When you need to write formulas (or use functions) that refer to data in columns, you can often simplify them by referring to entire columns instead of exact addresses. A formula like AVERAGE(K:K), compared with AVERAGE(K2:K932), is not only easier to read, but also doesn't need to be altered if the list grows.
- [Voiceover] You can write certain kinds of formulas…much faster if you're using entire column references.…We're on a worksheet called HR List.…I'll click one of the cells,…for example, in column G,…just double click the bottom edge.…It's 742 rows.…Now, we might want to get a total here.…Keep in mind, you can click a column letter…and depending upon how you have totals displayed…in the status bar at the bottom of the screen,…you might be seeing a total that's readable and workable.…But we might want to have this data on the worksheet.…And if we were simply typing in a formula here…for total compensation,…we certainly could be typing equal sum…and refer to K two down to K 742.…
Nothing wrong with that.…But there certainly is a faster way.…There's nothing in column K…except those compensation numbers.…So, if we want to write a formula in cell M two,…why not simply begin with a shortcut for AutoSum?…That's alt + equal.…And we certainly don't want to add up those two cells.…Excel often makes a guess…when you put in the sum function this way.…
Author
Dennis Taylor
Released
4/21/2016The course then dives into data entry and editing techniques, formatting and drag-and-drop tricks, keyboard shortcuts for working with formulas, data management strategies, and chart tricks. Short on time? Make sure to check out the "10 Tiny Tips" chapter for a quick productivity boost.
- Entering today's date or time instantly
- Converting formulas to values with a simple drag
- Undoing and redoing with keyboard commands
- Accessing the Ribbon from the keyboard
- Creating split screens fast
- Navigating in workbooks quickly
- Selecting noncontiguous ranges
- Entering data more efficiently
- Dragging and dropping data
- Performing calculations without formulas
- Applying formatting with keyboard shortcuts
- Using database techniques to work with Excel data
- Working with charts, shapes, and linked images
Skill Level Beginner
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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Welcome33s
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1. Top 10 Shortcuts
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Zoom in and out quickly3m 23s
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2. Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar Tips
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3. Display Shortcuts
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4. Navigation Shortcuts
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Navigate within worksheets7m 10s
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5. Selection Shortcuts
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6. Data Entry and Editing Shortcuts
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Accelerate data entry9m 54s
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Enhance editing tools3m 40s
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7. Drag and Drop Techniques
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8. Formula Shortcuts
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Create formulas rapidly6m 26s
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Use AutoSum shortcuts3m 53s
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Use rounding shortcuts5m 30s
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Generate random numbers5m 3s
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9. Operational Shortcuts
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Re-align imported text5m 44s
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10. Formatting Shortcuts
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11. Data Management Techniques
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12. Charting and Visual Object Tips
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13. Ten Tiny Tips
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Conclusion
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Goodbye33s
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Video: Create formulas rapidly