This is the second post in the Stop Wasting Time series. In this post, we learn how Power Query can help us update our report in less time. After all, why would we want to spend more time than necessary updating it? That is called “wasting time” and we just don’t like wasting such a […]
This is the first post in a series that shows how to transform a monthly report from being updated manually to automatically. Along the way, we’ll see how classic Excel features like tables and SUMIFS can help somewhat, and then how modern Excel features like Power Query and the data model can help even more. […]
The past several posts have illustrated various ways to apply dynamic array formulas and their spill ranges. Kent asked if we could use spill ranges to create a dynamic chart to visualize the future value of an investment portfolio. For example, start with someone’s current portfolio value and then apply an assumed growth rate and […]
Let’s say we have a data-entry table, where we type or paste new transactions. We would like a copy of each transaction to be directed to a specific worksheet, depending on the transaction type. For example, sales transactions should flow from the data-entry table into another worksheet that displays all sales transactions. Returns should flow […]
One reason we love PivotTables is that they automatically expand to include new items. For example, we have a PivotTable that summarizes transactions by account. Then next month, we paste new transactions into the data table and there is a new account. To get this new account included in our report, all we do is […]
This is the second post in a series on dynamic array formulas and spill ranges. In this post, we’ll create a dynamic amortization schedule … and it is actually pretty fun! Before we had spill ranges, it was a hassle to update an amortization schedule when the number of periods changed. That is, you may […]
A while ago, I wrote about creating dependent (aka cascading, dynamic, or conditional) drop-downs using data validation. This is where you have a primary drop-down, and the choices in the related secondary drop-down depend on the selection made in the first drop-down. Well, this process became MUCH easier with the introduction of dynamic array functions […]
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post on how to create a graphical calendar using a PivotTable. I received a few questions about how to insert event names into the calendar. Generally, PivotTable value fields support numeric values (such as day 1, 2, 3), and not text values (such as Filing Deadline or […]
My Excel-friend John Michaloudis has compiled a podcast with tips from 17 Excel experts and MVPs. He does this annually, and this year he has put together a great collection of tips. This year, you’ll hear tips from: Bill Jelen John Michaloudis Mynda Treacy Jeff Lenning Jon Acampora Danielle Stein Fairhurst Ken Puls Kyle Pew […]
Excel has numerous date-related features and functions. In this post, we’ll explore a few of them. We need an illustration that will tie them all together, so, we’ll create a graphical calendar with a PivotTable. Even if you don’t need a graphical calendar in your workbooks, the underlying mechanics that enable us to build it […]