Excel Tables and Features

In this article, you’ll explore Excel tables and their associated features.

Excel tables

An Excel table is not just any range of data with headings. It is a specific object that unlocks additional table-specific features. Excel tables allow you to analyse your data quickly and easily.

There are many benefits to using Excel tables because Excel recognises that each column is a separate field:

• Tables are easily formatted
• Table headers remain visible even when you scroll down
• Filters are added to your data
• Tables automatically expand when you add new rows or columns
• Tables automatically name ranges
• You can add totals to tables automatically
• When tables automatically expand, they also expand their format
• Tables drag formulas down automatically
• You can create dynamic charts
• Tables adjust named ranges automatically
• You can add forms to facilitate entry of new data
• You can use slicers and timelines to filter your data and charts.

Please take some time to review the following resources. They’ll provide you with an overview of Excel tables and an in-depth look at different Excel table functions which will make using Excel tables easier.

Click on these links to be taken to the resources.

• Overview of Excel tables
• Using structured references with Excel tables
• How to use the SUBTOTAL() function
• The IF function
• Advanced IF functions

Join the discussion

Did you, like Dany, think Excel was ‘just one big table’ or were you aware of Excel tables and its functionalities? Based on what we’ve covered so far, what do you think is the most useful feature of Excel tables for reporting business data and why?

Use the Discussion section below and let us know your thoughts. Once you’re happy with your contribution, click the Mark as complete button to check the step off, then move on to the next step.