Excel at 40: Days of Innovation, Insight, and Impact

Lookup Logic and Formula Mastery (Days 12–13)

Day 12: INDEX + MATCH

INDEX-MATCH offers precision and control that VLOOKUP can’t match. It allows searching in any direction, handling dynamic ranges, and building smarter formulas.
Takeaway: INDEX-MATCH remains a favorite for its flexibility.

Day 13: IF Statements

The IF function is Excel’s gateway to decision-making — from flagging errors to categorizing data and building nested logic.
Takeaway: IF unlocks conditional logic, the foundation of intelligent spreadsheets.

Formatting and Data Integrity (Days 14–16)

Day 14: Conditional Formatting

Highlight trends, flag errors, and guide decisions — all without formulas.
Takeaway: Color isn’t decoration; it’s direction.

Day 15: Named Ranges

Named ranges make formulas readable, reusable, and scalable.
Takeaway: A named cell is a documented cell.

Day 16: Data Validation

Prevent errors before they happen. Data validation ensures consistency and control.
Takeaway: Validation is your first line of defense.

Advanced Functions and Developer Thinking (Days 17–18)

Day 17: LET and LAMBDA

Reusable logic, cleaner formulas, and modular thinking.
Takeaway: Write once, reuse everywhere.

Day 18: Excel as Code

Excel can be structured, recursive, and debuggable. Treat it like code.
Takeaway: Excel is a logic engine, not just a grid.

Visualization and Dashboards (Days 19–20, 24–25)

Day 19: Charting Excel’s Visual History

From bar charts to dynamic visuals, Excel’s charting tools have evolved to tell better stories.

Day 20: Sparklines

Tiny visuals with huge impact — sparklines bring context to rows and columns.

Day 24: Dashboard Design Tips

Whitespace, hierarchy, and purpose-driven visuals matter.

Day 25: Data Storytelling

Turn numbers into narratives.
Takeaway: Good visuals don’t just show; they persuade.

Automation and Integration (Days 21–23)

Day 21: Power Query

Transform messy data into structured insights with just a few clicks.

Day 22: Power Pivot

Build relationships, create measures, and model data like a pro.

Day 23: No-Code Automation

Workflows that connect Excel to the Power Platform.

AI, Python, and the Future of Excel (Days 26–32)

Day 26: Copilot and Python in Excel

Ask questions, run code, and automate analysis.

Day 27: Excel in Schools and Turing Power

Excel teaches logic, empowers students, and builds future thinkers.

Day 28: Driven Impact

Excel powers AI models and NGO dashboards — smarter sheets, bigger change.

Day 29: Excel and GitHub

Trigger reports from commits. Excel meets DevOps.
Takeaway: Excel is part of your automation stack.

Day 30: Excel Humor

REF errors. Merged cell chaos. We have all laughed and cried.

Day 31: Quick Excel Tips

• CTRL + SHIFT + L
• CTRL + E
• ALT + =

Day 32: Excel and AI Predictions

From reactive to predictive with natural language, smart forecasts, and proactive insights.
Takeaway: Excel is not just reactive; it is predictive.

Global Impact and Community (Days 33–36)

Day 33: Global Impact and MVP Stories

From classrooms to boardrooms, Excel empowers a global community.
Takeaway: Excel is powered by people — educators, creators, and problem-solvers.

Day 34: Excel in NGOs

Supporting development, transparency, and impact measurement.

Day 35: Excel in Enterprises

Scaling models, compliance, and business-critical decisions.

Day 36: Excel in Everyday Life

From personal budgets to side hustles, Excel powers daily problem-solving.

Final Thoughts

Excel is more than a spreadsheet — it is a platform for logic, design, automation, and storytelling.

As we celebrate 40 years of innovation, I am grateful for the Excel MVPs, product teams, and the global community of users who keep building smarter with Excel.

What is your favorite Excel feature or moment?

Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the journey together.