The web version of the spreadsheet software has automated features that include suggesting formulas.
Automating calculations through formulas in programs like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel is incredibly useful, but for those who are new to these tools, the task of inserting a formula into a cell can be intimidating.
Google Sheets
Thankfully, Google Sheets added formula suggestions last year, which uses automation for tasks that would normally require manual effort.
This was useful for newcomers, and Microsoft is aware of this importance, so they developed features on their web-based Excel to mimic these abilities.
Formula Suggestions
Microsoft revealed a variety of helpful features for Excel on the web, like “Formula Suggestions” and “Formula by Example.” The latter gives you possible formulas that could be the best option, in an easy-to-understand way.
When you type an equals sign (=) in a cell, suggestions appear based on context-aware recommendations extracted from the data present in the same row or column.
As an example, if it recognizes a column titled “Total” next to other cells that contain numerical values, it can suggest a formula, to sum up these numbers. Its available formulas include also average, count, min, and max. This feature only supports English for the moment.
Formula by Example
If you’ve used Excel’s Flash Fill function before, Formula by Example may ring some bells. Similar to the old feature, Formula by Example will detect patterns and complete a range of cells automatically.
This new feature, demoed in the video below, is perfect for manual and repetitive data entry as it saves time from having to input the same formula in multiple cells.
Cloud Workbook
Furthermore, another useful feature can detect when a link to a cloud workbook is broken and then offer a suggestion on where to find the new location.
Microsoft has included a search bar in the search pane for improved query discovery, as well as a feature for inserting images with alt-text into a specific cell from a source location.
Conclusion
Excel’s December 2022 update offers these features for both its Windows and macOS versions, as well as introducing improvements to the free web version. So, if you’re considering switching from Google Workspace, you can try out Excel’s web version.
