35 Excel Hacks, Tips and Tricks Every Analytics Professional Should Know in 2026

Introduction

For 35 years, Microsoft Excel has been the go-to spreadsheet application for business users and analytics professionals alike. From its early days as a simple spreadsheet to its current form as a powerful data analysis and visualization platform, Excel has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of its users.

As Excel celebrates its 35th birthday in 2023, it remains an essential tool in the analytics workflow. Despite the rise of more advanced analytics platforms and programming languages in recent years, Excel is still widely used for data cleaning, analysis, modeling, and reporting in many organizations.

To mark this milestone birthday and pay homage to the ongoing importance of Excel skills, we‘ve curated a list of the top 35 Excel hacks, tips, and tricks that every analytics professional should have in their toolbox. Whether you‘re a beginner looking to boost your productivity or an advanced user looking to take your analyses to the next level, these tips will help you work smarter and faster in Excel.

Productivity and Efficiency Tips

First, let‘s look at some essential tips for streamlining your Excel workflow and boosting your productivity:

1. Master keyboard shortcuts to save time on common tasks (provide a list of the most useful shortcuts)

2. Use the Quick Access Toolbar to keep your most-used commands visible and accessible

3. Customize the ribbon to optimize your workspace for your specific needs

4. Use named ranges to create reusable references to cell ranges

5. Use tables to structure and analyze your data sets

6. Master range names to efficiently navigate and select specific data sets

7. Automatically split data using Flash Fill or the "Text to Columns" feature

8. Remove duplicate data using the "Remove Duplicates" button

9. Transpose data between rows and columns

10. Quickly format values using CTRL + SHIFT + ~

Data Analysis Tips

Next, let‘s explore some key techniques for analyzing and deriving insights from your data in Excel:

11. Use Pivot Tables to quickly summarize and analyze large data sets

12. Add calculated fields and items to your Pivot Tables for more advanced insights

13. Use slicers to create interactive filters for your Pivot Table data

14. Create Pivot Charts to visualize your data and uncover trends

15. Use VLOOKUP and INDEX/MATCH functions to join data from multiple sources

16. Use SUMIF(S), COUNTIF(S) and AVERAGEIF(S) to conditionally summarize data based on criteria

17. Use array formulas to perform complex calculations on your data

18. Analyze data distributions using histograms and Pareto charts

19. Identify outliers using box and whisker plots

20. Use regression analysis tools to uncover relationships between variables

Data Visualization Tips

Excel also provides a range of tools for visualizing and communicating your data insights:

21. Use Conditional Formatting to highlight key data points and changes

22. Create custom number formats to display values exactly as you need

23. Build interactive dashboards using Form controls and data validation

24. Make your charts more engaging with images and icons

25. Use Sparklines to show data trends in a compact format

26. Highlight specific data points with data labels and callouts

27. Create professional-looking charts with templates and chart styles

28. Use lesser-known chart types like Waterfalls, Funnels, and Tree Maps for impact

29. Create interactive visuals with form controls like scroll bars and option buttons

30. Design aesthetic charts and dashboards using custom cell styles and themes

Automation Tips

Finally, let‘s look at some ways to automate repetitive tasks and processes using Excel‘s built-in tools:

31. Record and run simple Macros to automate multi-step processes

32. Use VBA code to extend your Macros and build Excel-based applications

33. Automatically run processes with Workbook events

34. Pull live data into Excel with Power Query

35. Automatically update charts and Pivot Tables with new data

Conclusion

With these 35 tips in your Excel toolbox, you‘ll be well-equipped to streamline your workflow, uncover valuable data insights, and create compelling reports and dashboards. Commit to moving beyond the basics and continuously expanding your Excel knowledge. The more you learn, the more invaluable you‘ll become to your team and organization.

While new analytics tools and platforms will continue to emerge over the next decade and beyond, Excel‘s simplicity and versatility will ensure its relevance for a long time to come. By combining Excel mastery with advanced analytics skills, you‘ll be in high demand and well-positioned for career success. Here‘s to another 35 years of Excel powering business insights!

To continue growing your Excel skills, check out these recommended resources:

• List of top Excel courses, books, blogs, forums
• Excel influencers and thought leaders to follow
• Excel conferences and events to attend