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Introduction
How This Book Is Organized
Notice that the book is divided into six main parts.Part I: Getting Started with Excel This part consists of eight chapters that provide back-
ground about Excel. These chapters are considered required reading for Excel newcomers,
but even experienced users will probably find some new information here.
Part II: Working with Formulas and Functions The chapters in Part II cover everything
that you need to know to become proficient with performing calculations in Excel.
Part III: Creating Charts and Other Visualizations The chapters in Part III describe how
to create effective charts. In addition, you’ll find chapters on the conditional formatting
visualization features, Sparkline graphics, and a chapter with lots of tips on integrating
graphics into your worksheet.
Part IV: Managing and Analyzing Data Data analysis is the focus of the chapters in
Part IV. Here you’ll find chapters focusing on data validation, pivot tables, conditional
analyses, and more.
Part V: Understanding Power Pivot and Power Query The chapters in Part V take an in-
depth look at the functionality found in Power Pivot and Power Query. Here you’ll discover
how to develop powerful reporting solutions with Power Pivot, as well as how to leverage
Power Query to automate and steps for cleaning and transforming data.
Part VI: Automating Excel Part VI is for those who want to customize Excel for their own
use or who are designing workbooks or add-ins that are to be used by others. It starts with
an introduction to recording macros and VBA programming, and then it provides coverage
of UserForms, events, and add-ins.How to Use This Book
This book is obviously not meant to be read cover to cover. Instead, it’s a reference book
that you can consult when you need help with the following situations:■ (^) You’re stuck while trying to do something.
■ (^) You need to do something that you’ve never done before.
■ (^) You have some time on your hands, and you’re interested in learning something
new about Excel.
The index is comprehensive, and each chapter typically focuses on a single broad topic.
Don’t be discouraged if some of the material is over your head. Most users get by just fine
by using only a small subset of Excel’s total capabilities. In fact, the 80/20 rule applies
here: 80 percent of Excel users use only 20 percent of its features. However, knowing only
20 percent of Excel’s features still gives you a lot of power at your fingertips.