Book Image

Exploring Microsoft Excel’s Hidden Treasures

By : David Ringstrom
Book Image

Exploring Microsoft Excel’s Hidden Treasures

By: David Ringstrom

Overview of this book

David Ringstrom coined the phrase “Either you work Excel, or it works you!” after observing how many users carry out tasks inefficiently. In this book, you’ll learn how to get more done with less effort. This book will enable you to create resilient spreadsheets that are easy for others to use as well, while incorporating spreadsheet disaster preparedness techniques. The time-saving techniques covered in the book include creating custom shortcuts and icons to streamline repetitive tasks, as well as automating them with features such as Tables and Custom Views. You’ll see how Conditional Formatting enables you to apply colors, Cell icons, and other formatting on-demand as your data changes. You’ll be empowered to protect the integrity of spreadsheets and increase usability by implementing internal controls, and understand how to solve problems with What-If Analysis features. In addition, you’ll master new features and functions such as XLOOKUP, Dynamic Array functions, LET and LAMBDA, and Power Query, while learning how to leverage shortcuts and nuances in Excel. By the end of this book, you’ll have a broader awareness of how to avoid pitfalls in Excel. You’ll be empowered to work more effectively in Excel, having gained a deeper understanding of the frustrating oddities that can arise daily in Excel.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
1
Part 1: Improving Accessibility
6
Part 2:Spreadsheet Interactivity and Automation
12
Part 3: Data Analysis

Introducing the LET function

The LET function requires at least one Name, which is known as a Variable. Such Names only work within the context of a single cell. This means that you can reuse Variables as much as you like, although it is best to assign Names to input cells that you reference repeatedly. As we have discussed, you can use the New Name dialog box to store a formula in a Name. However, such formulas are often difficult at best to use within formulas that reside in worksheet cells. Conversely, Variables within the LET function can contain text, numbers, or calculations that can then be referenced by Name in the calculation argument. As you’ll see, this can eliminate repetitive calculations in formulas.

Cell G3 of the LET function worksheet contains the =LET(length,C3,width,C4,height,C5,length*width*height) formula and returns 1,000. As shown in Figure 11.13, this is like using Names, but you don’t have to create the Variables in advance – you simply...