It is almost weekend. Today we (Jo and I) are going to watch a cricket match being played in Vizag. We are pretty excited as this is the first time we are watching a match in stadium.
So, let keep this light and fun. I want to know What is one area of Excel you want to learn more?
I will go first. I want to learn more about Data Tables & Simulation.
What about you? Go ahead and tell us using comments.
Note: Here are a few choices if do not know what else is out there.
- Formulas
- Array Formulas
- Formatting
- Conditional Formatting
- Charting
- Advanced Charting
- Pivot Tables & Charts
- Tables
- Data Tables
- Validation
- Filters & Sorting
- VBA (Macros)
- Linking to Databases etc.
- Solver
- Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
- Scenarios, What if analysis
- Dashboards
So go ahead and tell us.
191 Responses to “What is one area of Excel you want to learn more? [Survey]”
... I would vote for pivot tables and reports. Enjoy to see more about.
I would like to learn about VBA (macros).
Hi Chandoo;
I wish to learn more about:
- Formulas (as they relate to real-world problems);
- Dashboards / Balanced Scorecard
Cheers,
I would like to see a complete accounting package in Excel. Individual excel sheet for raw data entry and generating reports like ledger, sundry creditors, sundry debtors in a consolidated sheet.
There are more areas for me thet have my interest.
Advanced Charting
Dashboards
VBA (Macros)
Array Formulas
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
I still struggle with VLOOKUP. I have yet to find a tutorial that is simple enough to help me. I am able to create complex queries in Access and do simple SQL statements, but VLOOKUP remains a mystery.
Definitely, Pivot Tables. I know how to do some basics with them, but anytime I research anything more advanced, it seems too advanced, and I end up not having a clue what is being discussed.
I would like to lern more about VBA (Macros) and Dashboards, and how to combine them.
Elegant, simple solutions to complex though common situation. For instance using less common excel function to replace large nested "if" formulas.
Advanced charting and dashboards definitely!!
BTW, thanks for the awesome tips and tricks and keep up the excellent work buddy!
More solver and statistical (regression and time series) would be amazing. But I will read anything you post, because I enjoy it a LOT! Thank you.
PivotTables, specifically how to setup/use calculated fields. (I never get mine to work)
My vote is for using Solver for Data Mining purposes.
VBA
If I could cast 2 votes it would be (1) Pivot Tables and (2) Dashboards. Pivot Tables seem to be such a powerful tool, but like other posters, I have such a hard time getting them setup and configured to work how I want them to. Love the site Chandoo!
Excel models are often passed around and used by many people. I hear this a lot: "I just received this model, can you help me figure out how it works?" Two major neglected areas I have seen are: Spreadsheet design principles and then proper documentation.
Pivot tables (or work around), particularly around doing things not built into it like unique counts.
- Solver
- Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
dashboards
Pivot tables! maybe a 5 day series...basics working up to an advanced homework or something...
Array formulas, pivot tables, and data tables. You didn't say we had to choose just one:). I would be interested in statistical analyses and scenarios, but I don't know enough about them to know how I might use them.
Array formulas, different lookup types (I still have some scenarios that I can't figure out using index, match, etc.), macros, scorecards.
Linking to Databases
I would like to learn more on...
VBA (Macro)
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
Pivot Tables & Charts
Definitely Pivot Tables - I use them all the time and I know there are lots of tricks I don't know.
Array formulas
VBA
VBA for sure!! Arrays would be my second choice!
i'd like to learn more about charting!
Hi Chandoo,
I would like to learn more on
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
VBA
Statistical Analysis
Array Formulas
Dashboards!
vba macros and dynamic dashboards. Also statistical capabilities of excel
I would like to see more design tips and tricks. I feel like I struggle putting important info into dashboards while keeping it clear and concsise.
I would like to learn more about:
Formulas
VBA and Macros
Dashboards
Charts/Graphs
Specifically Gantt Charting
I would love it to see some Stock Balance Reporting, Trending for production planning, EPR/MPR in Excel, Supplier Report cards.....
Dashboards
Advanced charting
I would like to learn about VBA (macros) and Pivot Tables!
Linkage to databases and passing data back and forth. Currently I'm exploring having pivots in a dashboard - I want the user to select a value ( like a filter/pull down etc) then use that to call to a sql server, run a query with the selection as a parameter, and have it return a dataset to the dashboard - eg data is weekly - user selects the 3rd week - data is refreshed for 3rd week
Scenarios, What if analysis
VBA Linking to SQL and Access Databases
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
For me, charting, VBA, and the intersections betweent the two.
Pivot tables (which I know nothing about) and Dashboards (only slightly more than nothing).
That being said, my knowledge is so basic, pretty much anything is of interest to me.
Pivot Tables/Charts - but in regard to how to use VBA to manipulate them and create more flexible reports more efficiently
Statistical and time series analysis and what if (solver, monte carlo simulation, etc.)
Love the site. Thank you...
pivot tables
VBA (Macros)
VBA.
The whole language is so redundant and confusing! Theres "ActiveCell.CurrentRegion" but also "ActiveSheet.UsedRange" ? Some folks use ".Select" all the time, but others say to only somehow use ranges?
VBA!!!!
Here are mine...
Data Tables & Simulation.
Formulas
Array Formulas
Formatting
Conditional Formatting
Pivot Tables
Tables
Data Tables
Validation
Filters & Sorting
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
A lot of examples of Formulas and Dashoboards
Array Formulas
Data Tables
Scenarios, What if analysis
I would like to learn more about advanced charting.
Dashboards in general and Databases
Hi Chandoo, thanks for your great help.
I'd like to know more about linking and working with external databases.
Hi Chandoo,
my interest would be Dashboards and free templetes!
Enjoy the game, Live!!
How different functions react in array formulas.
When / why do some functions output arrays versus single functions and how that can be changed.
My vote is for array formulas: not only what they are, but when to use them and what alternatives to array formulas exist.
Thanks!
Hi Chandoo,
;o)) What about audio tips and tricks...
i.e. sounds, music, speech
in warning, comments or help and debugging
Dashboards & Advanced Charting
VBA - especially dealing with outputs to Word Documents and Templates for better report presentation.
I'd like to learn all, but mostly how to send data to access
I would like to see a top ten ranking of the best,useful and interesting solution giving by n formula.
How to create a Income tax estimation taking the income slabs given by government of india.
Formulas and Scenarios, What if analysis....
Array forumulas, especially in conjunction with named ranges
Statistical analysis
Forecasting methods utilizing Excel
Pivot Tables! They hate me!
Hellow Chandoo:
My options in descending ranking order are:
. ? Dashboards
. ?Scenarios, What if analysis
. ?Pivot Tables
Regards
I saw a plenty how-to videos & tutorials about functions, VBA, dasboarding, array functions, multifunctions around a net, but still cannot find good resource for linking Excel with databases, like Access or SAP R/3.
Integrating excel into HTML format, and keeping the functionality.
I would like to see more on the VBA adn dashboard functions.
Hi Chandoo,
I would like to know more about solver and the analysis toolpack.
Thanks for the good work!
Antoine
VBA
Array Formulas
Advanced Charting
VBA ( Still dont understand this at all :-/ )
I would like to learn more about Pivot Tables, Conditional Formatting, Advanced Charting. I create a lot of charts with my data and look for different and interesting ways to disply the data. Also, Scenarios - "what if", would be interesting.
Thanks so much and enjoy the game!!
Chandoo, a big thanks for sharing all your knowledge in such a straightforward, easy to grasp manner. I would need like to see more about pivot tables and charts, array formulas and dashboards. Keep up the great work.
Hi Chandoo,
I would like to learn more about:
* VBA (Macros)
* Validation
* Solver
* Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
* Scenarios, What if analysis
* Dashboards
Regards,
Gabriela
Walkenbach recently posted a link on his blog to an article about excel skills that will keep you employable...
"Using Excel to ensure employability means familiarising yourself with pivot tables, VBA, importing and exporting data from SQL servers and more complex elements like DDE (dynamic data exchange strings)."
Arrays and VBA
My vote is for advanced charting techniques for dashboards.
VBA! definitely VBA!
Formulas are good, but some things just can't be done by complex arrays or nested conditions... (wow! first time I participated!)
Pivot tables! Sometimes they seem to work for me, other times...
Formulas
Array Formulas
Formatting
Conditional Formatting
Charting
Advanced Charting
Pivot Tables & Charts
Tables
Data Tables
Validation
Filters & Sorting
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboard
For me,
Scenarios, What if analysis
Pivot Tables
Advanced Charting
Dashboards
Array Formulas
Data Tables
Scenarios, What if analysis
And many many exemples
1. Databases
2. Pivot tables (complex)
3. Array formulas
would be really great topics, although I love what I've read so far.
In the order I would like to learn more:
1. Dashboards
2. Charting
3. Pivot Tables
VBA (Macros)
I'd like to see further discussion on the following:
1) Solver
2) Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
3) Scenarios, What if analysis
Please email more me macro exercises with some added formula forensics if possible. For I feel uncomfortable at work when a co-worker sends me a macro to use. I would like to be able to understand and possibly fix others' macros, but now I just have to trust that there are no mistakes and that the macro will do exactly what I want. Thank you very much!
Simulations and scenario analysis beyond two way data tables will be my interest. Especially, managing and comparing project timelines and costs using these tools will be great. I can contribute as well.
Advanced Charting
Problem is : the more you know about Excel. The more you want to learn but if forced to choose I would vote for Array formulas and statistical analysis.
I would like to know more about Balanced Score Card and Dashboards
1) Dashboards
2) Pivot Table
Learning is some thing new is always my cup of Tea. i am ok with any of topic....More than happy if we get oppurnity to learn all...
Hi Chandoo,
I second the vote for more on Data Table and simulations. Hui's post rocks!
Additional ideas:
[1.] File Scripting Object
[2.] Early binding/late binding
[3.] Global Unique Identifiers (GUI's)
[4.] All things Excel Extensibility:
A. Access (other database)
-Parameter queries
-Insert
-Read/Write
-JET/ACE/ISAM
B. Outlook
-Creating/Managing tasks from Excel to Outlook
-Email distributution lists
-Email Workbooks
[5.]Statistical Functions
[6.]API's
Hi Chandoo,
I would like to learn more on
VBA (Macros)
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
Sorry, a few more:
[7.]Power Pivot Pro / DAX
[8.]OLAP/MDX
[9.]Data Mining Add-in
[10.] Developing Add-ins
[11.]RibbonX
[12.]Add-ins that may have potential to extend the power of excel
(i.e. OpenSolver opensolver.org, RExcel http://www.r-project.org/)
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
1) OLAP cubes
2) excel limitations
Hi Chandoo!
I love this site!
I'd like to learn more about
Linking to Databases
VBA (macro)
Thanks and more power!
I would vote for linking to databases, using parameterized queries and connecting this to dashboards making them more dynamic.
Another subject is add-in creation e customizing the office 2007 ribbon
chandoo,
my interest list is exactly the order given by you..starting with formulas and ending with dashboards....though would like to know more on
pivot tables and charting,
advanced charting
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
Arrays/Named Ranges
Solver
What-if Analysis
Hi, I would suggest..
VBA(Macros)
Dash Boards
Macros please.
I would like to learn more about charts and graphs. That's what helps me at work. Thanks.
Hi Chandoo
My priorities to learn more in MS Excel are:
Advanced Charting
Solver
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
Hi Chandoo,
I need to know about pulling information from the website and uploading in to Excel for example we have Shares market information from the web linked to Excel rather than copy pasting and also more on VBA.
Thanks,
Paddy
Statistical Analysis
Hi Chandoo,
I would like to know more on data table and simulation, array formulas, name managers, and VBA macros.
Thanks!!
Hi Chandoo,
Use surveymonkey to survey about this, that will help you to understand the results of the survey better.
I would like to review whole of the set again.
I would personally vouch to see again
Array Formulas
Advanced Charting
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
Chandoo. My congratulations and admiration on setting up such a useful learning web site for Excel.
I would like to learn more about VBA macros that I can generate through the Excel macro recorder, then customise for particular audiences. For example record the creation of a pivot table, but then adapt the code to refer to any size table in a different spreadsheet. ( I know how to do this, but it took a lot of searching to find the answer)
I also have a problem that I have to create macros for running on Excel 2007, but I have Excel 2010 and have to recreate the macro on another machine. Is there a way I can create macros for Excel 2007 using Excel 2010?
Many thanks Chandoo
Peter
Hi Chandoo,
Would like to look at arrays and indexes as well as simple macros...
Dear Sir,
Would like to look at VBA , arrays and indexes as well as various excel macros…
Hi Chandoo,
Congratulations on reaching 1,000,000 Page Hits. I wish you & your family all success with all the nicest things the nature can offer.
I am an analyst (fresher) to this role.
I am interested in
Formulas
Array Formulas
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
Thanks.
Hi Mr. Chandoo!
It's very difficult to choose for all are important things to learn in Excel. But I would priorities Formula and Dashboard..
Thanks..
VBA is the area for me
Thanks
how to effectively present Excel financial data in professional-looking PowerPoint slides that C-level executives will understand and remember. Use animation tools that help your audience focus on important information, avoiding "data dump". Insert a live Excel spreadsheet in PowerPoint; be able to use Excel from within PowerPoint!
Chandoo, I am here on your web-site for short period of time, but this is a great site, where I can learn a lot.
My priorities are:
VBA (Macros)
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Dashboards
Thank you.
VBA, Stats, Dynamic Arrays
Well, after a quick scan of the posts so far, VBA and Dashboarding appear to be the most called for.
I'm surprised as these areas are extensively covered in both the free site and and training packages. So, I don't think I have much of a chance in requesting methods of analysis from multiple worksheets extracted from relational databases. However, I'll still submit my request and hope for the best.
I found a post on your site on how to avoid circular reference when modelling debt during construction using macros very useful, so more posts on using VBA Macros in Financial Modeling will be useful. I would also like to have your general view on using macros in financial modelling. Some experts say that it's best to avoid macros and circular reference by using simple algebra. What's your take on that? Thanks
I would like to know more on VBA and formulas
Arrays, Statistical Analysis, Linking to Databases
Simple solutions using formulas.
What if.
Dashboard
VBA
vba macros, advanced charting, dashboards. Thanks
I echo both, Kevin's thoughts about spreadsheet design & documentation, and, how to more elegantly dynamically link to external databases.
YOU ROCK, Chandoo! LOVE your site!
Les
Pls include some videos or explanations more on
Solver,
Macros,
Animated dashboards,
Automating tasks,
VBA
dashboard
VBA macros and dashboards... simple and real use. nothing too complex... thanks!
Excel formulas which will help of an accountant.
Pivot Tables, Dashboards
XML data mapping
Parameterised SQL queries
animated dashboard with examples and VBA.
Thank you very much for all effort and thanks sharing.
I would be very happy if you can provide some tutorials regarding Class Modules and the related topics or application.
Thanks........
For me,
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Data Tables & Simulation
🙂
When could our wishes come true?
Scenarios, What if analysis
Cell styles. I know the *what* they are and *how* to use them, but *when* should I use them? *Who* uses cell styles? *Why* do you use them?
I want to learn
VBA (Macro)
Data linking
Array formula
Pivot tables
VBA
Dashborad
VBA, for sure
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases
Household budget in form of comprehensive dashboard.
Hi Chandoo
Your website is just amazing .... its like Excel university
Your postings are indeed very helpful and easy to learn, However I would like learn more about
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Thank you
Your's sincerly
Narayan
I would like to learn Array Formulas and VBA.
Thanks!
VBA Macros, Dashboards, Array formula, Data tables & Simulation.
? Advance level of Validation
? VBA (Macros)
? Linking to Databases
VBA Macros and Dashboards, plz
VBA Macros and Dashboards
VBA and Dashboards would be great
VBA
I would like to know a lot more on how to fully use the power of index and offset and nesting these in to formulas for dynamic uses. PLEASE!!!
Array formulas & pivot tables would be good.
Formulas
Array Formulas
Formatting
Conditional Formatting
Pivot Tables
Tables
Data Tables
Validation
Filters & Sorting
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
One can always learn something new and interesitng in all the areas listed here, what it matters is how to apply that to the daily job; in my case, Finance and Accounting. So what I like about Chandoo web site is the clever, simple and direct approach of applying Excel tools to solve the problems we encounter often.
With that said, a little exploration of those two will be great:
- Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
- Scenarios, What if analysis
Thanks,
Pablo
My AOI (area of intrest)
1.Formula
>nested “if” formulas Solution.
>"Offset" formula
>Revers "Vlookup"
>different Lookups and why they use?
2.Array Formulas
> what it is?
> why we use it?
3.Advanced Charting
4.Dashboards
>How to setup data in single sheet.
5.VBA (Macros)
>Basics
6.Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
>what it is?
>why we use it?
7.Scenarios, What if analysis
8.Solver
9.Linking to Databases etc
I wanna forgot to visit this site.
Regards
!$T!
Microsoft Powerpivot!!!
Solver
What-if
Advanced Pivot
VBA, please.
VBA
Pivot Tables
Advanced Charting
Dash Boards
Array Formulas
Calculated fields in pivot tables, and an explanation of array formulas in plain English.
Formulas
Array Formulas
Formatting
Conditional Formatting
Charting
Advanced Charting
Pivot Tables & Charts
Tables
Data Tables
Validation
Filters & Sorting
VBA (Macros)
Linking to Databases etc.
Solver
Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboard
I would like to learn about data analysis
I want learn about :-
VBA (Macros)
Formulas
Pivot Tables & Charts
Validation
Array formulas
Hi Chandoo,
i like to learn more about Pivot Tables & Charts.
Dashboards would be top of my list 🙂
My votes:
1) Advanced conditional formatting
2) Pivot tables
3) In general, replicating Tableux as much as possible with as little VBA as possible 🙂
Love the site
Hi Chandoo,
Always awesome work!
I love to learn more about Excel presentations, either through powerpoint or within Excel.
Also data tables and simulation sounds good 🙂
1.Statistical Analysis
2.Printout Formatting : to have the headers in every page
3.Web refreshing of the excel sheet: such as financial portfolio.
I would like to learn more:
1. Pivot Tables
2. Dashboards
3. Charting
4. Advance Charting
5. Conditional Formatting
6. Formulas
I vote for any of the above, but What if scenarios would be good to learn.
Cheers
Here's mine. This knowledge is quite important in my career in Proposal Engineer.
- Array Formulas
- VBA (Macros)
- Solver
- Statistical Analysis
- Scenarios, What if analysis
- Dashboards
Advanced charting and dashboards would be my choices.
BTW why don't you put up a survey consisting those choices ?
- Solver
- Statistical Analysis
- Dashboards
For me:
Userforms and "non-standard" controls that you can get
Solver
Working with shapes in VBA
Macros, dashboards, and formulas.
Next step on Pivot Tables. I think people know how to create them and basic use but the next step will be is to apply them to create graphs and dashboard. I believe that making tables and charts interactive makes one "awesome in excel"
Great site.
1. Dashboards
2. Pivot tables
3. Charts (Advanced)
1. Dashboards
2. Conditional Formatting
3. Formulas
- Solver
- Statistical Analysis (regression, time series etc.)
Chandoo - Thanks to you and others who contribute to this site. It has been a tremendous help to me. It would be great to learn to better leverage statistical tools within Excel and probably some tips and tricks on maintaining file size and speed within a excel spreadsheet.
For e.g. cleaning up various tabs and maintaining the file size(Formatting, unneeded conditional formatting, unneeded rows/columns), knowing impact of certain formulas that slow down calcs in a large file, best use of vlookups, how to reference data on other sheets (best practice) and tools to identify bottle necks within a spreadsheet, etc.
Regards,
Megsu
-Ak
Array Formulas
Advanced Charting
Pivot Tables & Charts
Linking to Databases etc.
Scenarios, What if analysis
Dashboards
... do I have plenty till 2012 arrives? 🙂
I would like to learn more about using excel for budgeting and forecasting and charts.
Vlookup
Macros
Pivot Tables
I keep a lot of blocks of text in Excel cells. They range in size from a few characters to many thousands. I would like to know some work around methods for displaying beyond the 1000 character limit on the spreadsheet. A jagged approach would be using len(), but that might split a word, perhaps a " " near the break point, Anything simpler?
Thanks,
Roy
I would like to learn shortcuts to enter data into cells of a Data Entry Form... Such as DropDown menus, Date Picker Calendar, Default entries, automatic formatting of telephone numbers or postal codes, etc. any ways that would speed up the process of inputting data into an Excel Speadsheet Data Table and also prevent errors by narrowing the type of entries that can be entered into a specific cell. A Date Picker is essential in this case as it can be very time consuming to input dates into a cell... as well as I would like a way to enter 10 numbers into a cell that would automatically be converted into a telephone format like (123) 456-7890 into the data table. I have created my own Data Entry Form as a separate sheet so the formatting in some cases could possibly be done as I Save each record to the Data Table using a Macro (VBA Procedure). I am using Excel 2010. Thank you Chandoo.
LacGagnon
Chandoo. My congratulations and admiration on setting up such a useful learning web site for Excel.
I would like to learn Excel from Basics please Suggest and Help me in this area.
Many thanks Chandoo
Kishore
Vlookup and Design Tips 🙂
Sorry Guys for being extremely ambitious and crazy abt below comment
But I would like to learn anything and everything about Excel and I am in the Quest @ this website
Maverick...