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Alison111's avatar
Alison111
Copper Contributor
May 06, 2021

Vlookup and pivot tables

I need to learn how to use the above 2x functions for a new job role. Haven't used excel for years. I've looked at several videos but am still unclear. Can anyone help me, in layman's terms please?

6 Replies

  • SergeiBaklan's avatar
    SergeiBaklan
    Diamond Contributor

    Alison111 

    I'd start from templates available in File->New as

    As next step google "excel my first pivottable".

    Lot of resources, each has pros and cons, and, as usual, there is no one which could be "best". Best for one is not best for another, it very depends on personality, initial skills level and desired result.

    • mathetes's avatar
      mathetes
      Silver Contributor

      SergeiBaklan 

       

      I didn't realize that there were instructional templates like that! Good to know.

      • SergeiBaklan's avatar
        SergeiBaklan
        Diamond Contributor

        mathetes 

        I don't know why but people quite seldom use these templates to learn this or that functionality. From my point of view they are very professional and you may find lot tips and tricks working with these templates, not necessary related to main functionality. UI, reporting, navigation, formatting, etc - quite many useful things.

  • mathetes's avatar
    mathetes
    Silver Contributor
    I would suggest not only looking at several videos, but also--even more important--taking on the task of creating a spreadsheet following the examples in those videos and creating your own. You may have done that, I realize...but you're asking us to do what the videos do after telling us they haven't helped. In layman's terms "you're asking for what you've declared won't work."
    You also might try some non-video sources. Here's a good one. But create your own examples and work along with the instruction. THAT IS how to learn it. https://exceljet.net/search?query=pivot+table
    https://exceljet.net/search?query=vlookup
    Once you've mastered VLOOKUP, you might want to research further. XLOOKUP, for example, is more powerful (and newer)

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