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Time-Saving Excel Tips

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    Flash Fill

    Flash Fill can recognize patterns in your data and automatically fill in a column without the need for formulas. In this example, a list of names in Last Name, First Name format is changed to First Name Last Name. 

    1. Enter the desired result in the first cell of an adjacent column.
    2. Click the Fill Menu, then Flash Fill.

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    Auto Fill

    Use Auto Fill to quickly generate a series of numbers or dates. Select the starting cell, then bring the cursor to the cell's bottom right corner. Click and drag down the column. You may need to use the Auto Fill menu to change from Copy to Fill Series or vice versa. This functionality also works for dates.

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    Auto-Resize Multiple Columns/Rows

    To automatically adjust the width of multiple columns or rows, highlight the columns/rows to be resized. then double click the boundary between any two columns/rows.

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    Auto Sum

    Use Auto Sum to quickly total a column. The Auto Sum button also includes quick access to functions for average, count, max and min.

    1. Select the cell at the bottom of the column that needs to be totaled.
    2. Click the Auto Sum button.
    3. Press the Enter key.

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    Format Painter

    Use the Format Painter tool to copy formatting such as font, color, outlines, and alignment. Click into the cell whose formatting you want to copy, select the Format Painter tool, then highlight the cells that need to be formatted.

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    Text to Columns

    Use the Text to Columns tool to separate pieces of data that are in the same cell. In this example, first and last names need to be moved from a single cell into separate ones.

    1. Highlight the cells that need to be separated.
    2. Click the Data tab, then Text Columns.
    3. Click Next. In this case, our items are delimited with spaces.
    4. Click Next. Excel can usually figure out what character creates the separation between items (in this case a space).
    5. Click Finish. The data format can be adjusted if needed.

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    Insert a Table

    Converting your data to a table is very helpful organization and filtering. In this example, we'll sort names alphabetically while keeping the rest of the row intact. The table will automatically expand as you enter more data.

    1. Click anywhere inside your data.
    2. Click the Insert tab, then Table.
    3. Click OK.
    4. Use the dropdown menus at the top of a column to sort and filter the data.

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