Here are some tips to help you derive maximum benefit out of the methodologies given in this blog:
1. Use the Contents page – If you are looking for a solution to a particular problem, it may be best to look up in the Contents page. If you find a solution, bingo! – click on the link and see if it solves your problem. If two or three descriptions seem to be able to solve your problem, go ahead and look through all of them.
2. Use Formula Auditing toolbar – Sometimes you may find that the formulas are difficult to understand, as there may be multiple functions within the formula. Do not despair. One of the ways to know the intermediate results of functions within a formula is to use Evaluate Formula icon in the Formula Auditing toolbar. Activate the cell that contains a formula and click on the Evaluate Formula (fx) button
This would open a box that would display all intermediate results to help understand the formula. Keep clicking on Evaluate to move to the next step.
3. How to use array formula – I have received feedback from a number of excel users that they find difficult to understand array formulas. The array formulas are entered as normal formulas. After entering the formula, instead of pressing enter, ctrl+shift+enter needs to be entered. The formula gets encircled with curly braces {}. To understand array formulas, I would urge you to read this excellent write-up on Chip Pearson’s site http://www.cpearson.com/Excel/ArrayFormulas.aspx
4. Ask and share – It is often easier to understand certain concepts from people who use them. You are more than welcome to contact me by leaving a comment on the site or sending an email at
Further, if you have come across a problem which you had solved or know of a better solution than the ones given on the site, you may please let me know. If I believe that it would help others, I would put it up while duly acknowledging your contribution.
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