The term False Friends is used in various fields including linguistics and chess. In this post I’ll explain how it applies to Microsoft Excel! Continue reading
False Friends in Excel
Post Category → Errors
Excel Error “You can’t enter an array formula over merged cells”
You created a cool array formula and then merged it across several cells. Later, you realize that you need to modify this array formula. When you try to press Control Shift Enter you get this horrible error: Continue reading
I SEE “XLFN” !?!? WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Despite how amazing Excel is there are times when you’ll find yourself shaking with fear! For example, have you ever seen anything as scary as this =ISERROR(FIND(_xlfn.CONCAT($A2:$E2),_xlfn.CONCAT($I$2:$M$6))) What is xlfn ??? Continue reading
What is the easiest way to calculate grades in Excel?
Although the VLOOKUP versus INDEX/MATCH debate gets most of the attention there are MANY more topics to debate in Excel. When calculating student grades what method is best: NESTED IF or LOOKUP/BINNING TABLE? Continue reading
The Dangers of Binning in Excel
In Excel we can bin numbers. We can also bin letters. Rare but possible. However, be careful when binning a mix of letters and symbols! What could go wrong? A student who earns a B- could end up with an A- grade! Continue reading
True Vlookup Tragedy
The vlookup function is often used to prove a bare minimum of Excel knowledge because it’s both useful and common. Continue reading