These days no matter on which profile you are working,

from accountant to data analyst, HR to product manager, having

Excel skills have huge benefits.
When we talk about Excel skills, we can further categorize them in 3
levels:

 Basic Excel Skills

 Intermediate Excel Skills
 Advanced Excel Skills
And in this tutorial, we will be covering all these three levels in
detail, one by one, so let’s get started.

Table of Content Close

Basic Excel Skills
Intermediate Excel Skills
Advanced Excel Skills

Basic Excel Skills

Below you have the top ten basic Excel skills which anyone who is
just starting out with Excel needs to learn.
1. Saving and Opening a Workbook
Saving and opening an Excel workbook is just like as you do in any
other application.

When you click on the file tab it shows you the option to save the
file.
And when you click on the save button it opens the save as dialog
box from where you can specify the location and you can also
select the file format to use.

Basically, Excel has different file extensions that you can use for
saving a workbook. You can use the above steps if you are saving a
file for the first time and if you have a file that is already saved in
the system, you just need to press Control + S to save the changes.
In the same way, if you want to open a file that is saved on your
system you can go to the FILE tab and click on the open.

It shows you the open dialog box from where you can locate the file
and open it.

2. Managing Worksheets
Every workbook consists of worksheets where you can add your
data and analyze it and once you open an Excel workbook you can
see there are tabs at the bottom of the window.

To insert a new worksheet simply click on the plus button or you

can also use the shortcut key SHIFT + F11.
And if you want to delete a worksheet just right click on the
worksheet tab and then select the delete option or you can also use
the shortcut key Alt ➜ H ➜ D ➜ S.

But there’s one thing which you need to take care that once you
delete a worksheet you can’t get it back.
3. Formatting Cells
In Excel, you have a bunch of options on the home tab for
formatting.

1. The font group gives you the options to format the font by
making it bold, italic, and underline. You can change the font
style, its size, and color of the font and the color of the cell as
well.
2. From the alignment group, you can define the alignment of
the text, add indent, merge cells, and wrap the text.
3. And from the number group, you can apply formatting to the
values like currency format, text format, number format, etc.
 4. NOTE APPLIED THE ITEMS OF THE FONT PARGRPH AND
NUMBER GROUP ON THE EXCEL

Apart from the above options, you can also open the format cell
options by right-clicking on a cell and select the format option or
you can also use the shortcut key Control + 1.

4. Printing
When you go to the FILE tab, you can find there is a print button
that further includes all the printing options that you can use for
printing data from a worksheet.

You can also use the shortcut key Control + P to open the print
option and once you open it you can see the following options
there:
 1. Print Area
2. Range of Pages to Print
3. Collision
4. Orientation
5. Page Type
6. Margins
7. Scaling
5. Excel Functions (Basic)
The biggest power of Excel is its functions that you can use to
perform a lot of calculations and below you have a list of top
ten Basic Excel Functions:
1. SUM: With this function, you can sum values from multiple
cells, or you can also input values directly into the function.
2. COUNT: This function returns the count of numeric values in a
cell. You can refer to the cells where you have values or simply
insert the values into it.
3. AVERAGE: It returns the average of numeric values. You can
refer to the cells where you have the values or simply insert
them into the function.
4. TIME: It returns a valid time serial number as per Excel’s time
format. You need to specify hours, minutes, and seconds.
 5. DATE: It returns a valid date (date serial number) as per Excel’s
time format by using the day, month, and year specified.
6. LEFT: It extracts specific characters from a cell/string starting
from the left (start). You need to specify the text and number of
characters to extract.
7. RIGHT: It extracts specific characters from a string starting from
the right (last). You need to specify the text and number of
characters to extract.
8. VLOOKUP: It looks up for a value in a column and can return
that value or a value from the corresponding columns using the
same row number.
9. IF: IF function (tests a condition) returns a value when the
specific condition is TRUE and returns another value if that
condition is FALSE.
10. NOW: It returns the current date and time (using your
system’s settings) in the cell where you insert it.
And here’s the Complete List of Top 100 Excel functions for you to
learn more.
1. String (Text) Functions
2. Date Functions
3. Time Functions
4. Logical Functions
5. Math Functions
6. Statistical Functions
7. Lookup Functions
8. Information Functions
9. Financial Functions

NOTE AS I JUST COPY THE FIRST ONE OF THE STRING TEXT

FUNCTION IN MY WORLD FILE THE REST WILL BE SEEN WHILE
REVISING THE NOTE AND WILL BE SEARCH IN THE GOOGLE AS I
DID THE FIRST ONE AND THAN COPIED IN MY WORLD FILE
1
Excel String (Text)
Functions
In Excel, there are multiple string (text) functions that can help you
to deal with textual data. These functions can help you to change a
text, change the case, find a string, count the length of the string,
etc. In this post, we have covered top text functions. (Sample Files)
Table of Content Close
1. LEN Function

2. FIND Function

3. SEARCH Function

4. LEFT Function

5. RIGHT Function

6. MID Function

7. LOWER Function

8. PROPER Function

9. UPPER Function

10. REPT Function

1. LEN Function
LEN function returns the count of characters in the value. In
simple words, with the LEN function, you can count how many
characters are there in value. You can refer to a cell or insert the
value in the function directly.
Syntax
LEN(text)
Arguments
 text: A string for which you want to count the characters.
Example
In the below example, we have used the LEN to count letters in a
cell. “Hello, World” has 10 characters with a space between and we
have got 11 in the result.

In the below example, “22-Jan-2016” has 11 characters, but LEN

returns 5.
The reason behind it is that the LEN function counts the characters
in the value of a cell and is not concerned with formatting.

Related: How to COUNT Words in Excel

2. FIND Function
FIND function returns a number which is the starting position of a
substring in a string. In simple words, by using the find function you
can find (case sensitive) a string’s starting position from another
string.

Syntax
FIND(find_text,within_text,[start_num])
Arguments
 find_text: The text which you want to find from another text.
 within_text: The text from which you want to locate the text.
 [start_num]: The number represents the starting position of
the search.
Example
In the below example, we have used the FIND to locate the “:” and
then with the help of MID and LEN, we have extracted the name
from the cell.

3. SEARCH Function
SEARCH function returns a number which is the starting position of
a substring in a string. In simple words, with the SEARCH function,
you can search (non-case sensitive) for a text string’s starting
position from another string.

Syntax
SEARCH(find_text,within_text,[start_num])
Arguments
  find_text: A text which you want to find from another text.
 within_text: A text from which you want to locate the text.
You can refer to a cell, or you can input a text in your function.
Example
In the below example, we are searching for the alphabet “P” and we
have specified start_num as 1 to start our search. Our formula
returns 1 as the position of the text.

But, if you look at the word, we also have a “P” in the 6th position.
That means the SEARCH function can only return the position of the
first occurrence of a text, or if you specify the start position
accordingly.

4. LEFT Function
LEFT Functions return sequential characters from a string
starting from the left side (starting). In simple words, with the
LEFT function, you can extract characters from a string from its left
side.
Syntax
LEFT(text,num_chars)
Arguments
  text: A text or number from which you want to extract
characters.
 [num_char]: The number of characters you want to extract.
Example
In the below example, we have extracted the first five digits from a
text string using LEFT by specifying the number of characters to
extract.

In the below example, we have used LEN and FIND along with the
LEFT to create a formula that extracts the name from the cell.
5. RIGHT Function
The RIGHT function returns sequential characters from a string
starting from the right side (ending). In simple words, with the
RIGHT function, you can extract characters from a string from its left
side.

Syntax
RIGHT(text,num_chars)
Arguments
 text: A text or number from which you want to extract
characters.
 [num_char]: A number of characters you want to extract.
Example
In the below example, we have extracted 6 characters using the
right function. If you know, how many characters you need to
extract from the string, you can simply extract them by using a
number.

Now, if you look at the below example, where we have to extract

the last name from the cell, but we are not confirmed about the
number of characters in the last name.
So, we are using LEN and FIND to get the name. Let me show you
how we have done this.

First of all, we have used the LEN to get the length of that entire
text string, then we used the FIND to get the position number of
space between first and last names. And in the end, we have used
both the figures to get the last name.

Arguments
 value1: A cell reference, an array, or a number that is directly
entered into the function.
 [value2]: A cell reference, an array, or a number that is directly
entered into the function.

6. MID Function
MID returns a substring from a string using a specific position and
number of characters. In simple words, with MID, you can extract a
substring from a string by specifying the starting character and
number of characters you want to extract.

Syntax
MID(text,start_num,num_chars)
Arguments
 text: A text or a number from which you want to extract
characters.
 start_char: A number for the position of the character from
where you want to extract characters.
 num_chars: The number of characters you want to extract
from the start_char.
Example
In the below example, we have used different values:

 From the 6th character to the next 6 characters.

 From the 6th character to the next 10 characters.
 We have used starting a character in negative and it has
returned an error.
 By using 0 for the number of characters to extract and it has
returned a blank.
 With a negative number for the number of characters to
extract and it has returned an error.
 The starting number is zero and it has returned an error.
 Text string directly into the function.
7. LOWER Function
LOWER returns the string after converting all the letters in small. In
simple words, it converts a text string where all the letters you have
are in small letters, numbers will stay intact.

Syntax
LOWER(text)
Arguments
 text: The text which you want to convert to the lowercase.
Example
In the below example, we have compared the lower case, upper
case, proper case, and sentence case with each other.
A lower case text has all the letters in a small case compared to
others.

8. PROPER Function
The PROPER function returns the text string into a proper case. In
simple words, with a PROPER function where the first letter of the
word is in capital and rest in small (proper case).

Syntax
PROPER(text)
Arguments
 text: The text which you want to convert to the proper case.
Example
In the below example, we have a proper case that has the first letter
in the capital case in a word and the rest of the letters are in the
lower case compared to the other two cases lowercase and
uppercase.
In the below example, we have used the PROPER function to
streamline first name and last name into the proper case.

9. UPPER Function
The UPPER function returns the string after converting all the letters
in the capital. In simple words, it converts a text string where all the
letters you have are in capital form and numbers will stay intact.

Syntax
UPPER(text)
Arguments
 text: The text which you want to convert into uppercase.
Example
In the below example, we have used the UPPER to convert name
text to capital letters from the text in which characters are in
different cases.

10. REPT Function

REPT function returns a text value several times. In simple words,
with the REPT function, you can specify a text, and a number to
repeat that text.

Syntax
REPT(value1, [value2], …)
Example
In the below example, we have used different type of text for
repetition using REPT. It can repeat any type of text or numbers and
even symbols that you specify in function and the main use of the
REPT function is for creating in-cell charts.

2
Excel Date Functions
Home ➜ Excel Functions ➜ Excel Date Functions
Table of Content Close

1. DATE Function

2. DATEVALUE Function

3. DAY Function

5. DAYS Function
6. EDATE Function

7. EOMONTH Function

8. MONTH Function

9. NETWORKDAYS Function

10. NETWORKDAYS.INTL Function

11. TODAY Function

12. WEEKDAY Function

13. WEEKNUM Function

14. YEAR Function

More Excel Functions

Sample Files

1. DATE Function
DATE function returns a valid date based on the day, month, and
year you input. In simple words, you need to specify all the
components of the date and it will create a date out of that.

Syntax
DATE(year,month,day)
Arguments
 year: A number to use as the year.
 month: A number to use as the month.
 day: A number to use as a day.
Example
In the below example, we have used cell references to specify the
year, month, and day to create a date.
You can also insert arguments directly into the function to create a
date as you can see in the below example.

And in the below example, we have used different types of

arguments to see the result returned by the function.
2. DATEVALUE Function
DATEVALUE function returns a date after converting a text (which
represents a date) into an actual date. In simple words, it converts a
date into an actual date which is formatted as text.

Syntax
DATEVAUE(date_text)
Arguments
 date_text: The date which is stored as a text and you want to
convert that text into an actual date.
Example
In the below example, we have inserted a date directly into the
function by using double quotation marks. If you skip adding these
quotation marks it will return a #NAME? error in the result.
In the below example, all the dates on the left side are in textual
format.

1. A simple textual date that we have converted into a valid date.

2. A date with all three components (Year, Month, or Day) in
numbers.
3. If there is no year in the textual date, it will take the current
year as the year.
4. And if you have a month name is in alphabets and no year, it
will take the current year as a year.
5. If you don’t have the day in your textual date it will take 1 as
the day number.
3. DAY Function
DAY function returns the day number from a valid date. As you
know, in Excel, a date is a combination of day, month, and year, DAY
function gets the day from the date and ignores the rest of the part.

Syntax
DAY(serial_number)
Arguments
 serial_number: A valid serial number of the date from which
you want to extract the day number.
Example
In the below example, we have used the DAY to simply get the day
from a date.
And in the below example, we have used DAY with TODAY to create
a dynamic formula that returns the current day number and it will
update every time you open your worksheet or when you
recalculate your worksheet.

5. DAYS Function
DAYS function returns the difference between two dates. It takes a
start date and an end date and then returns the difference between
them in days. This function was introduced in Excel 2013 so not
available in prior versions.

Syntax
DAYS(end_date,start_date)
Arguments
 start_date: It is a valid date from where you want to start the
days’ calculation.
 end_date: It is a valid date from where you want to end the
days’ calculation.
Example
In the below example, we have referred the cell A1 as the start date
and B1 as the end date and we have 9 days in the result.

Note: You can also use the subtract operator to get the difference
between two dates.

In the below example, we have directly inserted two dates into the
function to get the difference between them.
6. EDATE Function
EDATE function returns a date after adding a specified number of
months to it. In simple words, you can add (with a positive number)
or subtract (with a negative number) months from a date.

Syntax
EDATE(start_date,months)
Arguments
 start_date: The date from which you want to start the
calculation.
 months: The number of months to calculate the future or the
past date.
Example
Here we have used EDATE with different types of arguments.

 In the first example, we have used 5 as a several months and it

has added exactly 5 months on 1-Jan-2016 and returned 01-
June-2016.
 In the second example, we have used -1 month and it has
given 31-Dec-2016, a date which is exactly 1 month back from
31-Jan-2016.
  In the third example, we have inserted a date directly into the
function.

7. EOMONTH Function
EOMONTH function returns the end of the month date which is the
number of months in the future or the past. You can use a positive
number for a future date and a negative number for the past
month’s date.

Syntax
EOMONTH(start_date,months)
Arguments
 start_date: A valid date from where you want to start your
calculation.
 months: The number of months you want to calculate before
and after the start date.
Example
In the below example, we have used EOMONTH with different types
of arguments:
  We have mentioned 01-Jan-2016 as the start date and 5
months for getting a future date. As June is exactly 5 months
after January, it has returned 30-Jun-2016 in the result.
 As I have already mentioned, EOMMONTH is smart enough to
evaluate the total number of days in a month.
 If you mention a negative number, it simply returns a past
date which is the number of months back you have
mentioned.
 In the fourth example, we have used a date that is in text
format and it has returned the date without returning any
errors.

8. MONTH Function
MONTH function returns the month number (ranging from 0 to 12)
from a valid date. As you know, in Excel, a date is a combination of
day, month, and year, MONTH gets the month from the date and
ignores the rest of the part.

Syntax
MONTH(serial_number)
Arguments
  serial_number: A valid date from which you want to get the
month number.
Example
In the below example, we have used a MONTH in three different
ways:

 In the FIRST example, we have simply used date and it has

returned the 5 in the result which is the month number of
MAY.
 In the SECOND example, we have supplied the date directly in
the function.
 In the THIRD example, we have used the TODAY function to
get the current date and MONTH has returned the month
number from it.

9. NETWORKDAYS Function
NETWORKDAYS function returns the count of days between the
start date and end date. In simple words, with NETWORKDAYS you
can calculate the difference between two dates, after excluding
Saturdays and Sundays, and holidays (which you specify).
Syntax
NETWORKDAYS(start_date,end_date,holidays)
Arguments
 start_date: A valid date from where you want to start your
calculation.
 end_date: A valid date up to which you want to calculate
working days.
 [holidays]: A valid date that represents a holiday between the
start date and end date. You can refer to a cell, range of cells,
or an array containing dates.
Example
In the below example, we have specified 10-Jan-2015 as a start date
and 20-Feb-2015 as an end date.

We have 41 days between these two dates, out of which 11 days are
weekends. After deducting those 11 days it has returned 30 working
days.

Now in the below example with the same start and end dates, we
have specified a holiday and, after deducting 11 days of the
weekend and 1 holiday it has returned 29 working days.
Again with the same start and end dates, we have used a range of
three cells for holidays to deduct from the calculation and, after
deducting 11 weekend days and 3 holidays which I have mentioned
It has returned 27 working days.

10. NETWORKDAYS.INTL
Function
NETWORKDAYS.INTL Function returns the count of days between
the start date and end date. Unlike NETWORKDAYS,
NETWORKDAYS.INTL lets you specify which days you want to
exclude from the calculation.

Syntax
NETWORKDAYS.INTL(start_date,end_date,weekend,holidays)
Arguments
 start_date: A valid date from where you want to start your
calculation.
 end_date: A valid date up to which you want to calculate
working days.
 [weekend]: A number represents to exclude weekends from
the calculation.
 [holidays]: A list of dates that represents the holidays you
want to exclude from the calculation.
Example
In the below example, we have used 01-Jan-2015 as a start date and
20-Jan-2015 as an end date. And we have specified 1 to take
Sunday – Saturday as the weekend. The function has returned 14
days after excluding 6 weekend days.

Below, we have used the same dates. And I have used 11 in for
weekend days which means it will only consider Sunday as a
weekend. Along with that, we have also used 10-Jan-2015 as a
holiday.
We have 3 Sundays between both dates and a holiday. After
excluding all these days the function has returned 16 days in the
result. Here in the below example, we have used range to specify
holidays. If you have more than one date for the holidays you can
refer to an entire range.

Quick Tip: If you want to create a dynamic range for holidays, you
can use a table for that. If you want to choose custom days to count
as working days or weekends, you can use the below format in the
weekend argument.
Here, 0 represents a working day and 1 represents a non-working
day. And, seven numbers represent 7 days of the week.

11. TODAY Function

The TODAY function returns the current date and time as per the
system’s date and time. The date and time returned by the NOW
function update continuously whenever you update anything in the
worksheet.

Syntax
TODAY()
Arguments
 In the TODAY function, there is no argument, all you need to
do is enter it in the cell and hit enter, but be careful as TODAY
is a volatile function which updates its value every time you
update your worksheet calculations.
Example
In the below example, we have used TODAY with other functions to
get the current month number, current year, and current day.
12. WEEKDAY Function
WEEKDAY function returns a day number (ranging from 0 to 7) of
the week from a date. In simple words, the WEEKDAY function takes
a date and returns the day number of that date’s day.

Syntax
WEEKDAY (serial_number, [return_type])
Arguments
 serial_number: A valid date from which you want to get the
week number.
 [return_type]: A number that represents the day of the week
to start the week.
Example
In the below example, we have used a WEEKDAY with TODAY to get
a dynamic weekday. It will give you the weekday whenever the
current date changes. You can use this method in your dashboards
to trigger some values which need to change when weekday
change.
In the below example, we have used WEEKDAY with IF to create a
formula that first checks the weekday of date and return “Weekday”
or “Weekend” basis on the value return from WEEKDAY.

13. WEEKNUM Function

WEEKNUM function returns the week number of a date. In simple
words, WEEKNUM returns the week number of dates that you
specify ranging from 1 to 54.
Syntax
WEEKNUM(serial_number,return_type)
Arguments
 serial_number: A date for which you want to get the week
number.
 [return_type]: A number to specify the starting day of the first
week of the year. You have two systems to specify the starting
date of the week.
Example
In the below example, we have used TODAY with WEEKNUM to get
the week number of the current date. It will update the week
number automatically every time the date changes.

In the below example, we have added the text “Week-” with the
week number for a meaningful result.
14. YEAR Function
YEAR Function returns the year number from a valid date. As you
know, in Excel a date is a combination of day, month, and year, and
the YEAR function gets the year from the date and ignores the rest
of the part.

Syntax
YEAR(date)
Arguments
 date: A date from which you want to get the year.
Example
In the below example, we have used the year function to get the
year number from the dates. You can use this function where you
have dates in your data and you only need the year number.
And in the below example, we have used today function to get the
year number from the current date. It will always update the year
whenever you recalculate your worksheet.
More Excel Functions
 String Functions in Excel
 Financial Functions in Excel
 Time Functions in Excel
 Logical Functions in Excel
 Math Functions in Excel
 Statistical Functions in Excel
 Lookup Functions in Excel
 Information Functions in Excel


3
Excel Time Functions
Home ➜ Excel Functions ➜ Excel Time Functions
Table of Content Close

1. HOUR Function

2. MINUTE Function

3. NOW Function

4. SECOND Function

5. TIME Function

6. TIMEVALUE Function

sample files

1. HOUR Function
HOUR function returns the hour value from a valid time. Time
value is made up of, hours, minutes, and seconds and the HOUR
function takes hour value and ignores the rest of all.
Syntax
HOUR(serial_number)
Arguments
 serial_number: A valid time from which you want to get the
hour value.
Example
1. Use Cell Reference
In the below example, we have referred to a cell in which I have a
valid time value. The function has only extracted hour in 24-Hour
format from that time value. You can use this method where you
have time data and you want to extract hour from those values.

2. Use Date as a Reference

In the below example, we have used a date that has a time value in
it and HOUR has extracted the hour as an integer from it.
And if you convert that date into value by changing its format, you’ll
get to know that it has time value as decimals.

2. MINUTE Function
MINUTE function returns the minute value from a valid
time. Time value is made up of, hours, minutes, and seconds and
MINUTE function takes the minute value and ignores the rest of all.
Syntax
MINUTE(serial_number)
Arguments
  serial_number: A valid time from which you want to get the
minute value.
Example
In the below example, we have used the minute function to extract
minute value from different time values.

3. NOW Function
NOW function returns the current date and time as per the
system’s date and time. The date and time returned by the NOW
function update continuously whenever you update anything in the
worksheet.
Syntax
NOW()
Arguments
 In NOW, there is no argument to specify, but you need to take
care that this function is a volatile function which changes its
value every time you update your worksheet’s calculation.
Example
Below we have used NOW in two different ways:
  In the first example, we have used TEXT Function along with
now to extract current time from it.
 In the second example, we have changed the format of the cell
to “General”. The number before the decimal point is the
current date & number after the decimal point is the time.

4. SECOND Function
SECOND function returns the seconds value from a valid
time. Time value is made up of, hours, minutes, and seconds and
SECOND function takes seconds value and ignores the rest of all.
Syntax
SECOND(serial_number)
Arguments
 serial_number: A valid time from which you want to get the
second value.
Example
In the below example, we have used different input value to get
second. The input value should be a valid date and time as per
Excel’s date and time system.
An input value that has no value of seconds in it will return 0 as a
result.

5. TIME Function
TIME function returns a valid time based on the hours, minutes,
and seconds you input. In simple words, you need to specify all
the components of the time and it will create a time value with it
and return in the result.
Syntax
TIME(hour,minute,second)
Arguments
  hour: The number to use like an hour value.
 minute: The number to use as a minute value.
 second: The number to use as a second value.
Example
In the below example, we have used different arguments:

 Time returns by this function are in 12-hour format.

 If you use zero for the hour value it will give you time from the
starting hour of a day.
 When you specify a negative number it will deduct that value
from the previous hour, minute or second.
 The time function returns a decimal number which represents
a particular time in Excel.

6. TIMEVALUE Function
TIMEVALUE funtion returns time after converting a text which
represents a time into actual time. In simple words, it converts
time into an actual time which is formatted as text.
Syntax
TIMEVALUE(time_text)
Arguments
 time_text: A text which is a time value but stored as a text.
Example
We need to try it out in an example, so make sure to check out the
below one:

If you use a textual time value that has no am/pm in it, the function
will return a serial number which represents time in 24-hour format.
You can change the format of the serial number to get the time.

TIMEVALUE will convert any textual time value which is recognizable

by excel in the decimal number. As 12:00 AM is the starting time of
the day, the function has return 0 for it.

It represents the time from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm. It’s smart enough
to get the time from a date if that date has time in it. While using
TIMEVALUE all you have to take care of is a date that can
recognizable by Excel.
4
Excel Logical Functions
Table of Content Close

1. AND Function

2. FALSE Function

3. IF Function

4. IFERROR Function

5. IFNA Function

6. NOT Function

7. OR Function

8. TRUE Function

sample files

1. AND Function
AND function returns a Boolean value (TRUE or FALSE) after
testing conditions you specify. In simple words, you can test
multiple conditions with AND function and it returns TRUE if all
those conditions are TRUE, else FALSE.
Syntax
AND(logical1, [logical2], …)

Arguments
 logical1: Condition which you want to verify.
 [logical2]: Additional Conditions you want to verify.
Notes
  Values will be ignored if the reference cell or array contained
an empty cell or a text.
 It will return an error if there is no logical value is returned that
means the result of conditions should be in logical value
(TRUE or FALSE).
 The maximum number of values you can test is 255.
Example
In the below example, we have created a condition using IF function
that if a student score 60 above marks in both of the subjects then
only it will return TRUE else FALSE.

You can also use AND function to work with numbers as well.

2. FALSE Function
FALSE function returns a logical value FALSE (Boolean). The
FALSE return by the FALSE function is the same as you enter FALSE
in a cell manually and it is equivalent to the numeric value 0.
Syntax
FALSE()
Arguments
 It has no arguments.
Notes
 It returns the same TRUE which you can get by simply typing it
in a cell.
Example
In the below example, we have used FALSE() and FALSE, in the same
manner, and both return the same value. You can also use FALSE in
the numeric calculation as it has 0 value.

3. IF Function
IF Function returns a value if the condition you specify is TRUE,
else some other value. In simple words, the IF function can test a
condition first and returns a value based on the result of that
condition.
Syntax
IF(logical_test,value_if_true,value_if_false)

Arguments
 logical_test: The condition which you want to evaluate.
  value_if_true: The value which you want to get if that
condition is TRUE.
 value_if_false: The value which you want to get if that
condition is FALSE.
Notes
 The maximum number of nested conditions you can perform
is 64.
 You can use comparison operators to evaluate a condition.
Example
In the below example, we have used a comparison operator to
evaluate different conditions.

1. We have used a specific text to get in the result if the

condition met or not.
2. You can also use TRUE and FALSE to get in result.
3. If you skip specifying a value to get the result if the condition
is TRUE, it will return zero.
4. And if you skip specifying a value to get the result if the
condition is FALSE, it will return zero.
In the below example, we have used the IF function to create a
nesting formula.

We have specified a condition and if that condition is false then we

have used another IF to evaluate another condition and perform a
task and if that condition is FALSE we have used another IF. In this
way, we have used IF five times to create a nesting formula. You can
use the same for 64 times for a nesting formula.

4. IFERROR Function
IFERROR function returns a specific value if an error occurs. In
simple words, it can test value and if that value is an error it returns
the value you have specified.
Syntax
IFERROR(value, value_if_error)
Arguments
 value: The value you want to test for the error.
  value_if_error: The value which you want to get in return
when an error occurs.
Notes
 IFERROR function is concerned with the occurrence of an
error, not with the type of the error.
 If you skip specifying value or value_if_error, it will return 0 in
the result.
 It can test #N/A, #REF!, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #NUM!, #NAME?,
and #NULL!.
 If you are evaluating an array it will return an array of results
for each item specified.
Example
In the below example, we have used the IFERROR function to
replace the #DIV/0! with some meaningful text.

IFERROR is only compatible with 2007 and earlier versions. To deal

with this problem, you can use ISERROR.

5. IFNA Function
IFNA function returns a specific value if an #N/A error
occurs. Unlike IFERROR, it only evaluates the #N/A error and
returns the value you specified.
Syntax
IFNA(value, value_if_na)

Arguments
 value: The value you want to test for #N/A error.
 value_if_na: The value you want to return if an error occurred.
Notes
 If you skip specifying any argument, IFNA will treat it as an
empty string (“”).
 If a value is an array then it will return the result as an array.
 It will ignore all other errors #REF!, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #NUM!,
#NAME?, and #NULL!.
Example
In VLOOKUP function, #N/A occurs when the lookup value is not in
the lookup range and for that we have specified a meaningful
message using IFNA.

Note: IFNA is introduced in Excel 2013 so it is not available in the

previous versions.

6. NOT Function
NOT function returns the reversed logical value in the result. In
simple words, you have a logical value that returns TRUE, NOT can
convert it into FALSE and if you have a logical value which returns
FALSE, NOT function will convert it into TRUE.
Syntax
NOT(logical)

Arguments
 logical: The value you want to test to reverse the logical value.
Notes
 If you refer to a blank cell it will treat that value as a TRUE.
Example
In the below example, we have used NOT to reverse the logical
results.

7. OR Function
OR Function returns a Boolean value (TRUE or FALSE) after
testing conditions you specify. In simple words, you can test
multiple conditions with AND function and it returns TRUE if any of
those (or all) conditions is TRUE and returns FALSE only if all those
conditions are FALSE.
Syntax
OR(logical1, [logical2], …)

Arguments
 logical1: Condition which you want to verify.
 [logical2]: Additional Conditions you want to verify.
Notes
 Values will be ignored if the reference cell or array contained
an empty cell or text.
 The result of conditions should be in logical value (TRUE or
FALSE).
 It will return an error if there is no logical value is returned.
Example
In the below example, we have created a condition using IF function
that if a student score 60 above marks in one of the both of the
subjects the formula returns TRUE.

Now in the below example, we have used a number to get logical

values in a formula. You can also perform the above condition in
reverse order. You can use TRUE and FALSE instead of numbers. OR
function treats these logical values as numbers.
8. TRUE Function
TRUE function returns a logical value TRUE (a boolean). The
TRUE return by the TRUE function is the same as you enter TRUE in
a cell manually and it is equivalent to the numeric value 1.
Syntax
TRUE()
Arguments
 It has no arguments.
Notes
 TRUE and TRUE() both are identical.
 TRUE has a value of 0.
 Using TRUE without parentheses will also give you the same
result.
Example
In the below example, we have used TRUE() and TRUE, in the same
manner, and both return the same value. You can also use TRUE in
the numeric calculation as it has 1 value.
5
Excel Math Functions
Home ➜ Excel Functions ➜ Excel Math Functions
In Excel, there are multiple math functions that can help you to get
the mathematical calculations done, and in this post, we have
covered the top 11 math functions that you can use in Excel.
(Sample Files)
Table of Content Close
1. ABS Function

2. EVEN Function

3. INT Function

4. MOD Function

5. MROUND Function

6. RAND Function

7. SUM Function

8. SUMIF Function

9. SUMIFS Function

10. SUMPRODUCT Function

11. TRUNC Function

More Excel Functions

1. ABS Function
ABS Function returns a number after converting it into an
absolute number. In simple words, converting a negative number
into a positive and unaffecting the positive number (returns a
number without a sign).
Syntax
ABS(number)
Arguments
 number: A number or value to get a positive number of.
Notes
 You can also use the ABS as an array function.
 You can directly insert the number in the function.
 If you specify a number that is not an integer, it will return
#VALUE!.
Example
In the below example, we have used ABS to convert negative values
into positive ones. It has just removed the negative sign from the
numbers.

And here we have used ABS to get absolute values against the
change in the interest rate.

2. EVEN Function
EVEN function rounds a number to the nearest even number. If
the specified number is positive, then it rounds up and if that
number is negative then round down.
Syntax
ISEVEN(number)
Arguments
 number: The value which you want to evaluate.
Notes
 You can also insert a number into function directly by using
double quotes or even without it.
 If you specify a non-numeric value it will return the #VALUE!
error value.
Example
We need to try it out in an example, so make sure to check out the
below one: Here we have used different arguments:

1. When you refer to a negative value, it will always round it to

lower even number, away from zero.
2. When you refer to a positive value, it will always round it to
the upper even number.
3. And when you refer to zero it will remain the same.

3. INT Function
INT function returns the integer part of a decimal number. In
simple words, it rounds down the number by removing its decimals
and returns only the integer part of the number.
Syntax
INT(number)
Arguments
 number: Number you want to round down to the nearest
integer.
Notes
 It will round down both positive or negative numbers.
Example
In the below example, we have rounded 9.9 to 9 and 8.9 to 8. You
can use this rounding function to remove decimals from the
numbers.

4. MOD Function
MOD function returns the remainder value after dividing a
number with a divisor. In simple words, it returns that value which
remains after the division of two numbers.
Syntax
MOD(number, divisor)
Arguments
 number: The number which you want to divide.
 divisor: The number with which you want to divide
Notes
 It will return a #DIV/0! error if the divisor is zero.
Example
In the below example, we have used MOD with the different types
of values:

1. If there is no remainder after dividing two numbers it returns

zero.
 2. If there is a decimal in divisor it considers that decimal and
returns result according to that.
3. If you specify zero to divide, it returns a 0 in the result.
Dividing any number by zero results in zero.
4. If the divisor will zero, it will return #DIV/0!.
5. If you skip specifying any number for dividing it will return 0 in
the result.
6. And if you skip specifying any divisor, it will return #DIV/0!.
7. It will consider negative values and return the same sign that
the divisor has.

5. MROUND Function
MROUND function returns a number after rounding it to a
given multiple. In simple words, it rounds a number to the nearest
multiple of a number and while rounding, it doesn’t consider that
number is greater or lower than the original number.
Syntax
MROUND(number, multiple)
Arguments
 number: A number to round.
 multiple: A number for which you want to find the nearest
multiple.
Notes
 If you put zero in multiple it will return zero in the result.
 If you skip specifying multiple it will return with an error.
 It rounds away from zero.
 If you have two multiples on the same distance it will return
the multiple which is higher than the number you are
rounding.
Example
In the below example, we have used different arguments:
 1. 12.5 rounded to 12 to the nearest multiple of 3 is 12.
2. 19 is rounded to 20 to the nearest multiple of 5
3. 13 is rounded to 12 to the nearest multiple of 6.
4. 3.6 is rounded to 2 to the nearest multiple of 4.
5. The result is 0 as I have skipped specifying multiple.
6. The result is 0 as I have specified 0 as the multiple.
7. The result is an error as I have specified -2 as multiple.
8. Here we have a tie between 20 and 18, but we get 20 as it
always rounds away from zero.

6. RAND Function
RAND function returns a random number ranging from 0 to
1. In simple words, you can generate a random number between 0
to 1 (it updates its value every time you make a change in the
worksheet).
Syntax
RAND()
Arguments
 there is no argument to specify in RAND functions
Notes
 If you put zero in multiple it will return zero in the result.
 If you skip specifying multiple it will return with an error.
 It rounds away from zero.
 If you have two multiples on the same distance it will return
the multiple which is higher than the number you are
rounding.
Example
Apart from having numbers between 0 and 1, you can also use
RAND for random numbers between two specific numbers. In the
below example, I have used it to create a formula that generates a
random number between 50 and 100.

When you enter this formula in a cell it returns a number between

100 and 50 by multiplying the values returned by the RAND with
the equation we have used. To understand this formula we need to
split it into three parts:
 1. First of all, when it detects the lowest number from the highest
number you get the difference between both of them.
2. Then secondly it multiplies that difference with the random
number returned after the subtraction.
3. And third, add that number with the lowest number left in the
third part of the equation.
Related: How to Quickly Generate Random Letters in Excel

7. SUM Function
SUM function returns the sum of the values supplied. In simple
words, with the SUM function, you can calculate the sum of a list of
values (you can directly input value into the function or refer to a
range of cells.
Syntax
SUM(number1,[number2],…)
Arguments
 number1: A number, a range of cells that contain numbers or
a single cell that contains a number.
 [number2]: A number, a range of cells that contain numbers
or a single cell that contains a number.
Notes
 It ignores text values.
Example
In the below example, you can insert numbers directly into the
function by using commas between them.
You can also simply refer to a range for calculating the sum of the
numbers and if there is a text, logical value or empty cell it will
ignore them.

If there is an error value in a cell which you are referring to, it will
return #N/A in the result.
If you have numeric values that are formatted as the text it will
ignore them. It’s recommended to convert them into numbers
before using SUM.
8. SUMIF Function
SUMIF Function returns the sum of the numbers which meet
the condition you specify. In simple words, it only considers and
calculates the sum of values that fulfill the condition.
Syntax
SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range])
Arguments
 range: A range of cells from which you want to check for
criteria.
 criteria: A criteria which can be a number, text, expression, cell
reference or a function.
 [sum_range]: A cell range that has the values you want to
sum.
Notes
  If the sum_range is omitted, the cells in range will be summed.
 Make sure to use double quotation marks to specify Text
criteria or criteria that include math symbols, must be enclosed
in double quotation marks.
 The size of the criteria range and sum range should be of the
same size.
Example
In the below example, we have specified A1:A9 as criteria range and
B1:B9 as sum range and after that, we have specified the criteria in
A12 which has the value C.

You can also insert criteria directly into the function. In the below
example, we have used an asterisk wildcard to specify a criterion
which has an alphabet “S”.
And, if you skip specifying the sum range it will give you the sum of
the criteria range. But, that will be only possible if the criteria range
has numeric values.
9. SUMIFS Function
SUMIFS Function returns the sum of the numbers which meet
multiple conditions you specify. Unlike SUMIF, you can set
multiple conditions and can sum only those values which meet all
those conditions.
Syntax
SUMIFS(sum_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, [criteria_range2,
criteria2], …)
Arguments
 [sum_range]: A range of cells & values which you want to
sum.
 criteria_range1: A range from which you want to test criteria.
 criteria1: A criteria which can be a number, text, expression,
cell reference or a function.
 [criteria_range2]: A range from which you want to test
criteria.
  [criteria2]: A criteria which can be a number, text, expression,
cell reference or a function.
Notes
 The size of the criteria range and sum range should be of the
same size.
 You can also use wildcard characters.
 If you want to sum values based on single criteria, you can use
SUMIF.
 If you want to specify criteria in the form of text, you have to
use double quotation marks.
 If you skip specifying SUM range it will SUM the values from
the criteria range that meet the criteria.
Example
In the below example, we have used three different criteria to check
and it has returned the sum of the values which meet those criteria.
In the below example, we have used wildcard characters to specify
three different criteria.

 The first criteria range is A2:A9 and criteria in the cell A12
which will only sum cells that have alphabet O.
 The second criterion range is B2:B9 and criteria in cell B12
which will only sum cells that have alphabet P. It will apply to
all the cells which met condition 1.
 The third criterion range is C2:C9 and criterion in cell C12
which will sum cells with any type of value. It will apply to all
the cells which met the condition 1 and 2.

10. SUMPRODUCT Function

SUMPRODUCT Function returns a value after sum and
multiplies values from the ranges or arrays. In simple words, it
first multiplies the corresponding cells from ranges and then sums
up all the values.
Syntax
SUMPRODUCT(array1, [array2], [array3], …)
Arguments
 array1: The first array you want to multiply and then add.
 [array2]: The second array you want to multiply and then add.
Notes
 If skip you to specify array2, SUMPRODUCT will simply sum
the array1.
 The maximum size of each array should be the same. If array1
has 5 cells then cells in array2 should be 5.
 Text and other non-numeric entries will be treated as 0.
Example
In the below example, we have used SUMPRODUCT to multiply and
sum up the values from column D and column F. First, it has
multiplied the values from column D with column F and then sums
up the values.
Related: Conditional Ranking in Excel using SUMPRODUCT
Function [RANKIF] / How to use SUMPRODUCT IF to Create a
Conditional Formula in Excel

11. TRUNC Function

TRUNC Function returns an integer after truncating the original
number. In simple words, it removes the decimals from a number
to a specific precision and then returns the integer part of the result.
Syntax
TRUNC(number, [num_digits])
Arguments
 number: The number you want to truncate.
 [num_digits]: A number to specify precision to truncate a
number.
Notes
 If you skip specifying multiple it will return with an error.
  It rounds away from zero.
 If you have two multiples on the same distance it will return
the multiple which is higher than the number you are
rounding.
Example
In the below example, we have used TRUNC to truncate data for
removing time from the dates.
7
Excel Lookup Functions
Table of Content Close

1. ADDRESS Function

2. AREAS Function

3. CHOOSE Function

4. COLUMN Function

5. COLUMNS Function

6. FORMULATEXT Function

7. HLOOKUP Function

8. HYPERLINK Function

9. INDEX Function

10. INDIRECT Function

11. LOOKUP Function

12. MATCH Function

13. OFFSET Function

14. ROW Function

15. ROWS Function

16. TRANSPOSE Function

17. VLOOKUP Function

sample files

1. ADDRESS Function
The ADDRESS Function returns a valid cell reference as per the
column and row address. In simple words, you can create an
address of a cell by using its row number and column number.
Syntax
ADDRESS(row_num,column_num,abs_num,A1,sheet_text)
Arguments
 row_num: A number to specify row number.
 column_num: A number to specify column number.
 [abs_num]: Reference type.
 [A1]: Reference style.
 [sheet_text]: A text value as a sheet name.
Notes
 By default, the ADDRESS function returns absolute reference in
the result.
Example
In the below example, we have used different arguments to get all
types of results.
With R1C1 reference style:
 Relative reference.
 Relative row and absolute column reference.
 Absolute row and relative column reference.
 Absolute reference.
With A1 reference style:
 Relative reference.
 Relative row and absolute column reference.
 Absolute row and relative column reference.
 Absolute reference.

2. AREAS Function
The AREAS Function returns a number that represents the
number of ranges in the reference you have specified. In simple
words, it actually counts the different worksheet areas you have
referred to the function.
syntax
AREAS(reference)

Arguments
 reference: A Reference to a cell or a range of cells.
Notes
 Reference can be a cell, a range of cells or a named range.
 If you want to refer to more than one cell reference, you have
to enclose all those references in more than one set of
parentheses and use commas to separate each reference from
others.
Example
In the below example, we have used areas function to get the
number reference in a named range.

As you can see there are three columns in the range and it has
returned 3 in the result.
3. CHOOSE Function
The CHOOSE function returns a value from the list of values
based on the position number specified. In simple words, it looks
for a value from a list based on its position and returns it in the
result.
Syntax
CHOOSE(index_num,value1,value2,…)
Arguments
 index_num: A number for specifying the position of the value
in the list.
 value1: A range of cells or an input value from which you can
choose.
 [value2]: A range of cells or an input value from which you
can choose.
Notes
 You can refer to a cell or you can also insert values directly in
the function.
Example
In the below example, we have used CHOOSE function with a drop-
down list to calculate four(sum, average, max, and mix) different
things. So, we have used the below formula to calculate all four
things:

=CHOOSE(VLOOKUP(K2,Q1:R4,2,FALSE),SUM(O2:O9),AVERAGE(O2:
O9),MAX(O2:O9),MIN(O2:O9))

We have this small table with the name of all four calculations which
we want and a serial number to each in the corresponding cell.

After that, we have a drop-down list for all four calculations. Now,
to get index number in the choose function from that small table
we have a lookup formula which will returns serial number as per
the value selected from the drop-down list.
And instead of values, we have used four formulas for 4 different
calculations.

4. COLUMN Function
The COLUMN function returns the column number for the
given cell reference. As you know, every cell reference is made up
of a column number and a row number. So it takes the column
number and returns it in the result.
Syntax
COLUMN([reference])

Arguments
 reference: A cell reference for which you want to get the
column number.
Notes
 You cannot refer to multiple references.
 If you refer to an array, the column function will also return the
column numbers in an array.
 If you refer to a range of more than one cell, it will return the
column number of the leftmost cell. For example, if you refer
to the range A1:C10, it will return the column number of the
cell A1.
 If you skip specifying a reference, it will return the column
number of the current cell.
Example
In the below example, we have used COLUMN to get the column
number of the cell A1.
As I have already mentioned, if you skip specifying cell reference it
will return the column number of the current cell. In the below
example, we have used COLUMN to create a header with serial
numbers.

5. COLUMNS Function
The COLUMNS function returns the number of columns
referred to in the given reference. In simple words, it counts how
many columns are there in the supplied range and returns that
count.
Syntax
COLUMNS(array)

Arguments
 array: An array or range of cells from which you want to get
the number of columns.
Notes
 You can also use a named range.
 COLUMNS function is not concerned with the values in the
cells, it will simply return the number of columns in a
reference.
Example
In the below example, we have used COLUMN to get the number of
columns from range A1:F1.

6. FORMULATEXT Function
The FORMULATEXT function returns the formula from the
referred cell. And if there’s no formula in the referred cell, a value,
or a blank, it will return a #N/A.
Syntax
FORMULATEXT(reference)

Arguments
 reference: The cell reference from which you want formula as
a text.
Notes
 If you refer to another workbook that workbook should be
open, otherwise it will not show the formula.
 If you refer to a range more than a single cell, it will return
formula from the upper-left cell of the given range.
 It will return an “#N/A” error value if the cell you are using as a
reference does not contain any formula, has a formula with
more than 8192 characters, a cell is protected, or an external
workbook is not opened.
 If you refer two cells in circular reference it will return results
from both.
Example
In the below example, we have used formula text with different
types of references. When you refer to a cell that doesn’t have any
formula, it will return “#N/A” error value.
7. HLOOKUP Function
The HLOOKUP function lookups for a value in the top row of a
table and returns the value from the same column of the
matched value using the index number. In simple words, it
performs a horizontal lookup.
Syntax
HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num,
[range_lookup])

Arguments
 lookup_value: The value you want to lookup.
 table_array: The data table or an array from which you want
to the lookup value.
 row_index_num: A numeric value representing a number of
rows below from the top row from which you want the value.
For example, if you specify 2 and your lookup value is in A10
in the data table, it will return value from cell B10.
 [range_lookup]: A logical value to specify the type of lookup.
If you want to perform an exact match search use FALSE and if
you want to perform a non-exact match use TRUE (Default).
Notes
  You can use wildcard characters.
 You can perform an exact match and an approximate match.
 While performing an approximate match make sure to sort
data in ascending order from left to right, and if data is not in
ascending order then it would return an inaccurate result.
 If range_lookup is true or omitted, it will perform a non-exact
match but return an exact match if the lookup value exists in
the lookup range.
 If range_lookup is true or omitted, and the lookup value is not
in the lookup range, it will return the nearest value which is
less than the lookup value.
 If range_lookup is false, then there is no need to sort data
range.
Example
In the below example, we have used the HLOOKUP function with
MATCH to create a dynamic formula and then we have used a drop-
down list to change the lookup value from the cell.
The zone name from cell C7 is used as a lookup value. Range B1: F5
as table array and for row_index_num we have used match function
to get the row number.

Whenever you change the value in cell C9, it will return the row
number from the table array. You don’t have to change your
formula again and again. Just change values with the drop-down list
and you will get value for that.

8. HYPERLINK Function
The HYPERLINK function returns a string with a hyperlink
attached to it. In simple words, like the HYPERLINK option you
have in Excel, the HYPERLINK function helps you to create a
hyperlink.
Syntax
HYPERLINK(link_location,[friendly_name])

Arguments
  Link_Location: The location for which you want to add a
HYPERLINK. It can be further split into two terms.
1. link: It can be an address of a cell or range of cells in the
same worksheet or in any other worksheet or in any other
workbook. We can also link a bookmark from a word
document.
2. location: It can be a link to a hard drive, a server using the
UNC path, or any URL from the internet or intranet. (In Excel
online you can only use web address for HYPERLINK
function). You can insert a link to the function by inserting it
as a text with quotation marks or by referring to a cell
containing the link as a text. Make sure to use “HTTPS://”
before a web address.
 [friendly_name]: It is an optional part of this function. It acts
as the face of the connecting link.
1. You can use any type of text, number, or both.
2. You also refer to a cell which contains the friendly_name.
3. If you skip it, the function will use the link address to
display.
4. If friendly_name returns an error, the function will display
error.
Notes
 Link a file saved on a Web Address: You can use a file that is
saved on a web address. This helps us to share the file in an
effective way.
 Link a file saved on a Hard Drive: You can also use this
function while working offline. You can link a file that is stored
on your hard drive and access them through your single excel
sheet, no need to go to every single folder to open them.
 Link a Word Document File: This is also an awesome feature
of HYPERLINK function. You can link a Word document file or
a specific place in word document file using a bookmark.
 Link a file without using Friendly Name: If you want to show
the actual link to the file or place to the user. In this situation,
 you just need to skip the friendly name declaration in the
HYPERLINK Function.

9. INDEX Function
The INDEX function returns a value from a list of values based
on its index number. In simple words, INDEX returns a value from
a list of values and you need to specify that value’s position.
Syntax
INDEX has two different syntaxes.

In the first, you can use an array form of an index to simply get a
value from a list using its position.
INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num])

In the second, you can use a referral form that is less used in real
life but you can use it if you have more than one range to get value
from.
INDEX(reference, row_num, [column_num], [area_num])

Arguments
 array: A range of cells or an array constant.
 reference: A range of cells or multiple ranges.
 row_number: The number of the row from which you want to
get the value.
 [col_number]: The number of the column from which you
want to get the value.
 [area_number]: If you are referring to more than one range of
cells (using reference syntax), specify a number to refer to a
range from all those.
Notes
 When both the row_num and column_num arguments are
specified, it will return the value in the cell at the intersection
of both.
  If you specify row_num or column_num as 0 (zero), it will
return the array of values for the entire column or row,
respectively.
 When row_num and column_num are out the range, it will
return an error #REF!.
 If area_number is greater than the number ranges you have
specified then it will return #REF!.
Example
1. Using ARRAY – Getting Value from a List
In the below example, we have used the INDEX function to get the
quantity of June month. In the list, Jun is in 6th position (6th row)
that’s why I have specified 6 in row_number. INDEX has returned the
value 1904 in the result.

And if you referring to a range with more than one column you
have to specify the column number.

2. Using REFERENCE – Getting Value from Multiple Lists

In the below example, instead of selecting all the range in one go, I
have selected it as three different ranges. In the last argument, we
have specified 2 in area_number which will define the range to use
from these three different ranges.

Now in the second range, we are referring to the 5th row and 1st
column. INDEX has returned the value 172 which in the 5th row in
the 2nd range.

10. INDIRECT Function

The INDIRECT function returns a valid reference from a text
string which represents a cell reference. In simple words, you can
refer to a cell range by using the cell address as a text value.
Syntax
INDIRECT(ref_text, [a1])

Arguments
 ref_text: A text which represents the address of a cell, an
address of a range of cells, a named range, or a table name.
For example, A1, B10:B20, or MyRange.
 [a1]: A number or a boolean value to represent the type of
cell reference you are specifying in ref_text. For example, if
you want to use A1 reference style use TRUE or 1 and if you
 want to use R1C1 reference style use FALSE or 0 for R1C
reference style. And if you omit to specify the cell reference
type, it will use A1 style as default.
Notes
 When you referred to another workbook, that workbook
should be opened.
 If you insert a row or a column in the range which you have
referred, INDIRECT will not update that reference.
 If you want to insert text directly into the function you have to
put it in double quotation marks or you can also refer to a cell
that has the text you want to use as a reference.
Example
1. Reference to Another Worksheet
You can also refer to another worksheet using the INDIRECT and
you have to insert the worksheet name in it. In the below example,
we have used the indirect function to refer to another worksheet
and have the sheet name in cell A2 and cell reference in cell B2.

In cell C2, we have used the following formula to combine the text.

=INDIRECT(“‘”&A2&”‘!”&B2)

This combination creates a text which is used by the INDIRECT

function to refer to the cell A1 in sheet1 and the best part is when
you change the worksheet name or cell address the reference will
automatically change.

Cell A1 in “Sheet1” has the value “Yes” and that’s why indirect
returns the value “Yes”.

2. Reference to Another Workbook

You can also refer to another workbook, in the same way, we did for
another worksheet. All you have to do, just add a workbook name in
your text which you are using as a reference.

In the above example, we have used the following formula to get

the value from the cell A1 of the workbook “Book1”.

=INDIRECT(“[“&A2&”]”&B2&”!”&C2)

As we have the workbook name in cell “A2”, worksheet name in cell

“B2” and cell name in cell “C2”. We have combined them to use as
an input text in indirect function.
Note: While combining cell reference as a text make sure to follow
the right reference structure.
3. Using with Named Ranges
Yes, you can also refer to a named range using the indirect function.
It’s just simple. Once you create a named range you have to enter
that named range as a text in INDIRECT.

In the above example, we have a drop-down in cell E1 which has a

list of named ranges, and in cell E2 we have used that name. As
range B2:B5 is named as “Quantity” and range C2:C5 is named as
“Amount”.

When you select quantity from drop-down indirect function

instantly refers to the named range. And when you select the
amount from the drop-down, you will have the sum of cell range
C2:C5.

11. LOOKUP Function

The LOOKUP function returns a value (which you are looking
up) from a row, column, or from an array. In simple words, you
can look up for a value, and LOOKUP will return that value if it’s
there in that row, column, or array.
Syntax
LOOKUP(value, lookup_range, [result_range])

There are two types of LOOKUP functions.

 Vector Form
 Array Form
Arguments
 value: The value that you want to search from a column or a
row.
 lookup_range: The column or row from which you want to
lookup for the value.
 [result_range]: The column or row from which you want to
return a value. This is an optional argument.
Notes
 Instead of using array form it’s better to use VLOOKUP or
HLOOKUP.

12. MATCH Function

The MATCH function returns the index number of the value
from an array. In simple words, the MATCH function looks up for a
value in the list and returns the position number of that value in the
list.
Syntax
MATCH (lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])

Arguments
 lookup_value: The value whose position you want to get from
a list of values.
 lookup_array: The range of cell or an array contains values.
 [match_type]: The number (-1, 0 & 1) to specify how excel
look for the value from the list of values.
 1. If you use 1, it will return the largest value which is equal or
less than the lookup value. The values in the list must be
sorted in ascending order.
2. If you use -1, it will return the smallest value which is equal
or greater than the lookup value. The values in the list must
be sorted in ascending order.
3. If you use 0, it will return the exact match from the list.
Notes
 You can use wildcard characters.
 If there is no matching value in the list if will return #N/A.
 The match function is non-case sensitive.
Example
In the below example, we have used 1 as match type and we are
looking for value 5.
As I have already mentioned if you use 1 in match type it returns
the largest value which is equal or smaller than the lookup value. In
the entire list, there are 3 values that are smaller than 5 and 4 is the
highest in them.

That’s why in the result it has returned 3 which is the position of

value 4.

13. OFFSET Function

The OFFSET function returns a reference to a range which is a
specific number of rows and columns away from a cell or range
of cells. In simple words, you can refer to a cell or a range of cells
by using rows and columns from a starting cell.
Syntax
OFFSET(reference, rows, cols, [height], [width])

Arguments
 reference: The reference from which you want to offset to
start. It can be a cell or range of adjacent cells.
 rows: The number of rows that tell OFFSET to move up or
down from the reference. To go downward you need a
positive number and for going upwards you need a negative
number.
 cols: The number of columns tells OFFSET to move to the left
or right from the reference. To go right you need a positive
number and for going left you need a negative number.
 [height]: A number to specify the rows to include in the
reference.
 [width]: A number to specify the columns to include in the
reference.
Notes
 OFFSET is a “volatile” function, it recalculates whenever there is
any change to a worksheet.
  It displays the #REF! error value if the offset is outside the
edge of the worksheet.
 If height or width is omitted, the height and width of reference
are used.
Example
In the below example, we have used SUM with OFFSET to create a
dynamic range which sums the values from all the months for a
particular product.

14. ROW Function

The ROW function returns the row number of the referred
cell. In simple words, with the ROW function, you can get the row
number of a cell and if you don’t refer to any cell then it returns the
row number for the cell where you insert it.
Syntax
ROW([reference])

Arguments
  reference: A cell reference or a range of cells for which you
want to check the row number.
Notes
 It will include all types of sheets (Chart Sheet, Worksheet or
Macro Sheet).
 You can refer to sheets even if they are visible, hidden or very
hidden.
 If you skip specifying any value in the function it will give you
the sheet number of the sheet in which you have applied the
function.
 If you specify an invalid sheet name, it will return a #N/A.
 If you specify an invalid sheet reference, it will return a #REF!.
Example
In the below example, we have used the row function check the row
number of the same cell where we have used the function.

In the below example, we have referred to another cell to get the

row number of that cell.
You can use the row function to create a serial number list in your
worksheet. All you have to do is just enter row functions in a cell
and drag it up to the cell you want to add serial numbers.
15. ROWS Function
The ROWS function returns a count of the rows from the
referred range. In simple words, with the ROWS function you can
count how many rows are in the range you have referred to.
Syntax
ROWS(array)

Arguments
 array: A cell reference or an array to check the number of
rows.
Notes
 You can also use a named range.
  It is not concerned with the values in the cells, it will simply
return the number of rows in a reference.
Example
In the below example, we have referred to a vertical range of 10
cells and it has returned 10 in the result as the range includes 10
rows.

16. TRANSPOSE Function

The TRANSPOSE function changes the orientation of a range. In
simple words, by using this function you can change the data from
a row into a column and from a column into a row.
Syntax
TRANSPOSE (array)

Arguments
 array: An array or a range you want to transpose.
Notes
 You have to apply TRANSPOSE as an array function, using the
same number of cells as you have in your source range by
pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
 If you select cells less than source range, it will transpose data
only for those cells.
Example
Here we need to transpose data from range B2:D4 to range G2 to
I4:

For this, first, we need to go to the cell G2 and select cell range up
to I4.
Next is to enter (=TRANSPOSE(B2:D4)) in cell G2 and press
Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

TRANSPOSE will convert the data from the rows into columns, and
the formula which we have applied is an array formula, you cannot
change a single cell from it.
17. VLOOKUP Function
The VLOOKUP function lookups for a value in the first column
of a table and returns the value from the same row of the
matched value using the index number. In simple words, it
performs a vertical lookup.
Syntax
VLOOKUP(lookup_value,table_array,col_index_num,range_lookup)
Arguments
 lookup_value: A value that you want to search in a column.
You can refer to a cell that has the lookup value or you can
directly enter that value into the function.
 table_array: A range of cells, a named range from which you
want to look up the value.
 col_index_num: A number represents the column number
from which you want to retrieve the value.
 range_lookup: Use false or 0 to make an exact match and true
or 1 for an appropriate match. The default is True.
Notes
 If VLOOKUP cannot find the value you are looking for, it will
return an #N/A.
  VLOOKUP is only able to give you the value which is on the
right side of the lookup value. If you want to look upon the
right side, you can use INDEX and MATCH for that.
 If you are using an exact match then it will only match the
value which is first in the column.
 You can also use wildcard characters with VLOOKUP.
 You can use TRUE or 1 if you want an appropriate match and
FALSE or 0 for an exact match.
 If you are using an appropriate match (True): It will return the
next smallest value from the list if there is no exact match.
 If the value which you are looking for is smaller than the
smallest value in the list, VLOOKUP will return #N/A.
 If there is an exact value exists which you are looking for, it will
give you that exact value.
 Make sure you have sorted the list in ascending order.
Example
1. Using VLOOKUP for Categories
In the below example, we have a list of students with marks they
have scored, and in the remarks column, we want to a grade
according to their marks.
In the above marks list, we want to add remarks as per the below
category range.

In this, we have two options to use.

FIRST is to create a nesting formula with IF which is a little bit time-

consuming, and the SECOND option is to create a formula with
VLOOKUP with an appropriate match. And, the formula will be:
=VLOOKUP(B2,$E$2:$G$5,3,TRUE)
How it works
I am using the “MIN MARKS” column to match the lookup value and
I am getting value in return from the “Remarks” column.

I have already mentioned that when you use TRUE and there is no
exact match lookup value then it will return the next smallest value
from the lookup value. For example, when we are looking for a
value 77 from the category table, 65 is the next smallest value after
77.

That is why we got “Good” in remarks.

2. Handling Errors in VLOOKUP Function

One of the most common problems which come when you are
using VLOOKUP is that you’ll get #N/A whenever there is no match
is found by it. But the solution to this problem is simple and easy.
Let me show with an easy example.

In the below example, we have a list of names and their age and in
cell E6, we are using the VLOOKUP function to look up a name from
the list. Whenever I type a name that is not on the list I am getting
#N/A.
But what I want here is to show a meaningful message instead of
the error. The formula will be: =IFNA(VLOOKUP(D6,Sheet3!
$A$1:$B$14,2,0),”Not Found”)
How it works: IFNA can test a value for #N/A and if there is an
error you can specify a value instead of the error.

8
Excel Information
Functions
Table of Content Close

1. CELL Function

2. INFO Function

3. ISBLANK Function

4. ISERR Function

5. ISERROR Function

6. ISEVEN Function

7. ISFORMULA Function

8. ISLOGICAL Function

9. ISNA Function

10. ISNONTEXT Function

11. ISNUMBER Function

12. ISODD Function

13. ISREF Function

14. ISTEXT Function

15. N Function
16. NA Function

17. SHEET Function

18. SHEETS Function

19. TYPE Function

20. ERROR.TYPE Function

More Excel Functions

sample file

1. CELL Function
The CELL function returns some specific information about the cell.
You can select (which you can specify in the function) from the
multiple types of information to get in the result.

Syntax
CELL(info_type, [reference])
Arguments
 info_type: Type of information you want to check about a cell.
You have a drop-down to select which type of information you
required about the reference.
 [reference]: Cell for which you want to get the information.
Notes
 If you change the format of a cell to update the result in the
function then you need to recalculate the worksheet.
Example
In the below example, we have used all the parameters to get
information about a cell. You can use this function with other
functions where you need to use information about a cell.
2. INFO Function
The INFO function returns information about the current operating
environment. You have seven different information types that you
can get by using the INFO function.

Syntax
INFO(type_text)
Arguments
 type_text: Information that you need as a result.
Notes
 You have 7 different parameters to get info about your current
operating environment.
Example
In the below example, we have used all the parameters to get info
about the current operating environment.

3. ISBLANK Function
The ISBLANK function returns TRUE if a cell is blank. In simple
words, with the ISBLANK function, you can refer to a cell and check
if they are blank or not and if it’s blank then it returns TRUE.

Syntax
ISBLANK(value)
Arguments
 value: A cell or a value that you want to test.
Notes
 ISERROR verifies an error in both of the conditions, either that
error is in absolute value or as a result of another formula.
  It will evaluate all types of errors from a cell. #N/A, #DIV/0!,
#NAME?, #NULL!, #NUM!, #REF!, and #VALUE!.
Example
In the below example, we have used ISBLANK with IF to deliver a
message to the user if cell F1 is blank.

4. ISERR Function
The ISERR Function returns TRUE if a value is an error other
than #N/A. Unlike ISERROR, you can check it considers all the
errors except #N/A and if there’s an error then it returns TRUE, else
FALSE.
Syntax
ISERR(value)
Arguments
 value: A cell reference or a value from which you want to
check the error.
Notes
 ISERR will verify an error in both of the conditions, either that
error is in absolute value or as a result of another formula.
  It evaluates all types of error from a cell #DIV/0! #NAME?
#NULL! #NUM! #REF!, and #VALUE! but not #N/A. To check
#N/A, you can use ISNA and ISERROR.
Example
In the below example, we have used ISERR with IF to get a specific
text if there is an error in the cell.

In the below example, we have used ISERR with an array range to

check the errors from a range of cells.
5. ISERROR Function
The ISERROR function returns TRUE if a value is an error. You
can check it considers all the errors and if there’s an error then it
returns TRUE, else FALSE.
Syntax
ISERROR(value)
Arguments
 value: A cell reference or a value from which you want to
check the error.
Notes
 ISERROR will verify an error in both conditions, either that
error is in absolute value or as a result of another formula.
 It will evaluate all types of errors from a cell. #N/A, #DIV/0!,
#NAME?, #NULL!, #NUM!, #REF! & #VALUE!.
Example
In the below example, we have used ISERROR with IF to get a
specific text if there is an error in a cell.

In the below example, we have used ISERROR with an array range to

check the error from a range of cells.
6. ISEVEN Function
The ISEVEN Function returns TRUE if the supplied value is an
EVEN number. In simple words, with ISEVEN you can check that
value is an even number or not.
Syntax
ISEVEN(number)
Arguments
 number: The value that you want to evaluate.
Notes
 You can also insert a number into function directly by using
double quotes or even without it.
 If you specify a non-numeric value it will return the #VALUE!
error value.
Example
Below we have used different arguments:
  It returns TRUE if the given number is even.
 It evaluates negative values in the same way.
 It treats 0 as an even number.
 If you specify a number with decimal points it ignores
decimals and evaluates the integer. In this example, it has
truncate .5 and evaluated 2.
 As Excel stores date as a serial number, it evaluates them in
the same manner.

7. ISFORMULA Function
The ISFORMULA function returns TRUE if the value supplied (or
the referred cell) has a formula and if their not formula in the
cell it returns a FALSE.
Syntax
ISFORMULA(reference)
Arguments
 reference: A cell reference that you want to evaluate.
Notes
 If cell reference is not a valid reference it will return #VALUE!.
  You can also use the shortcut key Control + ~ to display all
the formula in a worksheet.
Example
Below we have used different arguments:

 A simple addition calculation and it returns TRUE.

 A volatile function and it returns TRUE.
 One thing you have to note that ISFORMULA is concerned
with the formula in a cell not with the result of a formula. It will
return TRUE even if the result of the formula is empty or an
error.
 If there is any value other than formula in a cell it will return
FALSE.

8. ISLOGICAL Function
The ISLOGICAL function returns TRUE if the value supplied (or
the value in the cell referred) is a logical value. With a logical
value, means TRUE or FALSE. That means if the value is TRUE or
FALSE it returns a TRUE else FALSE.
Syntax
ISLOGICAL(value)
Arguments
 value: The value that you want to evaluate.
Notes
 If cell reference is not a valid reference it will return #VALUE!.
Example
Below we have used different arguments:

 In the FIRST cell, we have entered a simple TRUE value and in

the SECOND cell, we have used TRUE function. It has returned
TRUE for both of the values as both of the values are logical
values.
 In the THIRD and FOURTH cells, we have used FALSE value
and FALSE function respectively and it has returned the same
result for both of the values.
  In FIFTH and SIXTH, as logical values TRUE and FALSE have
numeric values 1 and 0 as well but ISLOGICAL will not treat
these number logical values.
 In SEVENTH and EIGHTH, we used text values to evaluate and
it returns FALSE.
 In the NINTH, we have used blank cell it returns FALSE and in
the TENTH, if value contains an error it will return a #N/A
value.

9. ISNA Function
The ISNA function returns TRUE if the value supplied (or the
value in the cell referred) is an #N/A error. In simple words, it
only considers the #N/A and returns TRUE, and FALSE for
everything.
Syntax
ISNA(value)
Arguments
 value: The cell reference or a value that you want to test.
Notes
 It will only consider #N/A, ignore other error values.
Example
In the below example, we have used ISNA to check different error
values and we have got TRUE only in the case of #N/A error value.
And in the below example, we have used IF and VLOOKUP with
ISNA to deliver a meaningful message to the user.
10. ISNONTEXT Function
The ISNONTEXT function returns TRUE if the value supplied (or
the value in the cell referred) is a non-text value. With non-text
means, means a number, date, a symbol, etc.
Syntax
ISNONTEXT(value)
Arguments
 value: A cell or a value that you want to test.
Notes
 If a number is enclosed in double quotation marks will be
treated as text and formula will return FALSE.
Example
In the below example, we have used it with IF to deliver a message
to the user if a non-text value will enter into the cell.
11. ISNUMBER Function
The ISNUMBER function returns TRUE if the value supplied (or
the value in the cell referred) is a number. In simple words, it
only considers the numeric value and ignores the rest.
Syntax
ISNUMBER(value)
Arguments
 value: A numeric value that you want to check.
Notes
 Numbers that are enclosed in double quotation marks will be
treated as text.
Example
In the below example, we have used ISNUMBER with IF to deliver an
alert message if a user enters a non-number value in cell F1.
12. ISODD Function
The ISODD function returns TRUE if the value supplied (or the
value in the cell referred) is an ODD number. In simple words, if
the value is a number which is divisible with 2 it returns TRUE, else
FALSE.
Syntax
ISODD(value)
Arguments
 value: Number which you want to test for the odd number.
Notes
 If the value is not a number it will return a #VALUE error.
 If a number is enclosed in double quotation marks it will treat
that number as a text and return FALSE.
Example
In the below example, we have used ISODD with IF to deliver an
alert message to the user if a number nested in the cell other than
an odd number.
13. ISREF Function
The ISREF function returns TRUE is the referred value is a valid
reference, else FALSE. In simple words, you can use ISREF to check
if a text value is a valid reference or not.
Syntax
ISREF(value)
Arguments
 value: The value for which you want to check for a valid
reference.
Notes
 If a valid reference address enclosed in double quotation
marks ISREF will not able to test that reference and return
FALSE even that reference is valid.
Example
In the below example, the fruit is a valid named range but when you
have used double quotation marks, ISREF is unable to test that
reference.
14. ISTEXT Function
The ISTEXT function returns TRUE if the value supplied (or the
value in the cell referred) is a text. In simple words, it only
considers the text and ignores all other types of values.
Syntax
ISTEXT(value)
Arguments
 value: The cell reference or value for which you want to test.
Notes
 Any number enclosed in the double quotation marks will be
treated as a text.
Example
In the below example, we have used ISTEXT with IF to create a
nesting formula to deliver an alert message if the user enters an
invalid name (other than a text).
15. N Function
The N function converts a Boolean into a number. In simple
words, it converts TRUE into 1 and FALSE into 2. These numbers are
the actual value of the boolean values.
Syntax
N(value)
Arguments
 value: A Boolean which you want to convert to a number
Notes
 In a real-life, N doesn’t have any use as a separate function as
Excel can automatically convert Boolean into numbers where
needed.
Example
In the below example, we have used N function to insert a comment
into a formula.
16. NA Function
The NA function returns the #N/A value. In simple words, the NA
function returns the error value #N/A in the result. The best use of
the NA function is to get an error when you have empty and
missing information in a cell.
Syntax
NA(value)
Arguments
 There’s no argument in NA.
Notes
 You can use NA with functions to returns an #N/A error.
Example
In the below example, we have inserted NA function in the cell A1
and it has simply returned #N/A.
17. SHEET Function
The SHEET function returns the sheet number for the reference
used. In simple words, the SHEET function returns the worksheet
number of the range you referred to in the function.
Syntax
SHEET(value)
Arguments
 [value]: The name of the sheet or reference to any cell in a
sheet
Notes
 It will include all types of sheets (Chart Sheet, Worksheet or
Macro Sheet).
 You can refer to sheets even if they are visible, hidden or very
hidden.
 If you skip specifying any value in the function it will give you
the sheet number of the sheet in which you have applied the
function.
 If you specify an invalid sheet name, it will return a #N/A.
 If you specify an invalid sheet reference, it will return a #REF!.
Example
In the below example, we have used different inputs to get the
sheet number.
Where we have invalid sheet name and invalid sheet reference, the
SHEET function has returned an error.

18. SHEETS Function

The SHEETS function returns a count of the worksheets from
the referred range. In simple words, with the SHEETS function you
can count how many sheets are in the range you have referred.
Syntax
SHEETS(reference)
Arguments
 reference: The Reference for which you want to count
numbers of sheets.
Notes
 It will include all types of sheets (Chart Sheet, Worksheet or
Macro Sheet).
 You can refer to sheets even if they are visible, hidden or very
hidden.
 If you skip specifying any value in the function it will give you
the count of total sheets in a workbook.
 If you specify an invalid reference, it will return a #REF!.
Example
In the below example, we have used 3D cell reference to get the
sum of cell A1 from five sheets and we have used the same
reference to get the count of sheets.

19. TYPE Function

The TYPE function returns a number that represents the type of
the value supplied. In simple words, the TYPE function returns a
specific number which represents the type of the supplied value.
Syntax
TYPE(value)
Arguments
 value – Reference of a cell or a value for which you want to
test the type.
Notes
 When you a test value from a cell that has a formula, then it
will test the value which is return by that formula.
 If you refer to a blank cell, it will return number 1 as a result.
 If you refer to a cell that contains a date, it will return 1 in a
result as a date has a value in number.
Example
In the below formula, we have used TYPE with IF.
=IF(TYPE(F3)<>1,”Enter Valid Quantity”,E3*F3)

In this formula, TYPE returns a number that represents the type of

the value, and then there’s a condition in the IF. If that number does
not equal the 1 which means is the supplied value is not a number
and IF returns the message “Enter a Valid Value”. And if it is there, it
multiples the quantity with the price.

20. ERROR.TYPE Function

The ERROR.TYPE function returns a number to which represents
the type of error you have in a cell. For each error type in Excel,
there is a specific number and if there’s no error it returns #N/A.
Syntax
ERROR.TYPE (error_val)
Arguments
 error_val: The value you want to evaluate for error.
Notes
  You can use it with other functions to test errors.
Example
In the below example, we have used ERROR.TYPE with VLOOKUP to
show a relevant message whenever an error occurs.

You can use this method to deliver a relevant message to the use

10
Excel Financial
Functions
Table of Content Close

1. FV Function

2. PMT
3. PV

More Excel Functions

More Excel Tutorials

sample files

1. FV Function
FV function returns the future value of an investment using constant
payments and a constant interest rate. In simple words, it will return
a future value of an investment where you have constant payments
and a constant interest rate throughout the investment period.

Syntax
FV(rate,nper,pmt,[pv],[type])
Arguments
 rate: A constant interest rate that you want to use in the
calculation.
 nper: Number of payments.
 pmt: A constant payment amount to pay periodically
throughout the investment time.
 [pv]: The present value of future payments. It must be entered
as a negative value. 0 if omitted.
 [type]: A number to specify when payment is due. 0 = at the
end of the period, 1 = at the beginning of the period.
Notes
 If pmt is the cash which you have paid (i.e deposits to saving,
etc), the value must be negative; and if it is the cash received
(income, dividends), the value must be positive.
 Make sure you have a specified rate and number of payments
in a consistent manner. If the rate is for an annual basis then
you have to specify payment periods on an annual basis as
well and if you want to specify payments on a monthly basis
you have to convert interest rate on a monthly basis by
dividing by 12. Same for a quarterly and half-yearly basis.
Example
In the below example, we have used 10% interest rate, 5 payments
on a yearly basis, $1000 payment amount, no PV amount and
payment type at the beginning of the period. And the function has
return 6716 in the result.

Let me explain to you the phenomena working behind the FV.

At the beginning of each period, it will calculate the interest on

payment and carry forward that amount (Actual Amount + Interest)
to the next period. And in the next period again the same
calculation will be done and so on. The best part of FV is that it can
do this step by step calculation for you in a single cell.

In the below example, we have used monthly payments.

For this, we have converted the annual interest rate into a month by
dividing by 12 and 60 months instead of 5 years and then, specified
10000 for payment. Note: You can also calculate compound
interest with FV.

2. PMT
PMT function returns a periodic payment of loan which you need to
pay. In simple words, it calculates the loan payment based on fixed
monthly payments and a constant rate of interest (loan payment
based on fixed monthly payments and a constant rate of interest).

Syntax
PMT(rate, nper, pv, [fv], [type])
Arguments
 rate: The rate of interest for the loan. This rate of interest
should be constant.
 nper: The total number of payments.
 pv: The present value or the total amount of loan.
 [fv]: The future value or the cash balance which you want after
the last payment. The default value is 0.
 [type]: Use 0 or 1 to specify the due time of payment. You can
use 0 when payment is due at the end of each payment or 1 if
payment is due at the start of each period. If you omit to
specify the type, it will assume 0.
Notes
 The amount of payment return by PMT only includes payment
and interest but not include taxes and other fees which are
related to the loan.
 You have to be sure while specifying the value for rate and
nper arguments. If you want to pay monthly installments on a
five-year loan at an annual interest rate of 8 percent, use
8%/12 for rate and 5*12 for nper. For annual payments on the
same loan, use 8 percent for rate and 5 for nper.
Example
Let’s say you want to take a 20 years mortgage loan for $250000 by
assuming 2.5% as an interest rate. Now here we can use PMT to
calculate your monthly installments.

In the above calculation, we have converted the annual interest rate

into monthly by dividing with 12 and years into months by
multiplying with 12.

But we have not mentioned any future value, and the payment type
is a default. So as a result, we have got a negative value, because
the amount of $987.80 is what we have to pay every month for 30
years.

3. PV
PV Function returns the present value of a financial investment
or a loan. In simple words, with the PV function you can calculate
the present value of an investment or a loan where you can check is
that.
Syntax
PV(rate, nper, pmt, [fv], [type])
Arguments
 rate: The rate of interest for the payment of the loan.
  nper: Total number of payment periods
 pmt: A constant amount of payment you have to make after
every period.
 [FV]: The future value or a cash balance of a loan or
investment you want to attain after the last payment is made.
If omitted, it will be assumed as 0.
 [type]: Time of the payment. Beginning of the period (use “0”)
or the end of the period (Use “1”).
Notes
1. The units you use as arguments should be consistent. For
example, If you are using periods in months (36 Months = 3
Years) then you have to convert the annual interest rate into a
monthly interest rate (6%/12 = 0.5%).
2. PV function is an annuity function. In annuity functions, the
cash payments by you are represented by negative numbers
and the payments you receive are represented by positive
numbers.
Example
Let’s say you want to invest $4000 in an investment plan and in
return, you’ll get $1000 at the end of each year for the next 5 years.
That means you’ll get a total of $5000 in the next 5 years. Now the
thing is, you have to evaluate that this investment is profitable or
not. You are investing $4000 today and the return will come to you
in the next 5 years.
In the above calculation, it has returned -4329. The present value of
your investment is $4329 and you are investing $4000 for it. Hence,
your investment is profitable.

More Excel Functions

String Functions | Date Functions | Time Functions |Logical
Functions |Math Functions |Statistical Functions |Lookup
Functions | Information Functions
6. Charts
Once you start working on data probably you need to present it to
someone, and a chart is one of the best ways for this.

In Excel, you have a whole list of charts that you can create. Once
you go to the Insert tab, and in the charts group you can find all the
charts which are available to use.

But to create a chart in Excel you need to have data in the right
format, and then you need to select the right type of the chart
(make sure to check out this guide on chart types).
For example, below you have 12 months of data for the sales
quantity.

You can create a column chart to present this monthly data.

But you can also use a line chart if you want to show the trend for
the 12 months.

But below you have product-wise is data.

And in this case, the perfect chart would be a pie chart where you
can present the quantity share of these products.
You can also use the recommended charts button to let Excel
recommend a chart type according to the data you have.

You just need to select the data and click on the recommended
chart button.
You can customize a chart in different ways. Once you select the
chart you will have Chart Design and Format tabs where you have
all the options for customization.

7. Sorting Data
Excel gives you a powerful option to sort data. To open the sort
option, you need to go to the Data Tab and then click on the Sort
button.

Now here you have 3 things to define:

 1. Sort by: The column to use as the base of sorting.
2. Sort on: In the sort of drop-down, you have 4 different options
to sort values on. You can use cell value, cell color, font color,
and conditional formatting.
3. Order: The order of sorting or a custom order.
You can also use more than one level of sorting. If you want to add
a new level simply click on the Add Level and then define all the
three things that we have discussed above.

8. Find and Replace Option

Just like any other application, Excel has its own find and replace
option. The shortcut key to open the find is Control +F and to find
and replace it is Control + R.
In the “Find what” input bar, enter the value that you want to find
and in the “Replace with” enter the value with which you want to
replace.
Now if you want to replace or find all the values, use the replace all
or find all buttons, otherwise, you can use “Find Next” and “Replace”
buttons for a single value.

And once you click on the options button, you’ll see that there are
some advanced options that you can use.

1. Perform case sensitive find and replace.

2. Find and replace in the entire workbook.
3. Find and replace using the cell format.
4. And you can also find values from comments and notes.
9. Paste Special Option
Paste special option gives you complete control on how you want
to paste values in a cell.

To open the page special option, you need to go to the Home tab
and then click on the dropdown “Paste” and click on the paste
special (You can also open the page special from the right-click
menu).

In the paste special dialog box, you have multiple options that you
can use.

Let’s say, you have a cell where you have a formula, but you only
want to copy and paste the value from that cell. In this case, simply
copy that cell and use the “Values” option from the paste special
options on the destination cell.
Or if you want to copy and paste format from one cell to another
you can use the “Formats” option.

Related: Format Painter

10. Keyboard Shortcuts
From Excel 2007 to Excel 2019, you can locate a keyboard shortcut
by pressing the ALT key. On pressing it, it shows the shortcut keys
for the options which are there on the ribbon, just like below.

And from here you can download (Excel Shortcuts Cheat Sheet) that
covers the top eighty keyboard shortcuts for Excel.

Knowing and using Keyboard Shortcuts while using Excel is one of

those Basic Excel Skills that can help you save a ton of time every
day. There are more than 500 keyboard shortcuts that you can use
in Excel but the problem is not all of those can be helpful for you.
That’s why I have listed only the 82 most important keyboard
shortcuts that you can learn and use easily. If somehow you are not
able to find a keyboard shortcut for the option that you use
frequently in your work, you can use the following method to find it.

Here’s the tip: When you press the ALT‌key Excel shows you the
keys that you can use to open the tab from the ribbon.

And when you press a key for a particular tab to open it further
shows you the keys to open the options that you have on that tab,
so one for further drop-downs.

Table of Content Close

Tips to make best out of this shortcut cheat sheet

Download the Cheat Sheet (PDF)

Basic Keys

Formatting Keys

Insert & Layout Keys

Functions and Data Shortcuts

My Favorite Keyboard Shortcuts

Tips to make best out of this

shortcut cheat sheet
  Replace your 10 most used options with shortcuts.
 Make your fingers learn the shortcut keys.

Download the Cheat Sheet (PDF)

Download

Basic Keys
Key Description

Control + Up Arrow move to the top end

Control + Down Arrow move to the down end

Control + Right Arrow move to the right end

Control + Left Arrow move to the left end

Control + C copy

Control + V paste

Control + X cut

Control + S save

Control + P print

Control + F4 save as

Control + Z undo the last action

Control + Y redo the last action

Control + A select all

Key Description

Control + Spacebar select entire column

Shift + Spacebar select entire row

Delete delete

F2 edit cell

Esc close edit mode

F1 help

Menu Button right-click menu

Formatting Keys
Keys Description

Ctrl + B bold

Ctrl + I italic

Ctrl + U underline

Ctrl + ! open format menu

Ctrl + Shift + @ format as time value

Ctrl + Shift + # format as a date

Ctrl + Shift + $ format as currency

Ctrl + Shift + % format as percentage

Alt → H → O → I / A adjust cell width to content

Alt → H → B → A apply border

Keys Description

Alt H F C change font color

Alt H H change cell color

Alt H A C align text to the center

Alt H M C merge cell

Alt H W wrap text

Alt H F F change font style

Alt H F S change font size

Alt H L N add conditional formatting

Alt H T format as table

Alt H J style cell

Insert & Layout Keys

Keys Description

Alt N V insert pivot table

Alt N T insert table

Alt N P insert picture

Alt N S H insert shape

Alt N S C insert charts

Alt N I insert hyperlink

Keys Description

Alt N X insert text box

Alt N J insert object

Alt N U insert symbol

Alt N H insert header & footer

Alt N Z K open sparklines

Alt W V F hide/unhide formula bar

Alt W V H hide/unhide heading

Alt W V G hide/unhide gridlines

Alt W Q C change zoom

Alt W F F freeze pane

Alt W F I page break view

Alt W F C custom view

Alt W F P page layout view

Alt W A arrange windows

Functions and Data Shortcuts

Keys

Shift + F3 insert function

Alt M R recently used functions

Keys

Alt M I financial functions

Alt M L logical functions

Alt M T text functions

Alt M E date and time functions

Alt M O lookup functions

Alt M G math and trig functions

Alt M Q more functions

Alt + = auto sum

Alt M N name manager

Alt D F F add filters

Alt A V V insert data validation

Alt A M remove duplicates

Alt A R A refresh all

Alt A E open text to column

Alt A G group rows and columns

Alt A U ungroup rows and columns

Alt A B add subtotal

Alt A S S open sort

Keys

My Favorite Keyboard Shortcuts

Key

Alt H O R rename a worksheet

Alt + F1 insert the default chart

More Tutorials on Basic Excel Skills

Intermediate Excel Skills

Now once you master the basic stuff the next thing you need to
understand is the Intermediate Excel Skills. Basically, these skills
include options and methods to manage and work data in an
efficient way.

11. Go to Special
The GO TO SPECIAL option helps you navigate to a specific cell or a
range of cells within the worksheet. To open it you need to go to
the Home Tab ➜ Editing ➜ Find and Select ➜ Go To special.
As you can see it has different options that you can use and select
the different kinds of cells.

For example, if you want to select all the cells which are blank, you
simply need to select the blank and click OK, and it will instantly
select all the blank cells.
In the same way, if you want to select cells that have formulas and
return numbers, you need to select formulas and then tick mark
numbers and then click OK.

12. Pivot Table

Pivot tables are one of the best ways to analyze data. You can
create a summary table out of a large data set. To create a pivot
table, follow the below steps:

 First, go to the Insert Tab and click on the pivot table button.

 You’ll have a dialog box to specify the source data, but as you
have already selected the data it takes the range automatically.
  Once you click OK, you will have a sidebar just like below
where you can define the rows, columns, and values for the
pivot table that you can simply drag and drop. And now, add
“Age” to the rows, “Education” to the column, and “First
Name” to the values.

Once you define all, you’ll have a pivot chart like below.

More on Pivot Tables

 Rank in a Pivot Table
 Update Pivot Table Range Automatically
 Pivot Table Calculated Field
 Grouping Dates in Pivot Table
  Link multiple Pivot Tables to One Slicer
 Add a Date Timeline to the Current Pivot Table
 Refresh All Pivot Tables
 Running total in Pivot Table
 Advanced Pivot Table Tips
13. Named Range
Named Range is about giving a name to a cell or range of cells. In
Excel, every cell has its address which is a combination of row and
column.

Related: Excel R1C1 Style

But with the named range you can give that cell or the range of
cells a specific name (Generic) and then you can use that name to
refer to it.

Let’s say you have a tax percentage in the cell A1 and now instead
of using the reference, you can give a name to it and then use that
name in every calculation.

 To create a named range, you need to go to the Formula Tab

➜ Define Names ➜ Define name.

 Now in the define name dialogue box, you need to define the
following things:
 1. Name of the range.
2. Scope to use that range in the entire workbook or just in the
worksheet.
3. Comment if you want to add any.
4. And then the address of the cell or the range.
Now once you click OK, Excel will assign that name to the cell A1
and you can use that in formulas to refer to the cell A1.

In the same way, you can also create a named range for the range
of cells and then you can refer it in the formulas.

14. Drop Down Lists

A drop-down list is basically a predefined list of values that can help
you to quickly enter the data in a cell. To create a dropdown list,
you need to go to the Data Tab ➜ Data Tools ➜ Data Validation ➜
Data Validation.
Now in the data validation dialog box, you need to select the list
from the allow and then in the source you need to refer to the
range from where you want to take values (You can also insert
values directly into the source input box).

In the end, click OK

Now when you go back to the cell, you’ll have a dropdown list from
where you can select the value to insert to the cell.
More on Drop Down Lists
 Dependent Drop-Down List
 Dynamic Drop-Down List

15. Conditional Formatting

The basic idea of conditional formatting is to use conditions and
formulas for formatting and the best part is there are more than 20
options that you can apply with a single click.

Let’s say if you want to highlight all the duplicate values from a
range of cells, you just need to go to the Home Tab ➜ Conditional
Formatting ➜ Highlight Rules ➜ Duplicate Values.
And you also have data bars, color skills, and icons to apply.

Make sure to explore all the options and check out this guide if you
want to learn using formulas in conditional formatting.
16. Excel Table
Excel table converts normal data into a structured table where you
can sort, filter, and analyze data easily.

To convert your normal data into an Excel table all you need to do is
use the keyboard shortcut key Control + T or you can also go to
the Insert tab ➜ Table.

Check out this complete overview of Excel tables by Microsoft.

Related: Excel Slicer
17. Idea Button
If you’re using Office 365 you can have access to the new Idea
Button introduced by Microsoft that can help you to analyze your
data in an easy way by recommending the possible ways to create:

 Pivot Tables
  Trendline Charts
 Frequency Distribution Chart
You simply need to select the data and then click on the idea
button which is on the home tab.

It takes a few seconds to analyze the data and then it shows you a
list of possible outcomes.

18. Using Sparklines

Sparklines are tiny charts that you can insert in a cell, based on a
range of data.

To insert a sparkline you need to go to the Insert Tab ➜ Sparklines.

There are 3 types of sparklines that you can insert in a cell.

 Line
 Column
 Win-Loss

When you click on the sparkling button it shows you a dialog box
where you need to select the data range and the destination range
of the sparkling.

Apart from this, you have options to customize a sparkline by

changing its color, adding markers, and much more from the
sparkline tab.
19. Text to Column
With text to column option, you can split a single column into
multiple columns using a separator. It’s one of the best ways to
clean and transform your data.

Look at the below table where you have a column with names and
between first name and last name there is a space.

You can split this column into two different columns (first name and
last name) using text to column by using space as a separator.

 First, go to the Data Tab and click on the Text to Column.

  Now, from the dialog box select delimiter and click next.

 After that, tick-mark the space. As you can see it has separated
values from the column using the space.

 In the end, click next and then finish.

The moment you click the finish, it converts that one column of full
names into two different columns (first and last name).
20. Quick Analysis Tool
As the name suggests the Quick Analysis Tool allows you to analyze
the data with one or two clicks. What I’m trying to say is, it has
some of the selected options that can help you to analyze and
present the data.
Below you have student data with their score the moment you
select it you get a small icon at the bottom of the screen which is
the button for quick analysis tool.

Now when you click on it, it shows you a few tabs from where you
can select options. Now let’s explore each tab one by one.

 Formatting: This tab allows you to add conditional formatting

to the selected table, like, data bars, color scale, icon sets, and
other conditional formatting rules.
 Charts: This tab shows you some of the recommended charts
which you can insert with the selected data or you can also
click on the more charts to select a specific chart.

 Total: From this tab you can quickly add some of the basic
formulas, like, average count, running total, and many more.

 Table: From this tab, you can insert a pivot table with the
selected data, and you can also apply an Excel table to it.

 Sparklines: This tab allows you to add sparklines that are

basically tiny charts that you can create within a cell.
Advanced Excel Skills
Advanced Excel skills are more about solving complex problems and
make you efficient to do all the work to do in Excel, and below you
have top advanced Excel skills that you need to master.

21. Advanced Excel Formulas

An ADVANCED EXCEL FORMULA means combining different Excel
functions to calculate a specific value which is not possible to
calculate otherwise. Below is the list of some of the most important
ones:

Advanced Formula Examples

22. Advanced Excel Charts

As you have already seen that you can create most of the charts in
Excel with a few clicks, but apart from all those charts you can also
create some advanced charts.
Advanced Excel Charts are for a specific purpose and need you to
spend a few minutes to learn how to create and how they presented
data. Below you have a list (tutorials) for some of the Advanced
charts that you can learn to create in Excel.
Advanced Chart Examples

23. Visual Basic for Applications

VBA is an object-oriented programming language for Microsoft
office applications, and you can use it in Excel to write VBA codes to
automate the activities that you normally perform manually.
VBA Tutorials
 What is VBA
 Excel Programming
 Record a Macro
 Run a Macro
 VBA Editor
 Personal Macro Workbook
 VBA Codes Library

24. Power Query

If you work with data, I’m sure you face this situation where you
need to clean and transform data before you use it.
Now the thing is cleaning data and transforming data is a tedious
process and you need to spend a big chunk of your time on it every
day. But with the power query, you can do this entire process of
cleaning and transform with a few clicks.
Power query basically works as an ETL where you can extract data
from different sources, transform it, and then load it back to the
worksheet. Check out this complete tutorial on Power Query and
do not forget to learn to combine multiple Excel files.
25. Power Pivot
Power Pivot is basically a data modeling technique that you can use
to import data of millions of rows, from multiple sources, and then
perform calculations (DAX).

To get started with Power Pivot:

 Introduction to Power Pivot

 Power Pivot – Overview and Learning

Learn more…
 Excel Tips and Tricks
 Excel Watch Window
 Excel Formula Bar
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