Whether you’re just getting started with Excel or looking to streamline a specific task, these tutorials are designed to help you work more efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
Browse step-by-step tutorials covering formulas, functions, data cleanup, formatting, PivotTables, dropdown lists, lookups, printing, automation, and more. Each tutorial focuses on solving a practical problem with clear explanations, companion articles, and downloadable resources when available.
Use the search box or browse the topics below to find the tutorial you need.
New tutorials are added regularly as I discover practical ways to solve everyday software and technology challenges.
Latest Tutorials
How to Create an Order Form with Drop-Down Menus in Microsoft Excel
Learn how to create a professional order form in Microsoft Excel using drop-down menus, Data Validation, and named ranges. This step-by-step tutorial also covers formatting dates, ZIP codes, and credit card fields to build cleaner, more accurate spreadsheets for real-world business use.
How to Auto-Populate Fields in Excel Using a Drop-Down and VLookup
Learn how to combine a drop-down list with VLOOKUP to automatically populate customer information in Microsoft Excel. This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates a practical business workflow that can be adapted for order forms, packing lists, customer databases, contact management, and other data-entry tasks.
Excel Basics & Setup
These are tutorials that help users understand Excel basics, interface options, and foundational spreadsheet skills.
How to Turn on Focus Cell in Excel to Highlight the Active Cell Row and Column
Learn how to enable the Focus Cell feature in Microsoft Excel to highlight the active row and column. This simple productivity feature makes it easier to navigate large spreadsheets, improve accuracy, reduce eye strain, and quickly locate the cell you’re working in.
How to Delete a Pattern of Rows in Excel
Learn how to delete repeating patterns of rows in Microsoft Excel using a helper column, AutoFill, and sorting or filtering. This simple technique makes it easy to remove groups of rows from large datasets without writing formulas or manually selecting each row.
2 Ways to Create a Dropdown List in Excel
Learn two easy ways to create dropdown lists in Microsoft Excel using Data Validation. This tutorial demonstrates both the typed list method and the named range method, explains when to use each one, and includes downloadable practice files and a quick reference guide.
How to Manage Prospects or Leads in Excel
Learn how to create a simple lead and prospect tracker in Microsoft Excel using Data Validation, drop-down lists, filters, and notes. This tutorial demonstrates an easy-to-maintain system for organizing contacts, tracking follow-up activities, and managing sales or networking opportunities.
How to Show the Developer Tab in Excel
Learn how to show the Developer tab in Microsoft Excel so you can access advanced features like macros, VBA, form controls, and automation tools. This quick tutorial walks you through the Ribbon settings to enable the Developer tab in current versions of Microsoft Excel.
2 Easy Ways to Separate First & Last Names in Excel
Learn two easy ways to separate first and last names in Microsoft Excel using Flash Fill and Text to Columns. This tutorial explains when each method works best, how to split names safely, and includes a downloadable practice workbook so you can follow along.
How to Enable VBA in Microsoft Excel
In Excel, the Visual Basic editor and Macros can be accessed on the Developer tab. If you do not currently see this tab in Excel, you will need to enable it using the following steps: Please ensure you are running Windows Defender or similar security to ensure you are protected while macros are enabled. Click here for…
How to Insert Single or Multiple Rows or Columns in Excel
In this video, I show you how to add single and multiple rows or columns in Microsoft Excel. To add row (above) or column (left), simply select the row(s) or column(s) and do one of the following: If you add too many rows or columns, you can easily remove them by selecting the row or…
Formulas & Functions
These focus on formulas, functions, and using Excel to perform calculations or manipulate information.
How to Auto-Populate Fields in Excel Using a Drop-Down and VLookup
Learn how to combine a drop-down list with VLOOKUP to automatically populate customer information in Microsoft Excel. This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates a practical business workflow that can be adapted for order forms, packing lists, customer databases, contact management, and other data-entry tasks.
How to Use XLOOKUP for Multi Criteria Searches in Excel
Learn how to use XLOOKUP to retrieve data based on multiple criteria in Microsoft Excel. This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates how to combine values from multiple columns to perform more flexible lookups using a practical real-world example.
How to Create a Searchable Drop-down List in Excel
Learn how to create a searchable drop-down list in Microsoft Excel using the FILTER function, named ranges, and Data Validation. This tutorial includes downloadable examples for partial, exact, and case-sensitive searches, with solutions for both Microsoft 365 and older versions of Excel.
How to Combine Multiple Names Based on Same or Different Last Names in Excel
Learn how to automatically combine names in Microsoft Excel based on whether two people share the same last name. This tutorial uses IF, AND, and TEXTJOIN to create mailing label-friendly names while supporting households with one or two people.
Choosing the Right Method to Combine Text in Excel
Learn four easy ways to combine names or other text in Microsoft Excel using CONCAT, TEXTJOIN, the ampersand (&) operator, and CONCAT with ranges. This tutorial explains when to use each method and how to preserve your combined results after merging your data.
How to Keep the Zero at the Beginning of a Number in Excel
Learn three easy ways to keep the zero at the beginning of a number in Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re working with ZIP codes, employee IDs, or other fixed-length numbers, this tutorial explains the best method for your data and why Excel removes those beginning zeros in the first place.
How to Randomize a List in Excel
Learn how to randomize a list in Microsoft Excel using the RANDBETWEEN function and Excel’s Sort feature. This quick tutorial shows how to shuffle names, numbers, or other data into a random order for drawings, group assignments, surveys, and many other real-world uses.
How to Create a Cryptogram in Excel
Learn how to create your own cryptogram in Microsoft Excel using MID, RANDBETWEEN, VLOOKUP, and sorting. This fun project demonstrates how multiple Excel functions work together to build custom substitution ciphers that you can print, share, or customize for classrooms and games.
How to Remove Spaces to the Left of a Text String in Excel
Learn how to remove spaces from the left of a string of text in Excel using FIND, MID & TRIM + LEN.
How to Solve a Cryptogram Using Excel & VLOOKUP
Learn how to solve a basic cryptogram using the VLOOKUP function in Excel. We’ll do that by entering the cryptogram into Excel, one letter per cell, then we’ll create our own key and use VLOOKUP to figure out the puzzle. Don’t worry if you’re not very familiar with VLOOKUP – I will walk you through…
Working with Data
Clean, organize, sort, and transform your data more efficiently.
How to Create a Searchable Drop-down List in Excel
Learn how to create a searchable drop-down list in Microsoft Excel using the FILTER function, named ranges, and Data Validation. This tutorial includes downloadable examples for partial, exact, and case-sensitive searches, with solutions for both Microsoft 365 and older versions of Excel.
How to Manage Prospects or Leads in Excel
Learn how to create a simple lead and prospect tracker in Microsoft Excel using Data Validation, drop-down lists, filters, and notes. This tutorial demonstrates an easy-to-maintain system for organizing contacts, tracking follow-up activities, and managing sales or networking opportunities.
Analysis & Reporting
These tutorials help users analyze information, highlight patterns, and create useful insights.
How to Use Conditional Formatting in Excel
Conditional formatting is a helpful way to quickly, easily and accurately pinpoint specific data in Excel by automatically coloring the cells containing data or data ranges you specify. You can highlight cells containing data that is greater than, less than, between, equal to, cells that contain a specific word, phrase or number, cells that have…
Printing & Sharing
These tutorials help users prepare spreadsheets for printing, exporting, and sharing with others.
How to Create Mailing Labels in Word From an Excel List
Learn how to create mailing labels in Microsoft Word using an Excel spreadsheet with Mail Merge. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to connect your data, insert merge fields, preview your labels, and print professional mailing labels. Includes downloadable sample files and a printable quick reference guide.
Security & Workbook Management
These tutorials focus on protecting, controlling, and managing workbook content.
How to Lock, Hide & Protect Content in Excel
Learn how to lock, hide (formulas) and protect Excel worksheets and workbooks.
Real-World Projects
Learn Excel by solving practical business problems.
How to Create an Order Form with Drop-Down Menus in Microsoft Excel
Learn how to create a professional order form in Microsoft Excel using drop-down menus, Data Validation, and named ranges. This step-by-step tutorial also covers formatting dates, ZIP codes, and credit card fields to build cleaner, more accurate spreadsheets for real-world business use.
How to Auto-Populate Fields in Excel Using a Drop-Down and VLookup
Learn how to combine a drop-down list with VLOOKUP to automatically populate customer information in Microsoft Excel. This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates a practical business workflow that can be adapted for order forms, packing lists, customer databases, contact management, and other data-entry tasks.
How to Create Mailing Labels in Word From an Excel List
Learn how to create mailing labels in Microsoft Word using an Excel spreadsheet with Mail Merge. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to connect your data, insert merge fields, preview your labels, and print professional mailing labels. Includes downloadable sample files and a printable quick reference guide.
How to Manage Prospects or Leads in Excel
Learn how to create a simple lead and prospect tracker in Microsoft Excel using Data Validation, drop-down lists, filters, and notes. This tutorial demonstrates an easy-to-maintain system for organizing contacts, tracking follow-up activities, and managing sales or networking opportunities.
All Excel Tutorials
How to Auto-Populate Fields in Excel Using a Drop-Down and VLookup
Learn how to combine a drop-down list with VLOOKUP to automatically populate customer information in Microsoft Excel. This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates a practical business workflow that can be adapted for order forms, packing lists, customer databases, contact management, and other data-entry tasks.
How to Use XLOOKUP for Multi Criteria Searches in Excel
Learn how to use XLOOKUP to retrieve data based on multiple criteria in Microsoft Excel. This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates how to combine values from multiple columns to perform more flexible lookups using a practical real-world example.
How to Create a Searchable Drop-down List in Excel
Learn how to create a searchable drop-down list in Microsoft Excel using the FILTER function, named ranges, and Data Validation. This tutorial includes downloadable examples for partial, exact, and case-sensitive searches, with solutions for both Microsoft 365 and older versions of Excel.
How to Combine Multiple Names Based on Same or Different Last Names in Excel
Learn how to automatically combine names in Microsoft Excel based on whether two people share the same last name. This tutorial uses IF, AND, and TEXTJOIN to create mailing label-friendly names while supporting households with one or two people.
How to Turn on Focus Cell in Excel to Highlight the Active Cell Row and Column
Learn how to enable the Focus Cell feature in Microsoft Excel to highlight the active row and column. This simple productivity feature makes it easier to navigate large spreadsheets, improve accuracy, reduce eye strain, and quickly locate the cell you’re working in.
How to Delete a Pattern of Rows in Excel
Learn how to delete repeating patterns of rows in Microsoft Excel using a helper column, AutoFill, and sorting or filtering. This simple technique makes it easy to remove groups of rows from large datasets without writing formulas or manually selecting each row.
How to Create Mailing Labels in Word From an Excel List
Learn how to create mailing labels in Microsoft Word using an Excel spreadsheet with Mail Merge. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to connect your data, insert merge fields, preview your labels, and print professional mailing labels. Includes downloadable sample files and a printable quick reference guide.
2 Ways to Create a Dropdown List in Excel
Learn two easy ways to create dropdown lists in Microsoft Excel using Data Validation. This tutorial demonstrates both the typed list method and the named range method, explains when to use each one, and includes downloadable practice files and a quick reference guide.
How to Manage Prospects or Leads in Excel
Learn how to create a simple lead and prospect tracker in Microsoft Excel using Data Validation, drop-down lists, filters, and notes. This tutorial demonstrates an easy-to-maintain system for organizing contacts, tracking follow-up activities, and managing sales or networking opportunities.
How to Show the Developer Tab in Excel
Learn how to show the Developer tab in Microsoft Excel so you can access advanced features like macros, VBA, form controls, and automation tools. This quick tutorial walks you through the Ribbon settings to enable the Developer tab in current versions of Microsoft Excel.
Choosing the Right Method to Combine Text in Excel
Learn four easy ways to combine names or other text in Microsoft Excel using CONCAT, TEXTJOIN, the ampersand (&) operator, and CONCAT with ranges. This tutorial explains when to use each method and how to preserve your combined results after merging your data.
2 Easy Ways to Separate First & Last Names in Excel
Learn two easy ways to separate first and last names in Microsoft Excel using Flash Fill and Text to Columns. This tutorial explains when each method works best, how to split names safely, and includes a downloadable practice workbook so you can follow along.
How to Keep the Zero at the Beginning of a Number in Excel
Learn three easy ways to keep the zero at the beginning of a number in Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re working with ZIP codes, employee IDs, or other fixed-length numbers, this tutorial explains the best method for your data and why Excel removes those beginning zeros in the first place.
How to Randomize a List in Excel
Learn how to randomize a list in Microsoft Excel using the RANDBETWEEN function and Excel’s Sort feature. This quick tutorial shows how to shuffle names, numbers, or other data into a random order for drawings, group assignments, surveys, and many other real-world uses.
How to Create a Cryptogram in Excel
Learn how to create your own cryptogram in Microsoft Excel using MID, RANDBETWEEN, VLOOKUP, and sorting. This fun project demonstrates how multiple Excel functions work together to build custom substitution ciphers that you can print, share, or customize for classrooms and games.
How to Lock, Hide & Protect Content in Excel
Learn how to lock, hide (formulas) and protect Excel worksheets and workbooks.
How to Split a String of Text Into Individual Rows in Excel
Learn how to easily split a string of text into individual rows in Excel using MID & ROWS functions.
2 Ways to Split a String of Text Into Individual Columns in Excel
via https://youtu.be/ZuNJZUVZzaU In this video, I show you two ways to split a string of text into individual columns. Method 1: Enter text in column A & select the row. Go to the Data Tab – Text to Columns. Select Fixed Width & create breaks at each character. Method 2: Enter text in column A.…
How to Sort & Filter in Excel
Learn how to sort and filter in Excel. Both of these options can be found on the Data tab.
How to Remove Spaces to the Left of a Text String in Excel
Learn how to remove spaces from the left of a string of text in Excel using FIND, MID & TRIM + LEN.
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