In this session, author and Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA, shares techniques you can use to verify the integrity of even the most complicated Excel workbooks. Features covered include Show Formulas, Evaluate Formulas, Trace Precedents, and the FORMULATEXT function. David will contrast editing traditional formulas with dynamic array formulas in Excel 2021 and Excel for Microsoft 365 and writing formulas by using structured references.

David is the author of “Microsoft Excel 365 for Dummies”, “Exploring Microsoft Excel’s Hidden Treasures”, and has written or co-authored six other books. He demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in the subscription-based Excel for Microsoft 365. David draws your attention to any differences in Excel 2021, 2019 or 2016 during the presentation and in his detailed handouts. The handouts include an Excel workbook with most of the examples he uses during his demonstrations.

Excel for Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based product that receives periodic feature updates. Conversely, perpetually licensed versions have year numbers in their names and do not receive any feature updates.

Who should attend: Professionals seeking to verify the integrity of Excel spreadsheets more effectively.

Topics typically covered:

• Utilizing the Error Checking command to locate cells that contain errors within a worksheet.

• Mastering the IFERROR function to display alternate values in lieu of a # sign error.

• Creating a macro that will create an Excel comment that contains the cell contents as a means of visually displaying formulas.

• Identifying other cells a formula relies on by way of the Trace Precedents feature.

• Utilizing keyboard shortcuts to identify precedent and dependent worksheet cells.

• Understanding the purpose and nuances of Excel’s Personal Macro Workbook.

• Adding a macro to Excel that adds the ability to display any formula in a cell comment.

• Transforming cell references into range names by way of the Apply Range Names to Formulas command.

• Identifying the various # sign errors Excel formulas can return.

• Stepping through formulas in slow motion with the Evaluate Formulas feature.

• Displaying subsets of data dynamically by way of the new FILTER worksheet function.

• Learning how the Table feature empowers you to improve the integrity of Excel spreadsheets.

Learning objectives:

• Recall the location of the command that allows you to determine categorically if a workbook contains links or not.

• State which button within the Edit Links dialog box that allows you to change the file nam or location of an existing workbook link.

• Recall what SUMIF returns if your formula references (links) to another workbook that is not presently open in Excel.

Level: Basic

Instructional Method: Group: Internet-based

NASBA Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites: None

Advance Preparation: None