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:
30 Responses to “18 Tips to Make you an Excel Formatting Pro”
For my 2 cents worth:
Less is more !
Keep styles simple and in line with the corporate requirements of your employer/client
The table formatting is really useful, but I have found two sticky points:
1. Cannot move or copy a sheet with a table in it.
2. Cannot 'table format' multiple sheets at once.
May be ways around these issues, but these are what keep me from using the table format more than I already do.
Remove gridlines in sheet
Use dotted lines as internal borders in tables
And just keep it simple - it's the substance that matters and there's already way too much eye candy out there
I write a lot of financial reports conveying complex data in a userfriendly manner. I don't use colour (as it costs 7p/sheet verses B/W at 1p/sheet). The trick is to generate a table that someone will skim over for "the story" and then can refer back to understand it. very muck like Ulrik said, keep it simple.
Some simple guidelines that I use:
(a) align headings based on data (if data is text that means left, if data is numbers that means right)
(b) do not align central numbers (unless all similar) i.e. how hard is it to read a column of numbers that contains €1.25 and €125
(c) use borders to group columns and rows, don't format every line/column but allow the data to draw your eyes along it. "White lines" are as useful as borders
(d) thin borders are better than fat borders - the fatter they are, the more they draw the eye... so use them to draw attention to key numbers (like a total) only.
(e) use units to make numbers easier to read. Generally people cannot skim numbers with more than 3 d.p or 5 significant figures. so report in millions/thousands (or the other way as in ml)
(f) avoid making text too small or too big. too small (less than 10) and people can't read it. too big (>14) and people struggle to skim over it (their eyes have to move too much)
......I don’t use colour (as it costs 7p/sheet verses B/W at 1p/sheet).....
Not necessarily..
Don't compromise on how good a sheet can be made to look on monitor. To print black and white, simply configure in page setup to print in black and white.
Like This post !!
I m always using ALT + EST, not verymuch confirtable with cell style. will try to use color schemes (new feature)
Regards
!$T!
Hi Stephen,
Do you have some non-proprietary samples you may share on drop box or Windows Live SkyDrive?
Thanks
w
Great post!
Which key ist EST from the shortcut "ALT+EST".
I am using a german keyboard layout and have never heard something about an EST key.
Thanks
Carsten
Hi Carsten...
If you are using English version of Excel, then press ALT+E then leave the alt key, E key and then press S, then press T
For German version of Excel, the keys would be different. I am not sure what they are.
it was nice MS come up with all the color schemes. However, corporate culture (or your boss) sometimes dominate or predetermine what style a spreadsheet should look like. So I hardly get a chance to use #1 to #3 shown above.
Most of the times, it is someone else who wants a certain report or analysis gets to decide how s/he wants it to look like. I see myself more like a line chef or engineer. Others get to be the architect and I'm just a builder transforming a design into a real home. I don't get much say in it unless they are asking me to build a multistoried building on a single tooth pick as foundation.
Hi Chandoo,
thank you for your reply. Now I understand. It's something like searching for the ANY Key, because some program is displaying "Press any key to continue..."
But to find the german version of this shortcut:
ALT+E calls the Edit-menue? And for what are the S and T. Just tell me the english names of the menueitems, please.
I think then I will find it.
Carsten
@Carsten
Alt+EST is
(E)dit;
paste (S)pecial;
forma(T)s
Excellent post guys!
@Carsten,
Try to know how to find the shortcuts in the excel menu bar itself.
You click Alt + any of the underline character in the menu bar, then excel will take you to that particular menu field.
Now you can find different options in the dropdown menu. And each option has the name. Each name has underline in any of the characeter. That underline character is nothing but the shortcut key to execute that option.
Like this you can find in excel all the options and their shortcut keys.
Coming to the above example..
Once you click alt + E, it will take you to the "EDIT" drop down menu. Under Edit there are so many options like cuT, Copy, Paste, paste Special, fIll.... etc., I think you can find underline under 't' in cut..'p' in paste..'s' in paste Special. You need to click the underlined character for the required options...Here the 'S' underlines for Paste Special option...
Once you click 'S' it will open paste special options box...again you will find the same underlines in each of the names...here you can find different opetions like All, Formulas, Values, formaTs...etc. 'v' is nothing but Values option. Once you click V in the key board..it will execute paste special values option.
As Summary Alt + (E)dit + paste (S)pecial + (V)alues
Now you can find the shortcuts your own. all the best.
Regards,
Saran
lostinexcel.blogspot.com
You can also customize the quick access toolbar.. Once you find the icon you regularly use, right click and then select Add to quick access toolbar and once you are done, when you press Alt key it will be highlighted 1,2,3,4 etc depending upon the sequence of the icon..
Ctrl-ES is sooooo 2003.
Ctrl+Alt+V all the way baby!!!
You can DOUBLE-CLICK Format painter button to copy the formatting multiple times. Once you are done, press ESC key.
//
Jinesh,
This is a great tip that I use multiple times daily. People are always in awe when they see this one!
Jesse
Hi,
How to apply the custom styles for cells from the sql table, by using c# program.
Thanks & Regards,
Satheesh
[…] You can use the Page Layout section in Excel to apply colour themes to your reports. Chandoo.org has some useful Excel tips. […]
[…] http://chandoo.org/wp/2011/12/05/excel-formatting-tips/ […]
Hi i want to print a page which have bottom line to print on each page end how to do that pls explain
Thanks Sir
Thanks alot
Very useful thanks
thank you too much
your tips are awesome.
How to show a table with around 20-25 columns in the dashboard in the first page itself? I mean, within the dashboard area.
Is there anyway we can add a horizontal scroll bar for the table?
@Kiran
You never add tables directly to a dashboard
You add cells that reference a table
By reference I mean it gives you the ability via Formula or VBA to scroll up/down, Left/right or re-order the data
Think of it as a window into the table
This is discussed regularly in Chandoo's dashboard samples
Have a look at the 2 links in Item 1: http://chandoo.org/wp/welcome/
I'd then suggest asking a specific question in the Chandoo.org Forums and attach a sample file for a specific answer.
love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a table of value for a month, with no data for few dates.
I created a chart basing on above data.
In the chart I find calendar dates, even though few dates with no data are not available in the table.
How to remove the dates in the chart for those without data?