Undocumented, Unloved and Unused Excel Functions
Following on from Chandoo’s MLookup function published on 1st April 2011, I thought it might be worth documenting a few undocumented, no-longer documented and rarely used Excel functions.
Although some of the functions below aren’t documented they still work as of Excel 2010.
Users should be cautious with their use going forward as Microsoft may withdraw them from future versions of Excel.
But if you see them appear in older Excel models at least you’ll be the full bottle.
This post will look at the following functions:
- Datedif
- Roundup
- RoundDown
- Evaluate
- Convert
- Roman
- FactDouble
- Bahttext
Worked examples of all these functions are presented in the Example File which is compatible with all versions of Excel.
Datedif
The DATEDIF function computes the difference between two dates in a variety of different intervals, such number of years, months, or days.
This function is available in all versions of Excel since at least version 5/95, but is documented in the help file only for Excel 2000.
By the way, do not confuse the DATEDIF worksheet function with the VBA DateDiff function.
Use:
=DATEDIF(Start Date, End Date, Interval)
Where:
Start Date must be less than the End Date.
Interval is the interval type to return.
Interval value must be one of the following:
| Interval | Meaning | Description |
| m | Months | Complete calendar months between the dates. |
| d | Days | Number of days between the dates. |
| y | Years | Complete calendar years between the dates. |
| ym | Months Excluding Years | Complete calendar months between the dates as if they were of the same year. |
| yd | Days Excluding Years | Complete calendar days between the dates as if they were of the same year. |
| md | Days Excluding Years And Months | Complete calendar days between the dates as if they were of the same month and same year. |
If you are including the Interval string directly within the formula, you must enclose it in double quotes:
=DATEDIF(Date1,Date2,”m”)
Examples:
| Start Date | 13/01/1963 | ||
| End Date | 12/05/2011 | ||
| Years | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”Y”) | 48 | |
| Months | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”M”) | 579 | |
| Days | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”D”) | 17651 | |
| Months Exc. Years | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”ym”) | 3 | |
| Days Exc. Years | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”yd”) | 119 | |
| Days Exc. Years & Months | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”mD”) | 29 | |
| Start Date > End Date | =DATEDIF($D$5,$D$4,”Y”) | #NUM! | |
Use of the Datedif function on Chandoo.org:
Datedif has been used a number of times at Chandoo.org
http://chandoo.org/forums/topic/how-to-calculate-age-from-their-dob
http://chandoo.org/wp/2009/09/22/elapsed-time-excel/
http://chandoo.org/wp/2008/08/26/date-time-tips-ms-excel/
Disclaimer:
Although the Datedif function above isn’t documented it still works as of Excel 2010. Users should be cautious with their use going forward as Microsoft may withdraw support for them in future Excel versions.
ROUNDUP() and ROUNDDOWN()
The Roundup and Rounddown functions rounds a number up or down, away from zero and have pretty much been replaced by the Round function.
Use:
The Roundup function rounds a number up, away from zero.
=ROUNDUP(number, num_digits)
The Rounddown function rounds a number down, towards zero.
=ROUNDDOWN(number, num_digits)
Roundup() behaves similarly to the Round() function, except that it always rounds a number up based on the following rules:
- If num_digits is greater than 0, then number is rounded up to the specified number of decimal places.
- If num_digits is 0 or omitted, then number is rounded up to the nearest integer.
- If num_digits is less than 0, then number is rounded up to the left of the decimal point.
Examples:
ROUNDUP(4.1,0) equals 5
ROUNDUP(106.9,0) equals 107
ROUNDUP(3.14159, 3) equals 3.142
ROUNDUP(-3.14159, 1) equals -3.2
ROUNDUP(31415.926, -2) equals 31500
Rounddown() behaves similarly to the Round() function, except that it always rounds a number down based on the following rules:
- If num_digits is greater than 0, then number is rounded down to the specified number of decimal places.
- If num_digits is 0 or omitted, then number is rounded down to the nearest integer.
- If num_digits is less than 0, then number is rounded down to the left of the decimal point.
Examples:
ROUNDDOWN(4.1, 0) equals 4
ROUNDDOWN(106.9,0) equals 106
ROUNDDOWN(3.14159, 3) equals 3.141
ROUNDDOWN(-3.14159, 1) equals -3.1
ROUNDDOWN(31415.92654, -2) equals 31400
Use on the Roundup and Rounddown functions on Chandoo.org:
The Roundup and Rounddown functions have been used several times at Chandoo.org
Roundup
http://chandoo.org/wp/2010/04/29/quarterly-totals-from-monthly-data/
http://chandoo.org/wp/2010/04/30/quarterly-totals-multi-year-data/
Rounddown
http://chandoo.org/wp/2010/04/30/quarterly-totals-multi-year-data/
http://chandoo.org/wp/2009/07/06/excel-formulas-round-sort/
Evaluate
Evaluate is an Excel ver 4.0 macro function which is still supported and functional in Excel 2010.
The Evaluate function allows for the evaluation of a text equation as an algebraic equation.
The evaluate function cannot be used as a spreadsheet function but can be used in Named Ranges.
It is probably best described by example; Evaluate 1, from the Example File.
Example:
Say you have a polynomial equation in a cell as Text A1: ‘=X2 + 5*Y – Z
Setup 3 named ranges, X, Y , Z with values X=10, Y=5 and Z=3
You can use Evaluate in a a Named Range eg: Result =Evaluate(SheetName!$A$1)
And then on a worksheet =Result, which will return the answer 122 = 102 + 5*5 – 3
Evaluate can be used to allow graphing of equations without use of worksheet functions or even worksheet ranges, an example of each is shown in the examples file as Evaluate 2 and Evaluate 3 .
Evaluate 2: Uses a Range as the X Values and a Named Range using the Evaluate function as the calculated Y Values
Evaluate 3: Uses Named Ranges as the X Values and as the calculated Y Values based on an Evaluate function
Use of the Evaluate function on Chandoo.org:
Not Used
Convert
Converts a number from one measurement system to another.
For example, CONVERT can translate a table of distances in Kilometres to a table of distances in Miles.
Convert includes 49 units spread amongst the following 10 categories
| Category | No Units |
| Weights & Mass, | 5 |
| Time | 5 |
| Force | 3 |
| Power | 2 |
| Temperature | 3 |
| Distance | 8 |
| Pressure | 3 |
| Energy | 9 |
| Magnetism | 2 |
| Liquid Measures | 9 |
Use:
=Convert(number, From Unit, To Unit)
A list of all the Conversion Units and Conversion Prefixes is included on the Conversion Factors tab of the Examples File.
Examples:
| Example | Result | Description (Result) |
| =CONVERT(5, “lbm”, “kg”) | 2.27 | Converts a 5 pound mass to kilograms (2.267) |
| =CONVERT(80, “F”, “C”) | 6.67 | Converts 80 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius (26.6) |
| =CONVERT(1, “ft”, “kg”) | #N/A | Data types are not the same so an error is returned (#N/A) |
| ‘=CONVERT(CONVERT(100,”ft”,”m”),”ft”,”m”) | 9.29 | Converts 100 square feet into square meters (9.290304). |
A list of all the Conversion Units and Conversion Prefixes is included on the Conversion Factors tab of the Examples File.
Use of the Convert function on Chandoo.org
http://chandoo.org/forums/topic/convert-function
Roman
The Roman function converts a number to Roman format.
Use:
=ROMAN(number, form)
=ROMAN(45 ) = XLV
Form is a number specifying the type of roman numeral you want. The roman numeral style ranges from Classic to Simplified, becoming more concise as the value of form increases.
| Form | Type |
| 0 or omitted | Classic. |
| 1 | More concise. See example below. |
| 2 | More concise. See example below. |
| 3 | More concise. See example below. |
| 4 | Simplified. |
| TRUE | Classic. |
| FALSE | Simplified. |
Example:
| Example | Formula | Description (Result) | |
| =ROMAN(2011) | MMXI | Converts 2011 to Roman (MMXI) | |
| =ROMAN(499,0) | Classic or Omited | CDXCIX | Converts 499 to Roman (CDXCIX) |
| =ROMAN(499, True) | Classic | CDXCIX | Converts 499 to Roman (CDXCIX) |
| =ROMAN(499,1) | More Concise | LDVLIV | Converts 499 to Roman (LDVLIV) |
| =ROMAN(499,2) | More Concise | XDIX | Converts 499 to Roman (XDIX) |
| =ROMAN(499,3) | More Concise | VDIV | Converts 499 to Roman (VDIV) |
| =ROMAN(499,4) | Simplified | ID | Converts 499 to Roman (ID) |
| =ROMAN(499, False) | Simplified | ID | Converts 499 to Roman (ID) |
Use of the Roman function on Chandoo.org:
Nil
Factdouble
Factdouble returns the double factorial of a number and is expressed in mathematics as n!!
Double factorials are used in probability theory and other higher levels of mathematics and is really just a way to simplify an otherwise complex expression
If the number is Even Factdouble = n(n-2)(n-4)…(4)(2)
If the number is Odd Factdouble = n(n-2)(n-4)…(3)(1)
So it is simpler to write 10!! than 10x8x6x4x2
Use:
=Factdouble( number )
Example:
| Example | Result | Description (Result) |
| =Factdouble(8) | 384 | Factdouble of 8 = 8x6x4x2 = 384 |
| =Factdouble(9) | 945 | Factdouble of 9 = 9x7x5x3x1 = 945 |
Use of the Factdouble function on Chandoo.org
Not used
Bahttext
Converts a number to Thai Text represention of the number
Use:
=Battext( Number)
Example:
=Bahttext(250) , Returns 
Use of the Bahttext function on Chandoo.org:
Not used
Examples
An example file with worked examples from all the above functions is available from the following link; Example File
The file is compatible with all Excel versions.
What Functions Have You Discovered?
What Functions Have You Stumbled Onto?
Let us know in the comments below:
39 Responses to “11 very useful excel keyboard shortcuts you may not know”
You asked about a favorite keyboard shortcut: I often right click the navigation arrows at the bottom of an Excel workbook to get a list of the worksheets. I can click the one I want without having to scroll left or right.
I regularly use the networkdays(x,y,z) function to show the number of working days between two given dates. To exclude public holidays I reference a list of dates ("z" in the above reference) which I periodically update to reflect upcoming non-working days. To keep the sheet looking tidy for other users, I like to hide this column when I'm done, and then unhide it when I update the sheet.
With 40 separate workbooks to edit, these shortcuts make it a breeze...
? Hide selected column: CTRL+0 [zero]
? Unhide hidden column(s) within selection: CTRL+SHIFT+) [closed parenthesis]
If an "Autofit Selection" keyboard shortcut (not just a key sequence) existed, I'd be as happy as a clam!
you can use Alt+o+c+a to autofit selection
Is there a way to auto arrange the column width as you enter the data. Without a macro
You may use alternative key of hide the selected cell by ---print + H key
Unhide---prnt+U keys
You may use alternative key of hide the selected cell by ---print + H key
Unhide---prnt+U keys
[...] 11 very useful excel keyboard shortcuts you may not know [...]
[...] 11 very useful excel keyboard shortcuts [...]
[...] an Excel Conditional Formatting Rock Star 11 very useful excel keyboard shortcuts 73 Free Designer Quality Excel Chart Templates Tracking mutual fund / Stock portfolios using Excel [...]
Hello Chandoo, thanks for sharing this information. With some of the shortcuts I seem to have difficulties as they do not seem to work on the German keyboard.
Can you maybe verify that those combos are only working with the keyboard setup you are using? What would be a good source to lookup combinations for other layouts?
Regards, 1xoid1
@1xoid1 ... Thanks for visiting PHD and taking timeout to ask your question. Unfortunately all my German can be summarized to one phrase: "guten tag".
I wont be able to help you, but I can request other readers to respond. So if you know German or use German keyboard and can answer 1xoid1's question, then you get a free donut.
Guten Tag 🙂
To Sam Krysiak.
Shortcut to Autofit Selection (assuming you mean autofit columns). If you right click toolbar, click customise. From Commands tab/Categories select Built-in Menus.
In Categories window scroll down and select Columns and drag drop it onto toolbar. Then click the new toolbar Columns button and drag drop Autofit button onto your toolbar (note Autofit for Columns will no longer appear in your menus, only on toolbar).
Remove Columns button from toolbar (if you want to keep clutter down) drag and drop it off of your toolbar.
Close Customise box.
Now to Autofit columns just press "Alt" then "A".
Comment 8 correction - 2nd paragraph should read
"In Commands window...
@1xoid1:
Read the following text as follows: The key ,[;] is the one right to the M on the German keyboard. Here are the differences you have to know when using a German keyboard:
2. Press strg .[:] for inserting the current date (and strg shift .[:] for inserting current time)
3. Press strg ,[;] to copy values from cell above
8. Press strg shift –[_] to apply an outline border
10. Press strg-shift S to activate the font drop down (Schriftgroesse)
11. Press strg-shift G to activate the font size (Groesse)
Number 10 and 11 do not work with Excel 2007 anymore, but strg-shift-P shows the font tab of the cell format dialogue in Excel 2007.
All other shortcuts should work on a German keyboard exactly as Chandoo described them.
More information needed? Download a complete list with all shortcuts for Microsoft Excel in German (for free):
http://www.freeware-download.com/downloaddetails/5655.html
@Chandoo: please do not send a donut, unless you are able to attach one to an email. Otherwise the donut might be able to walk by itself, when it arrives here in Germany...
I forgot to mention:
For all readers using an English keyboard: Chip Pearson offers a comprehensive list of Excel shortcuts on the English keyboard:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/ShortCuts.aspx
[...] your own keyboard shortcuts in Excel 2007, knowing a few keyboard shortcuts in excel is a huge help. Lyte Byte describes a nifty way to create your own key board shortcuts in [...]
[...] Select a bunch of cells and click on the Sigma symbol on the standard tool bar. Alternatively you can use Alt+= keyboard shortcut. [...]
I do some data entries column A,column B ,Column C , A and B have 10 to 12 digit codes , C has the names ; Kindly suggest me a format or formula for excel to avoid duplication of entries in all the the three columns.
Regards,
Prashant
@Prashant... You can use conditional formatting to highlight duplicate entries in the three columns. That way whenever you type a dupe value in a cell the formatting would highlight the values so that you can avoid the error.
check this post for more on using this way to handling duplicates: http://chandoo.org/wp/2008/03/13/want-to-be-an-excel-conditional-formatting-rock-star-read-this/
If you are looking for a way to remove duplicates from an existing range, you can try one of the various techniques we have described here. Try these tips:
http://chandoo.org/wp/2008/11/06/unique-duplicate-missing-items-excel-help/
http://chandoo.org/wp/2008/08/01/15-fun-things-with-excel/
[...] good alternative (although manual) is to use keyboard shortcuts CTRL + ; or CTRL + : to insert current date and time in the active cell. Since this places the [...]
Your site doesn't correctly work in safari browser
Hi GesyimmeliA: Can you tell me which version of Safari on which OS has this problem. I use Macbook at home and loaded the site quite often in Safari and never seen any layout or content issues. Are you facing any script issues while posting comments or somethings like that ?
Hey Chandoo. Great site. Learning lots.
My favorite Excel shortcut has got to be Alt+Down when over an autofilter drop down. Learning that changed my life. That was one of the last things I needed to use a mouse for. Changed my life.
[...] are a big advocate of keyboard shortcuts. I think learning a handful of keyboard shortcuts can improve your productivity tremendously, [...]
My favourit keyboard shortcut is control and 1 (use the 1 above the letters on the keyboard, not the number pad) for format cells.
Favourite shortcut: alt + shift + right/left arrow for grouping/ungrouping!
[...] Select a bunch of cells and click on the Sigma symbol on the standard tool bar. Alternatively you can use Alt+= keyboard shortcut. [...]
[...] clicking on these: excel keyboard shortcuts, excel mouse tips & tricks, excel productivity tips part 1 & part [...]
Martin Williamson thanks for the autofit tip! You rock.
In order to generate charts/bar graph with a single key:
1. Select the data
2. Press F11
3. Magic.... 🙂
F3 = Paste a Name or the entire list of Names
Crtl + F3 = Name Manager
Crtl + : = Inserts current time.
F12 = Save As
Mistake!
Crtl + Shift + : = Inserts current time.
SIR U R THE BEST PERSON WHO SHARES A WONDERFULL AND IMPORTANT TIPS IN EXCEL. THANKS AND KEEP ROCKING.
How do i hide / unhide a work sheet using the keyboard.
Great!
Other useful excel shortcuts
http://webtutorialplus.blogspot.com/2012/01/excel-quick-tip-useful-encoding-hotkeys.html
input in one cell 1a23bc output in two cell one of 123 and other one is abc how to possible, please help me.
Hey cool shortcuts but excel have more shortcuts then you listet.
i find a big database of supportet shortcuts for Excel 2007 here
http://www.veodin.com/excel-2007-shortcuts/
[...] INTEREST Date with my sheet – 10 tips on using date / time in excel http://chandoo.org/wp/2008/07/29/excel-keyboard-shortcuts/ [...]
Great article with some very useful follow-up comments and tips.
One simple question … how do you vertically align the drop-down filter button in a cell with a larger than normal height?
It’s easy enough to do so with a cell’s contents but the drop-down filter button stubbornly remains at the bottom and I need it at the top!
I’ve looked everywhere and haven’t located an explanation to what I am sure is considered an Excel basic.
Cheers