My Small World

Ever wondered while using "SUMIF" function, the sum range cannot be more than one column!!  This indeed is a big drawback while using a large data set where you need to sum matching certain conditions. I often end up using multiple sumif with "+" which makes the formula very long. So was thinking of some alternative that can make life easier. Thanks to the search engines these days, I did come across a workaround. Refer to the above image: In the above example, I have a table with 4 columns where H1 and H2 are identifiers. H3 and H4 is the data which needs to be summed up. Condition 1 (alternative for SUMIF): I need to sum values of H3 and H4 where the identifier H2 is "Y". The formula will be =SUM(IF(B2:B5=B9,C2:D5)) followed by Ctrl + Shift + Enter which will make it a array formula. The final formula will look like this:  {=SUM(IF(B2:B5=B9,C2:D5))} Condition 2  (alternative for SUMIFS) : I need to sum values of H3 and H4 where the ...

VLOOKUP syntax We often encounter "#N/A" while using VLOOKUP function to compare two lists. One of the most common problems that give rise to this error is extra spaces either to the end or to the beginning of the string. What's the way out? The simplest way out is to use "TRIM" function as a sub function. Example While trying to use VLOOKUP in the normal course, the result will be "#N/A", whereas with TRIM nested in the VLOOKUP function will give the positive result. (TRIM function removes the unwanted spaces in the beginning and end of a string.)

Though MS Excel today allows to easily eliminate duplicate values in a list, have you ever tried to identify the number of entries that gets repeated in an excel list? In the above example, we can identify the repeat entries using "COUNTIF" function. Option 1 formula: =COUNTIF($D$1:D1,D1) Explanation: This formula counts the occurrence of the value in the list i.e. on the first occurrence, the result will be one and on the second it will be 2 and like wise. (see the figure below) Option 2 formula: =COUNTIF($D$1:$D$8,D1) Explanation: This formula counts the total number of repetitions. If an entry appears thrice in a list, then the result will be 3 in all the occurrences of that entry. (see the figure below) So start using whichever is convenient to you... :)

Have you ever wondered if we can have a dynamic drop down list i.e. a drop down using data validation that gets updated automatically with any change in the source of the drop down... I often faced problems having a dynamic drop down list but ultimately I was able to find a solution to my problem. Step 1: Format the source list as a table and name the table (here I've named the table as "Fruits") Step 2: Go to Formulas -> Name Manager and click on New Define any name in the dialog box In the example, I've named it as "Names". Then click on Refers to field and select the table in the excel sheet. The refer to will appear as =TableName[ColumnName] Step 3: Now create the drop down list using data validation and mention the source as the name you defined. In this case "Names" Here you go. The drop down list hence created is dynamic. Any addition or deletion in the source table of the drop down ...

In a series where I would like to present on the power of "Data Validation" option in MS Excel, the first and commonly used function is creation of a drop down list in a cell. We often come across situation where we feel the necessity of having a drop down list in a worksheet where the inputs are predefined and the user gets ready option to populate the cell. The easiest way to create such a dropdown is typing out the list values in the data validation -> list option. Step 1 : Go to Data -> Data Validation -> Data Validation...   Step 2 : Select "List" option in the "Allow" drop down box   Step 3: Write down the desired list values seperating them with comma in "Source" box Result: You get the drop down with the desired options in the intended cell What if you intend to create a long list where the entries are too much? Don't worry, excel offers you solution for this as well. Instead of the "Ste...

I had been wondering how can I get a complete stock of the directories as well as contents on my system. In this endeavor Google came to my rescue and directed me to a post where I could find a DOS command to print the directory structure in Windows environment. For Example: If you need to know the contents of the C drive, then go to the command prompt and type  "dir C:\ /s >output.txt" where: dir -  the dos command for displaying the directories C:\ - the location of which you want the directory structure /s - the dos command extension for displaying not only the directories but the files as well >output.txt - refers to the name of output file (in this case output.txt) which will be placed at the root of the folder where the command is getting executed. In case you want the output to your specified location, then include the complete path of the destination after ">". Source:  http://superuser.com/questions/258287/what-is-a-good-...

(in continuation of my earlier post: " Custom Validation in Excel ") Today I seriously recognised the power of data validation. I was stuck in a situation wherein I had to create a template wherein the user needs to enter a date, however it the date cannot be a Saturday or a Sunday. After a brief "R&D", I realized using "data validation" was the apt option. Go to Data -> Data Validation In the dialogue box which pops up, choose "Custom" from the drop down under Settings -> Validation Criteria -> Allow In the new field "Formula", just enter the criteria you want to achieve. In my case, I used "=WEEKDAY(A2,2)<6" Then, you may click on the "Error Alert" tab and may put any customized error alert like the picture below: So, now the desired cell is validated and user can only enter a weekday. Another, popular validation that I often use is the "List" wherein one can easily cr...