This week’s hint and tip is on the TEXTJOIN function in Excel. This function is one that can be used to cater for multiple value lookups to bring back more information than just one value that is returned normally in a VLOOKUP. This isn’t necessarily covered in our courses so we decided to do a hint and tip on it. We are going to go through it now below.

TEXTJOIN Function

We’re often asked “Is there a way in Excel to extend the VLOOKUP function to return multiple values rather than just one?”

The VLOOKUP function matches against column 1 of a table array and returns the column entry specified but only for the first match it comes across not all matches.

So how can we do this? Below is the TEXTJOIN function which is the answer and an explanation of the parts to this function.

Function layout: =TEXTJOIN(delimiter, ignore_empty, text1, [text2], …)

• Delimiter: the character or strong to insert in between each text item that is returned
• Ignore_empty: whether you ignore empty cells or not. This typically is where you type in TRUE as it will tell the function to ignore empty cells
• Text1: text string or ranges to be joined together. You have to have at least one of these, but you can have more than one

Worked example

In the attached workbook (see below) you can see what we are trying to achieve i.e. look for an value called Fruit in column A and return all the column B entries where fruit is found in column A i.e. Orange, Banana, Apple.

The formula used is: =TEXTJOIN(“,”,TRUE,IF(B10=$A$2:$A$7,$B$2:$B$7,””)).

Effectively this is using the , as a delimiter and joining together the column B entries where Fruit (cell B10) is found in column A.

In our example we have taken the function further and nested an IF Statement in to the TEXTJOIN function to extend its function further.

Normally you would just have the text or ranges listed in the ‘text1’ part of the TEXTJOIN function. Instead we have nested in an IF Statement.

This IF Statement is producing the string of texts to be joined together. So it has been used to make this function more ‘smart’ and giving you the texts based on conditions. It allows you to have the text strings produced based on what category you are looking for.

In the IF Statement, the “” part in the ‘value if false’ section, is a symbol shortcut to say ‘blank’. So if the IF statement turns out to be false, then the cell will have nothing inserted in to it.

We hope you find this example of help. For more hints an tips and videos view our hints and tips page here.

Worked example video

The video below shows you how you can use this function to bring back more information in the spreadsheet attached here. (clicking here will download a copy to your computer so you can try it out!). We hope that you find the video useful and enjoy learning about it!

Take a look below at the video to find out more and then try it out on your own computer!

We hope you have enjoyed this hint and tip on TEXTJOIN Function in Excel. Why not take a look at our previous video hint and tip on part 6 of our Word shortcuts?

The post TEXTJOIN Function in Excel – have you tried this function out before in your spreadsheets? appeared first on JPL IT Training Ltd.

This week’s hint and tip is about how to use the sorting option within Excel. This is on our Intermediate Excel training course and covers where the sorting option is found and how to use it. We are going to go through it now below.

Where the sorting option is found

There are three ways to find the sorting option in Excel. The first is to go to the Data Tab. From here you can use the A-Z filter buttons or click on the sort button. The second is go to the Home Tab and click on the sort and filter button. When you click on this button, the sorting options can be found on the drop down list. Finally the third option is to add the A-Z and Z-A shortcut buttons to your QAT.

How to sort your data

To sort your data, you only have to select one active cell in the column you want sorted. To sort a column, select one cell and then select the A-Z button. This will sort your data in alphabetical order by the column you selected the cell in. This is a simple single level sort. You can also apply multi level sorting to your data. To do this, click on the fort button on the Data Tab. This will bring up a box where you can select the details for your first level of sorting. Once this is done, click on the add level button and this will allow you add the second level to your sorting. Same as before, select the details for the second level of sorting then click OK. This will then sort your data first by the first level details then by the second level details.

The video below shows you how to sort your data in Excel. Sorting is very powerful in Excel and is useful for ordering your data to make it easier to read.

Take a look below at the video to find out more and then try it out on your own computer!

We hope you have enjoyed this hint and tip, why not take a look at our previous one on replicating spreadsheets?

The post Excel Sorting – a video on how to sort your data in Excel appeared first on JPL IT Training Ltd.

In this current Coronavirus crisis all our ways of life are affected. From all the team here we wish you all well in whatever challenges you are seeking to overcome.

It is most unlikely that we shall be delivering our usual on site day courses for customers in the short term. As a result of this we can instead engage with you directly and remotely. Our objective is to deliver to you short duration training sessions remotely from our list of course content.

How it works

We will make this happen by using a remote communication software. We’ve currently chosen a simple one which is driven by us using Webex desktop communication. It doesn’t require any client software on your pc/laptop, just the ability to interact with us via a web cam and mic. We organise/schedule a session, we send you a meeting request link and you click on the link just before time of meeting and go! We will share the training files and exercises required in advance. Then when you share yours for us to see how you’re doing you are still in control of your desktop so it’s quite secure and safe but simple.

Pricing and content topics

Our price charging for this training is by the hour for this based on numbers and we want to limit it to 4 per session. It’s a good way to keep your skills ticking over at low cost. You can choose topics from our course content of interest. See www.jplcomputer.co.uk for information.  Its particularly good for Excel training in topics like Pivot Tables and formulas.

Please get in touch with us via email at johnlegge@jplcomputer.co.uk or phone 07903 840105 to log your interest in this interim remote training we’re offering.

We wish you well and hope to hear from you. Keep in touch please in any case.

John Legge
Managing Director
JPL IT Training Limited

23rd March 2020

The post Interim remote training on MS Office for small groups and individuals appeared first on JPL IT Training Ltd.

Further to a blog we did in May 2017 on Excel Symbols we thought we would give you a further insight into 5 more Excel symbol meanings.

There are a number of different symbols used within Excel all with different meanings and uses.

It can be confusing trying to work out what they all mean and how you can use them, so we thought we would break down some of them and their meanings to give you a bit more insight.

See below for the Excel symbol and information on what its use is in Excel!

5 Excel Symbols

() – Brackets are an essential symbol in Excel bring used for 2 prime purposes:

1. To follow a function and contain the arguments of that function e.g. =SUM(b2:b5) or =VLOOKUP(b2,$d$5:$g$12,2,False)
2. To obey the BODMAS premise where brackets override multiply and divide symbols which themselves override addition and subtraction

‘ – An apostrophe before a cell value forces Excel to interpret the value as text. Here we have 2 examples:

1. If you type in a phone number say in a cell as 1 long number Excel drops the first 0 so by inserting an apostrophe firstly means it displays the whole number including the 0
2. If you refer to a worksheet in a formula which has spaces, then the ‘ treats the sheet name as text and you wont get an error e.g. =sum(‘Q 1:Q 4’!b2)

& – See this example in the image of cell C1 to the right

^ – To the power of e.g. =2^3 would give us the answer 8 if you typed it in to Excel

{} – Used when using an Array type of formula in Excel

We cover the use of Excel symbols on our Basic Excel training course and now there are 5 to choose from.

See our website here for more details or contact us on 07903 840105 or johnlegge@jplcomputer.co.uk

You might also like to read our previous post on some lesser known features in Word.

The post Excel Symbol Meanings…what do they mean? Find out here! appeared first on JPL IT Training Ltd.

Microsoft Office Courses Worcestershire: Here at Computer Services Worcestershire we have for the last 20 years specialised in training  for Microsoft Office Training modules for all levels of abilities in all market sectors.

Excel Training

The key Microsoft Office modules we offer computer training in include Excel training in Worcestershire, Excel training in Warwickshire Excel training in Herefordshire, Excel training in Gloucestershire and Office 365 training including

• Word training
• Access training
• PowerPoint training
• Microsoft Project training
• Outlook training
• Office 365 training

Our clients in Worcestershire are located in Redditch, Bromsgrove, Evesham, Worcester, Drakes Broughton, Hartlebury and other towns across the county.

Hints and Tips

We regularly post hints and tips to complement our Excel training and these can be found on https://www.jplcomputer.co.uk/hints-and-tips/

At Computer Services Worcestershire we offer courses from basic to master class.

For Excel training in Worcestershire see https://www.jplcomputer.co.uk/microsoft-excel-training.html

Training on site

We offer Excel training in Worcestershire on our site in Redditch but deliver most of our Computer Services Worcestershire courses on clients sites. For Excel training Worcestershire alone we have trained over 400 people on courses ranging from individual training to groups of 10.Customers receive a set of course notes, exercises to complete during and after the course and a certificate upon completion. Our accreditations include being a member of the British Computer Society, TAP qualified and having reached the PTLLS status for adult learning.

Some comments from recent clients include..

“I just wanted to say many thanks for really interesting, practical and fun training today. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and actually could have kept learning, it was really engaging. I shall be practising again this weekend – can’t wait till Monday! Surely a sign of igniting a trainees desire to learn and become competent”.

“Brilliant Teacher, great explanations. Best part of the course: the exercises”.

“Very good, very enjoyable. Best part of the course: SUMIF”.

“Brilliant course, notes really useful. Best part of the course: learning shortcuts to do tasks previously taken ages! All of it!”

“Best part of the course: certain aspects e.g. SUM, totalling, which can be used in my job often”.

Get in touch

For more information on any Excel training in Worcestershire we run please contact us on johnlegge@jplcomputer.co.uk or phone 07903 840105.

The post Microsoft Office Courses Worcestershire | Training for all levels appeared first on JPL IT Training Ltd.

Recently we’ve run so many Microsoft Excel training courses Worcestershire courses, with great feedback on especially the Excel shortcuts; we thought it would be helpful to remind you of some of the key “time savers” in Excel. Most of these are applicable to all versions but some which are pertinent to a particular version are mentioned.

These Excel shortcuts range from the obvious to more obscure!

10 Excel Shortcuts

1. Fill Copy Button (little black square in bottom right of a cell) has two main purposes.
   • Create a data series or 1,2,3,4 or a custom list series Jan, Feb, Mar
   • Copy a formula relative to the place you are copying it into
2. Whenever sorting, subtotalling or filtering always have row 1 as your headers (fields) and rows 2 onwards for detail data with no blank rows or columns. Before activating the command choose an active cell in your list not an empty cell.
3. Holding Control button then pressing the Strange button (the button with 3 strange characters under Esc key) will show all your formulas. Repeat to revert back.
4. Select Data then F11 (Create a chart Sheet) – everyone’s all-time favourite
5. Using Slicers to filter in Pivot Tables (Excel 2010, 2013, 2016 only)
6. Group Sheet Selection (using shift key) selects all sheets to negate the need for multiple copy paste activities
7. Accounting number button in middle of the Home ribbon (quicker than right click Format Cells)
8. Freeze panes – will hold rows and columns in place whilst scrolling. Select a cell then VIEW Freeze Panes will freeze both a row and column.
9. New Quick Analysis button (Excel 2013) allows you to chart, conditionally format or create totals close to the action.
10. Evaluate Formula in Formulas Tab allows for tracing through a complex set of arithmetic operations in Excel orders of precedence.

We cover all these features and many more in our Excel courses which range from Basic Excel to Master Class Excel. As well covering Excel shortcuts, we also cover lots of aspects of the Excel package to help build on your existing knowledge or to help you learn features you did not know about before!

Full details of courses are on our Microsoft Excel Training page.

To have a look at one of our sample Excel agendas, please click here – this agenda is for our Intermediate Excel course.

If you would like to ask us about helping you or your staff improve on their Excel knowledge, then please get in touch via our Contact Page. If you’re interested in Microsoft Excel training courses Worcestershire then get in touch now.

You might also find our recent post on Excel Navigation short cuts useful.

The post Excel Training Courses Worcestershire – Ten Excel Shortcuts & Tips appeared first on JPL IT Training Ltd.