In most counting scenarios in Excel, COUNTBLANK reliably counts blank cells, and COUNTA reliably counts populated cells. However, with these functions comes a problematic paradox: an empty string from a formula is counted as "blank" by COUNTBLANK but as "populated" by COUNTA.

I often use Excel's doughnut chart to track progress, but the static colors always felt limited. So, I figured out how to make it dynamically shift from red to orange to green, complete with a center percentage that also changes color. Let me show you how.

The #SPILL! error is a common headache for many people using modern Excel. The good news, however, is that it's not a calculation failure—it's almost always a space issue. As a result, you can resolve the error instantly using one of five simple fixes.

COUNTIFS is the single, versatile function you need in Microsoft Excel to count data based on any combination of criteria. It handles complex AND/OR logic, dynamic cell references, and partial text matches using wildcards, replacing the need for time-consuming workarounds.

I used to waste hours in Microsoft Excel manually cleaning data, fixing formulas, and reformatting worksheets. That was until I realized I could use the Find and Replace dialog (Ctrl+H) to achieve the same results in seconds. As a result, I can now spend more time on the things that matter.

Excel's Format Painter button is seductive. It promises speed and efficiency, and for a quick fix on a handful of cells, it delivers. But once your workbook grows, the tool becomes frustrating, inefficient, and error-prone. That's why I use Find and Replace instead.

When I started using Microsoft Excel, my spreadsheets were a mess, and I wasted hours trying to make them look professional. If you're struggling with manual formatting, these six simple tips are the shortcuts I wish I had known from day one to clean up my data faster.

Whether you're interviewing for an Excel-related job or teaching a beginner, using the right terminology is crucial. Above all else, knowing the difference between a range and an array is the key to understanding how Excel processes data, giving you better insight into modern dynamic functions.

I always make sure to add clear instructions to any shared Excel workbook so the next person knows exactly how to interact with my spreadsheets. For years, I relied on the built-in notes and comments tools. However, I found a secret method that is 100% cleaner and far more reliable.

In Microsoft Excel, you can convert your data into many types of charts. However, frustratingly, there's no option for a standard timeline chart. To get over this hurdle, I use a basic line chart to create a dynamic, professional timeline in 10 minutes. Here's how you can too.