number) to a date:
• Select the desired cell/cells (B2:B3)
• Right click on the selected cells
• Select Format Cells
• Select Date
• Select the desired Format
DATEVALUE DATEVALUE(date_text)
Date_text:
Is text that represents a date in a Microsoft Excel date format. For
example, “1/30/2008” or “30-Jan-2008” are text strings within quotation
marks that represent dates. Using the default date system in Excel
for Windows, date_text must represent a date from January 1, 1900,
to December 31, 9999.
Using the default date system in Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh,
date_text must represent a date from January 1, 1904, to December 31,
9999. DATEVALUE returns the #VALUE! error value if date_text is out of
this range.
If the year portion of date_text is omitted, DATEVALUE uses the current
year from your computer’s built-in clock. Time information in date_text is
ignored.
The Formulas tab
Converting text dates to dates
Occasionally, dates may become
formatted and stored in cells as text.
For example, you may have entered
a date in a cell that was formatted
as text, or the data might have been
imported or pasted from an external
data source as text.
Dates that are formatted as text are
left aligned instead of right-aligned in
a cell. You can use the DATEVALUE
function to convert most other types
of text dates to dates.
4140
23. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Formulas tab
SUMIF between workbooks
When using the SUMIF function
between workbooks, you may get a
VALUE error if the source workbook
is not open. This behavior occurs
when the formula that contains the
SUMIF, COUNTIF, or COUNTBLANK
function refers to cells in a closed
workbook.
To work around this, use a
combination of the SUM and IF
functions together in an array formula.
An array formula is a formula that
can perform multiple calculations
on one or more of the items in an
array. Array formulas act on two or
more sets of values known as array
arguments.
• Each argument within an array
must have the same number of
rows and columns
• You must enter an array by
pushing Ctrl + Shift + Enter
• You cannot add the {} (braces)
that surround an array yourself,
pushing Ctrl + Shift + Enter will
do this for you
73. How do you use the SUMIF function between workbooks?
• Open the workbook that contains the source
• Open the workbook that will contain the formulae
• Select the desired cell in the workbook that will contain the formulae
• Using the FX button on the Formula Bar, locate the Sum Function
• To nest in the IF Function, from the Formula bar, in the Name Box,
from the drop-down arrow, select IF
• If the IF function does not appear, select More Functions and locate the IF Function
• Enter in the arguments in the Logical Test
Logical_test – If cells A3:A12 in the Data workbook on Sheet 1 = East
Value_if_true – If the above is true, sum the range B3:B12
Value_if_false – IF the above is not true, place 0
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter
SUMIF SUMIF(range,criteria,sum_range)
Range:
Is the range of cells that you want evaluated by criteria. Cells in each range
must be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
Blank and text values are ignored.
Criteria:
Is the criteria in the form of a number, expression, or text that defines which
cells will be added. For example, criteria can be expressed as 32, “32”,
“32”, or “apples”.
Sum_range:
Are the actual cells to add if their corresponding cells in range match
criteria. If sum_range is omitted, the cells in range are both evaluated by
criteria and added if they match criteria.
72. How do you add criteria/conditions to the Sum function?
• Select the desired cell
• Enter in the below formula:
=DSUM(A5:E1121,5,A1:F2)
• Press Enter
DSUM DSUM(database,field,criteria)
Database:
The range of cells that makes up the list or database. A database is a
list of related data in which rows of related information are records and
columns of data are fields. The first row of the list contains labels for
each column.
Field:
Indicates which column is used in the function. Field can be given as text
with the column label enclosed between double quotation marks, such
as “Age” or “Yield,” or as a number that represents the position of the
column within the list: 1 for the first column, 2 for the second column,
and so on.
Criteria:
The range of cells that contains the conditions you specify. You can use
any range for the criteria argument, as long as it includes at least one
column label and at least one cell below the column label for specifying a
condition for the column.
The Formulas tab
Adding Criteria/Conditions
to your SUM function
Using the DSUM function, you
can specify criteria and conditions
regarding which cells should be
added together. An alternative to
using DSUM is using SUMIF. But
SUMIF can’t do complex criteria.
Example
The table contains a list of totals
sales per day, showing how many
hours were worked that day, the
week number, and the month. In cell
H4 is a running total using the DSUM
function, which takes into account
a number of criteria that have been
set up in the range A1:F2 (such as
a specific day for a specific month
as long as the hours in the work day
were greater than 12 but less
than 17).
4544
24. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Formulas tab
Naming a range using column
labels
This is useful when you have a list and
want to name the column separately.
You can use the column labels as the
range name.
Name a range of cell/cells
You can also name a range of cell/
cells. This applies a Name to an
entire range.
Use Named Ranges in
Formulae
When using a named range in a
Formula, you can select Use in
Formula to insert the named range.
Alternatively, you can select F3,
which brings up a list of Named
Ranges.
75. How do you name a selection using column labels
as names?
• Select the range you want to name, including the row or column labels
• From the Formula tab, in the Defined Names group, select Create from Selection
• Select Top Row (assuming your headings are in the top row)
• Select OK
76. How do you name a range of cell/cells?
• Select the desired cell/cells
• From the Formula bar, click on the Name box
• Enter in the desired Named Range
• Press Enter
77. How do you insert a Named Range in Formulae?
• Place your cursor where you would like to insert the Named Range
• From the Formulas tab, in the Defined Names group, select Use in Formula
• Select the desired Named Range
78. What is the keyboard shortcut to insert a Named Range
in Formulae?
• Place your cursor where you would like to insert the Named Range
• Press F3 on the keyboard
• Select the desired Named Range
• Select OK
79. How do you paste a list of Named Ranges?
• Select a cell in the worksheet where you would like the list to be pasted
• Press F3
• Select Paste List
74. How can you calculate positive and negative numbers?
• To add the positive numbers as per the example:
• Select the desired cell
• Enter in the below:
=SUMIF(A2:A10,“0”)
• Press Enter
• To add the negative numbers:
• Select the desired cell
• Enter in the below:
=SUMIF(A2:A10,“0”)
• Press Enter
SUMIF SUMIF(range,criteria,sum_range)
Range:
Is the range of cells that you want evaluated by criteria. Cells in each range
must be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
Blank and text values are ignored.
Criteria:
Are the criteria in the form of a number, expression, or text that defines
which cells will be added. For example, criteria can be expressed as 32,
“32”, “32”, or “apples”.
Sum_range:
Are the actual cells to add if their corresponding cells in range match
criteria. If sum_range is omitted, the cells in range are both evaluated by
criteria and added if they match criteria.
The Formulas tab
Calculating positive and
negative numbers
Have you ever had a column with
positive and negative numbers but
would like to sum the positive and
negative numbers separately? This
can be done by using the SUMIF
function.
Example
4746
25. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Using CTRL as a
Function key
CTRL+A Selects
the entire worksheet.
If the worksheet contains
data, CTRL+A selects
the current region.
Pressing CTRL+A a
second time selects the
entire worksheet.
When the insertion point
is to the right of a function
name in a formula, this
displays the Function
Arguments dialog box.
CTRL+SHIFT+A inserts
the argument names and
parentheses when the
insertion point is to the
right of a function name
in a formula.
CTRL+B Applies or removes
bold formatting.
CTRL+C Copies the selected cells.
CTRL+C followed by
another CTRL+C
displays the Microsoft
Office Clipboard.
CTRL+D Uses the Fill Down
command to copy the
contents and format of the
topmost cell of a selected
range into the cells below.
CTRL+F Displays the Find
dialog box.
SHIFT+F5 also displays
this dialog box, while
SHIFT+F4 repeats the
last Find action.
CTRL+G Displays the Go To
dialog box.
F5 also displays this
dialog box.
CTRL+H Displays the Find and
Replace dialog box.
CTRL+I Applies or removes
italic formatting.
CTRL+K Displays the Insert
Hyperlink dialog box for
new hyperlinks or the
Edit Hyperlink dialog
box for selected existing
hyperlinks.
Other Useful Shortcuts
ARROW KEYS
• Move one cell up, down, left, or right in a worksheet.
• CTRL+ARROW KEY moves to the edge of the current data region in a worksheet.
• SHIFT+ARROW KEY extends the selection of cells by one cell.
• CTRL+SHIFT+ARROW KEY extends the selection of cells to the last nonblank cell
in the same column or row as the active cell.
• LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW selects the menu to the left or right when a
menu is visible. When a submenu is open, these arrow keys switch between the
main menu and the submenu.
• DOWN ARROW or UP ARROW selects the next or previous command when a
menu or submenu is open.
• In a dialog box, arrow keys move between options in an open drop-down list or
between options in a group of options.
• ALT+DOWN ARROW opens a selected drop-down list.
BACKSPACE
• Deletes one character to the left in the Formula Bar.
• Also clears the content of the active cell.
DELETE
• Removes the cell contents (data and formulas) from selected cells without affecting
cell formats or comments.
• In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the right of the insertion point.
END
• Moves to the cell in the lower-right corner of the window when SCROLL LOCK
is turned on.
• Also selects the last command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible.
• CTRL+END moves to the last cell on a worksheet, in the lowest used row of the
rightmost used column.
• CTRL+SHIFT+END extends the selection of cells to the last used cell on the
worksheet (lower-right corner).
ENTER
• Completes a cell entry from the cell or the Formula Bar, and selects the cell below
(by default).
• In a data form, it moves to the first field in the next record.
• Opens a selected menu (press F10 to activate the menu bar) or performs the action
for a selected command.
• In a dialog box, it performs the action for the default command button in the dialog
box (the button with the bold outline, often the OK button).
• ALT+ENTER starts a new line in the same cell.
• CTRL+ENTER fills the selected cell range with the current entry.
• SHIFT+ENTER completes a cell entry and selects the cell above.
Keys
CTRL+F8 performs the Size command (on the Control menu for the workbook
window) when a workbook is not maximized.
ALT+F8 displays the Macro dialog box to run, edit, or delete a macro.
F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks.
F9 followed by ENTER (or followed by CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER for array formulas)
calculates the selected a portion of a formula and replaces the selected portion
with the calculated value.
SHIFT+F9 calculates the active worksheet.
CTRL+ALT+F9 calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of
whether they have changed since the last calculation.
CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+F9 rechecks dependent formulas and then calculates all cells in
all open workbooks, including cells not marked as needing to be calculated.
CTRL+F9 minimizes a workbook window to an icon.
F10 Selects the menu bar or closes an open menu and submenu at the same time.
SHIFT+F10 displays the shortcut menu for a selected item.
ALT+SHIFT+F10 displays the menu or message for a smart tag. If more than
one smart tag is present, it switches to the next smart tag and displays its menu
or message.
CTRL+F10 maximizes or restores the selected workbook window.
F11 Creates a chart of the data in the current range.
SHIFT+F11 inserts a new worksheet.
ALT+F11 opens the Visual Basic Editor, in which you can create a macro by
using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
ALT+SHIFT+F11 opens the Microsoft Script Editor, where you can add text,
edit HTML tags, and modify any script code.
F12 Displays the Save As dialog box.
Using CTRL as a
Function key
CTRL+’ Copies a formula from
the cell above the active
cell into the cell or the
Formula Bar.
CTRL+” Copies the value from
the cell above the active
cell into the cell or the
Formula Bar.
CTRL++ Displays the Insert
dialog box to insert blank
cells.
CTRL+1 Displays the Format
Cells dialog box.
CTRL+2 Applies or removes
bold formatting.
CTRL+3 Applies or removes
italic formatting.
CTRL+4 Applies or
removes underlining.
CTRL+5 Applies or
removes strikethrough.
CTRL+6 Alternates between
hiding objects,
displaying objects, and
displaying placeholders
for objects.
CTRL+7 Displays or hides the
Standard toolbar.
CTRL+8 Displays or hides the
outline symbols.
CTRL+9 Hides the selected rows.
CTRL+0 Hides the
selected columns.
4948
26. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Using CTRL as a
Function key
CTRL+L Displays the Create List
dialog box.
CTRL+N Creates a new, blank file.
CTRL+O Displays the Open dialog
box to open or find a file.
CTRL+SHIFT+O selects
all cells that contain
comments.
CTRL+P Displays the Print
dialog box.
CTRL+R Uses the Fill Right
command to copy the
contents and format of
the leftmost cell of a
selected range into the
cells to the right.
CTRL+S Saves the active file with
its current file name,
location, and file format.
CTRL+U Applies or
removes underlining.
CTRL+V Inserts the contents of the
Clipboard at the insertion
point and replaces any
selection. Available only
after you cut or copied
an object, text, or
cell contents.
CTRL+W Closes the selected
workbook window.
CTRL+X Cuts the selected cells.
CTRL+Y Repeats the last
command or action, if
possible.
CTRL+Z Uses the Undo command
to reverse the last
command or to delete the
last entry you typed.
CTRL+SHIFT+Z uses the
Undo or Redo command
to reverse or restore the
last automatic correction
when AutoCorrect Smart
Tags are displayed.
Keys
HOME
• Moves to the beginning of a row in a worksheet.
• Moves to the cell in the upper-left corner of the window when SCROLL LOCK is turned on.
• Selects the first command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible.
• CTRL+HOME moves to the beginning of a worksheet.
• CTRL+SHIFT+HOME extends the selection of cells to the beginning of the worksheet.
PAGE DOWN
• Moves one screen down in a worksheet.
• ALT+PAGE DOWN moves one screen to the right in a worksheet.
• CTRL+PAGE DOWN moves to the next sheet in a workbook.
• CTRL+SHIFT+PAGE DOWN selects the current and next sheet in a workbook.
PAGE UP
• Moves one screen up in a worksheet.
• ALT+PAGE UP moves one screen to the left in a worksheet.
• CTRL+PAGE UP moves to the previous sheet in a workbook.
• CTRL+SHIFT+PAGE UP selects the current and previous sheet in a workbook.
SPACEBAR
• In a dialog box, performs the action for the selected button, or selects or clears a check box.
• CTRL+SPACEBAR selects an entire column in a worksheet.
• SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects an entire row in a worksheet.
• CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects the entire worksheet.
• If the worksheet contains data, CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects the current region.
Pressing CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR a second time selects the entire worksheet.
• When an object is selected, CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects all objects on
a worksheet.
• ALT+SPACEBAR displays the Control menu for the Excel window.
TAB
• Moves one cell to the right in a worksheet.
• Moves between unlocked cells in a protected worksheet.
• Moves to the next option or option group in a dialog box.
• SHIFT+TAB moves to the previous cell in a worksheet or the previous option
in a dialog box.
• CTRL+TAB switches to the next tab in dialog box.
• CTRL+SHIFT+TAB switches to the previous tab in a dialog box.
Microsoft
Chart Advisor
Chart Advisor is an add-in that provides an alternate approach for creating charts in
Excel 2007. This add-in uses an advanced rules engine to scan your data and, based on
predefined rules, displays charts according to score. Top scoring charts are available for you
to preview, tweak, and insert into your Excel worksheet.
Method:
Pick a data set you want to chart and select a cell in the data. Then click on the Chart
Advisor button in the Insert Menu (highlighted in this picture).
Chart Advisor Overview panel. Notice the chart recommendations in a row at the top and the
ability to see chart scores as tool tips when hovering over the score.
Duplicate Remover for Excel
Handy plug-in to find and remove
duplicates from Excel. You can
select, color, copy, or delete
duplicate data or unique entries
and compare two Excel lists with a
different number of columns.
Duplicates Manager for Excel
Excel add-in to find and delete
duplicates in Excel lists. You can
delete Excel duplicates from any
range, remove duplicate rows from
a table, find duplicates in two Excel
lists, and more.
Fuzzy Duplicate Finder for Excel
Allows you to find and correct
Fuzzy Excel duplicates, typos,
misspelled words, and similar
records in Excel workbooks.
Merge Cell Wizard for Excel
Add-in for merging Excel cells values,
columns, and rows. Places values
from several cells to one cell or joins
several cells, preserving their values.
Text Manager
Helps you work with text in Excel.
You can change case, remove
characters or text (such as excess
spaces), or join (concatenate), text
from several cells to one.
Backup Assistant
Make backup copies of Excel
workbooks before you change them.
You are prompted to back up a file
immediately after it is opened.
Merge Tables for Excel
Handy add-in to look up and copy
matching data from Excel lists. For
example, you can merge matching
rows from an Excel table of product
numbers and prices to the table with
product IDs and descriptions.
5150
27. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Data tab
Filtering data
In Microsoft Excel 2007, AutoFilter
is just called Filter.
You are now able to Filter by
Color and Dates. The Filtering
automatically groups the Dates
into Years and Months. You are also
able to Filter by more that one item.
The Column that has been filtered
displays a filter symbol next to the
drop-down arrow .
Clearing All Filters
This allows you to keep the Filter
arrows on but ensures any filters
that have been applied to the
columns, are removed.
Removing Duplicates
When you remove duplicate values,
only the values in the range of cells or
table are affected. Any other values
outside the range of cells or table are
not altered or moved. Ensure that if
you are removing duplicates from a
column within a table, you select the
entire table, as otherwise only those
cells will be removed.
Because you are permanently
deleting data, it’s a good idea to
copy the original range of cells
or table to another worksheet or
workbook before removing
duplicate values.
80. How do you apply a Filter?
• Select any cell within the data list you wish to filter
• From the Data tab, in the Sort Filter group, select Filter
• Drop-down arrows appear on each column heading
• Select the drop-down arrow in the column you want to filter
• Select the Items you want to filter by
• Select OK
81. How do you Clear all Filters?
• From the Data tab, in the Sort Filter group, select Clear
82. How do you remove Duplicates?
• Select the range of cells/table/list that contains the duplicates
• From the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, select Remove Duplicates
• Select the Column/s that contains the duplicates
• Select OK
• You will get a message notifying you of how many duplicates are removed
• Select OK
Download this add-in at: www.officelabs.com
Advanced Find and Replace
Search and replace in all opened Excel workbooks and worksheets. Simultaneous search
in values, formulas, hyperlinks, and comments.
Advanced Excel Select
If you have ever tried to find cells containing conditional formats, formulas, comments, and
so on, you would highly appreciate this add-in.
List Assistant
Is an easy way to rearrange rows in your worksheet. Swap two rows, Insert a row, and more.
Random Number Generator for Excel
This handy add-in generates random numbers in Excel. Just select a range of cells, indicate
the starting and ending values, and get a random sequence—integer or real numbers, dates,
strings, or Booleans.
Random Sampler
If you need to sample a set of data, the Random Sampler add-in will quickly and easily obtain
samples for you.
CSV File Creator
Converts Excel workbooks into CSV file format. You can convert all Excel worksheets,
convert just a single sheet or a specific range of each selected file, and more.
AutoFormat for Pivot Tables for Excel
With AutoFormat you can create, store, and use your own formats for Excel PivotTables.
You can save your own PivotTable format and apply it as a template for your PivotTables
with one click.
Download these add-ins and more Excel add-ins at: www.officeaddins.com
5352
28. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Data tab
Splitting columns
There may be times when you
need split one column worth
of information into two or more
columns. Using the Text To Columns
tool means that this split doesn’t
have to be a manual process.
Before:
After:
83. How do you split columns?
• Identify the item that separates the columns (for instance, #)
• Highlight the range of cells you would like to split
• From the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, select Text to Columns
• Select Next
• Enter in the separator symbol (for example, #)
• Select Next
• Select Finish
84. How do you ensure the End Date is greater than the Start
Date in a cell?
• Select the range of cells for which you would like to apply Data Validation
• From the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, select Data Validation
• From the Allow drop-down box, select Date
• From the Data drop-down box, select Greater Than
• From the Start Date box, enter in the cell where the first Start Date appears
• Select OK
• You can now enter in the dates, and if you happen to enter in a date less than the
start date, you will get an error
85. How do you Circle Invalid Data?
• Apply the necessary Data Validation
• From the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, select the drop-down arrow
from Data Validation
• Select Circle Invalid Data
The Data tab
Using Data Validation to ensure
the End Date is greater than
the Start Date
Making sure that the data users enter
into a worksheet conforms to certain
standards is difficult if you have no
way of enforcing the rule. With Data
Validation, you can:
• Provide users with a drop-down
list of choices (so they can’t
input data incorrectly).
• Restrict entries to a specific
type or size.
Example
In the below example, you would
like to ensure that the End Date
is always greater than the Start
Date. To ensure this, you apply Data
Validation to ensure that the Date in
cell B2 must be greater than the Date
in cell A2.
Circling Invalid Data
If you have a set of data and wish to
highlight data that is invalid, you can
use the Circle Invalid Data option.
This is usually used with data that
has already been entered.
This is a two-stage process:
• Apply data validation
• Circle invalid data
If you are planning to protect the
worksheet or workbook, protect it
after you have finished setting up
validation. Make sure you unlock any
validated cells before protecting the
worksheet; otherwise, users won’t be
able to type in the cells.
5554
29. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
The Data Tab
Hide formula on a
protected worksheet
By selecting Hidden in the
Protection dialogue box, you are
able to hide any formula used when
you protect the worksheet.
This is assuming that when you are
protecting your worksheet, you have
allowed for Select Locked Cells.
Before:
After:
Password protection and read-
only access
You would like to password protect
a workbook but still allow people
to open it as read only. Using the
Password To Modify option makes
this happen.
88. How do you Hide Formulae on a protected worksheet?
• Hide the formulae:
• Select the cell(s) that need to have formula hidden
• Right-click on the selected cells
• Select the heading tab Protection
• Select the check box Hidden
• Select OK
• Protect the worksheet:
• Right-click on the desired worksheet tab
• Select Protect Sheet
• Enter in a password if necessary
• Select OK
• Now when selecting the cells with formulae, the formulae will not show in the formula
bar
89. How do you Protect the Workbook and allow Read
Only Access?
• Ensure the workbook that is being password protected is open
• Select the Office Button
• Select Save As
• From the bottom left of the Save As dialog box select Tools, General Options
• From the Save Options dialog box, in the Password to modify box, enter in the
desired password
• The password will appear as stars (****)
• You will be asked to enter in the password twice to verify the password
• Select OK
• Select Save
• The next time the file is opened, you will be asked for a password
• If the user does not have the password, they can select Read Only
86. Is there a quick way to Protect and Unprotect worksheets?
• Right-click on the Sheet tab and select Protect Sheet
• Select the desired options under Allow all users of this worksheet to
• Once you have protected the worksheet, the Protect Sheet icon changes to
Unprotect Sheet
• Select this icon to unprotect the worksheet
87. How do you Unlock Cells?
• Select the cells, columns, or rows that can be edited
• On the Home tab, in the Cells group, select Format
• Note that the Lock Cell icon is highlighted orange, by default, indicating that the cell will
be locked when the worksheet protection is activated
Or
• You can also check the locked status by selecting Format Cells
• Select the heading tab Protection
• If there is NO tick in the Locked box, it means the cell is NOT locked
• Select OK
The Review tab
Protecting worksheets
By protecting your worksheet, you
can prevent users from accidentally
or deliberately changing, moving, or
deleting important information on
the worksheet.
If you deselect Select Locked Cells,
when the worksheet is protected,
the user can only select the cells that
were unlocked.
Being able to edit certain cells
on a protected worksheet
The cells that you unlock are the cells
that can be edited.
5756
30. Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Sage Intelligence
101 MicrosoftExcel tips and tricks
Did you know?
ALT + Click = “Research”
The Research tool is an easy way to
find more information regarding the
contents of a cell.
For example, type in YHOO in cell A1.
Select the cell holding down the ALT
key. This brings up the “Research”
window, which allows you to, among
other things, search the word through
various language dictionaries, check
the current stock price (if a valid stock
code), and more. For stock quotes,
you can even insert the current stock
price into the spreadsheet.
6. Use the completely redesigned charting engine in Microsoft Excel 2007
to communicate your analysis in professional-looking charts.
Build professional-looking charts more quickly with fewer clicks using charting tools in
the Office Fluent user interface. Apply rich visual enhancements to your charts such
as 3-D effects, soft shadowing, and transparency. Create and interact with charts the
same way across all Microsoft Office applications in the same way because the charting
engine is the same in all.
7. Use Microsoft Excel 2007 and Excel Services to help share spreadsheets
more securely with others.
Excel Services, a feature of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, dynamically
renders a spreadsheet as HTML so others can access the information using a web
browser. Because of the high degree of fidelity with the Microsoft Excel 2007 client,
Excel Services users can navigate, sort, filter, input parameters, and interact with the
information, all within their web browser.
8. Help ensure you and your organization work with the most current
business information.
Prevent the spread of multiple or outdated copies of a spreadsheet throughout
your organization by using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Office SharePoint Server 2007.
Control which users can view and modify spreadsheets on the server using permission-
based access.
9. Reduce the size of spreadsheets and improve damaged file recovery
at the same time.
The new, compressed Microsoft Office Excel XML Format offers a dramatic
reduction in file size, while its architecture offers an improvement in data recovery
for damaged files.
10. Extend your business intelligence investments because Office Excel 2007
provides full support for Microsoft SQL Server®
2005 Analysis Services.
New cube functions in Microsoft Excel 2007 let you build a custom report from an
OLAP database. You can also connect to external sources of data more easily using
the Data Connection Library.
Here are the top ten ways in which Microsoft Excel 2007 can help you create spreadsheets
and analyze, share, and manage information more effectively.
1. Create and work with interactive PivotTable views with ease.
PivotTable views enable you to quickly reorient your data to help you answer multiple
questions. Find the answers you need faster and create and use PivotTable views more
easily by dragging fields where you want them to be displayed.
2. Import, organize, and explore massive data sets within significantly
expanded spreadsheets.
Work with massive amounts of data in Microsoft Excel 2007, which supports
spreadsheets that can be up to one million rows by 16,000 columns. In addition to the
bigger grid, Microsoft Excel 2007 supports multicore processor platforms for faster
calculation of formula-intense spreadsheets
3. “See” important trends and find exceptions in your data.
Apply conditional formatting to your information more easily to discover patterns and
highlight trends in your data. New schemes include color gradients, heat maps, data
bars, and performance indicator icons.
4. Microsoft Excel 2007 features the Microsoft Office Fluent user interface
to help you find powerful tools when you need them.
Find the tools you want when you need them using the results-oriented Office Fluent
user interface in Microsoft Excel 2007. Based on the job you need to accomplish,
whether it’s creating a table or writing a formula, Microsoft Excel 2007 presents the
appropriate commands when you need them.
5. Enjoy improved and powerful support for working with tables.
Create, format, expand, filter, and refer to tables within formulas because Microsoft
Excel 2007 has greatly improved support for tables. When you’re viewing data
contained in a large table, Microsoft Excel 2007 keeps table headings in view while you
scroll.
Did you know?
• Using Excel shortcuts can
increase your overall efficiency
by saving you time, hence
saving you money
• By applying a keyboard
shortcut to a macro, you
can add your keyboard
shortcut combinations.
• There have been a number of
hidden “features” in versions
of Excel over the years. These
features, known as easter
eggs, can be found in types
of software such as computer
games or on DVDs. Various
Excel easter eggs have
included:
- A maze very similar to the
computer game “Doom”
(Excel 95)
- An auto racing game
(Excel 2000)
- A flight simulator (Excel 97)
Top reasons to use Microsoft Excel 2007 Top reasons to use Microsoft Excel 2007
5958