When data is improperly grouped in a column, like first name and last name or City, State Zip, you cannot sort the list by last name, State, or Zip. Use the Text to Columns command on the Data tab to split data into multiple columns based on space or comma or use Flash Fill on the Data tab after typing a sample new entry.
- [Voiceover] On this worksheet called Mixed Names…we've got data in columns A and B.…And eventually we'll have additional data off to the right.…And of course this list could be extremely large.…Two major problems exist in its current state.…We cannot sort this list by last name.…You see how the names are ordered there:…first name, last name in column A.…We cannot sort the list by state,…we cannot sort it by zip code.…There're two major approaches to cleaning up this data.…On the Data tab you'll see a choice called Text to Columns.…
Now as I slide over this, you'll see the description:…"Split a single column of text into multiple columns.…"For example, you can separate a column of full names…"into separate first and last name columns.…"You choose how to split it up: fixed width…"or split at each comma, period, or other character."…So that's a standard technique and it works well.…But even better much of the time and often faster…is a new feature called Flash Fill.…"Automatically fill in values.…"Enter a couple of examples you want as output…
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: Split column data using Text to Columns and Flash Fill