When to Use?
Use Excel to analyze and format data.
Procedure
I. Automatically fill a column with Flash Fill
For example, automatically fill a First Name column from a Full Name column.
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In the cell under First Name, type Molly and press Enter.
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In the next cell, type the first few letters of Garret.
- When the list of suggested values appears, press Return.
Select Flash Fill Options
for more options.
Try it! Select File > New, select Take a tour, and then select the Fill Tab.
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II. Quickly calculate with AutoSum
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Select the cell below the numbers you want to add.
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Select Home > AutoSum
- Press Enter.
Tip: For more calculations, select the down arrow next to AutoSum, and select a calculation.
You can also select a range of numbers to see common calculations in the status bar. See View summary data on the status bar.
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III. Create a chart
Use the Quick Analysis tool to pick the right chart for your data.
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Select the data you want to show in a chart.
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Select the Quick Analysis button
to the bottom-right of the selected cells.
- Select Charts, hover over the options, and pick the chart you want.
Try it! Select File > New, select Take a tour, and then select the Charts tab. For more information, see Create charts.
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IV. Use conditional formatting
Use Quick Analysis to highlight important data or show data trends.
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Select the data to conditionally format.
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Select the Quick Analysis button
to the bottom-right of the selected cells.
- Select Formatting, hover over the options, and pick the one you want.
Try it! Select File > New, select Take a tour, and then select the Analyze Tab.
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V. Freeze the top row of headings
Freeze the top row of column headings so that only the data scrolls.
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Press Enter or Esc to make sure you are done editing a cell.
- Select View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Top Row.
For more information, see Freeze panes.
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