Blog posts

Working faster in MS Excel – 4 easy tips

Business

1.  Using CTRL 1 to format cells in MS Excel: To open the format cell dialog box in MS Excel – use CTRL + 1 – this option makes my life easier when I’m working with Excel – As soon as I select the area to be formatted with the mouse using my right hand, I press CTRL 1 on the keyboard with the left (this is easy because the two buttons (CTRL and 1) are on the left side of the keyboard).

2.  Organize your MS Excel Workbook – I like to name my worksheets, especially when working with big projects. To change the default sheet name, double click on the name (i.e. Sheet1), when it’s selected, type the new name.

3.  Using names rather than default cell positions (i.e. Revenue instead of D20) when working with complex tables. This is useful when you are dealing with a large audience because your names tell your viewers the purpose of your formula or a particular cell.

To name a cell, select the cell or range of cell > click on Insert menu > click on Name > click on Define to add a name.

Please note that defined names can be used on any worksheet.

4.  Creating a quick chart in Excel – To create a chart quickly in Excel using default settings, select your data range > then press F11.

About the author

Seun Tayo-Balogun created The Brief Network. The Brief Network shares practical tips and inspiration for success. Seun is the CEO of Brief Essentials, Creative Director for Techmonks Limited. Seun is an Entrepreneur, Teacher, Business Strategist and Technology Consultant focusing on Ecommerce and Digital Business growth.

3 Comments

  1. Andy
    November 3, 2009 at 10:23 pm
    Reply

    Great stuff! These tips will surely increase productivity, thanks for sharing them. You should join the Excel conversation on Facebook! Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/office

    Keep up the great posts!

    Cheers,
    Andy
    MSFT Office Outreach Team

  2. stb
    November 4, 2009 at 8:26 am
    Reply

    Thanks Andy. I would surely join the Excel conversation on Facebook. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Andy
    November 9, 2009 at 11:08 pm
    Reply

    No problem. Keep up the fantastic writing!

    Andy
    MSFT Office Outreach Team

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *