Analyzing associated pieces of data is easier if you create and use a table in Microsoft Excel. A table enables you to segregate data on a single sheet that you can then manage separately from the rest. Then, explains how to create and use tables in Excel.
How to create a table in Excel
You have two alternatives to create a table in Microsoft Excel. The only noticeable difference is if you want to apply a specific color style to the table.
Create a stylish table
If you want to use a fancy color scheme, follow this method to create your table.
Select the range of cells in your spreadsheet that you want to convert to a table and open the tab “Beginning”. Click on the drop-down box “format as table” on the ribbon and choose the style you would like to use.
Create a basic table
If the color of the table does not concern you, you can simply insert a basic table. This will keep applying alternating colors to the rows, only in the default blue and white color scheme.
Select the range of cells you want to convert, open the tab “Insert” and click “Table” on the tape.
Commit cells and apply headers
Using any of the above methods, a pop-up window will appear below. Here, you can confirm or edit the cell range. If you plan to add more data to the table, you may want to include more rows or columns from the beginning.
You can manually edit the range of cells in the box or drag the cursor across the area of your sheet while the window remains on the screen.
If you want to use your own header row for the table, check the box “My table has headers” and click “To accept” Confirmed email address.
If you do no check the box to use table headers, Microsoft Excel will assign them by default as Column 1, Column 2, etc., which you can edit if you want. Just keep in mind that if you have a header row but choose not to use the function, that row will be treated as data, what will affect your table filtering.
How to customize your Excel table
Now that you have your table, you can customize it. Select any cell in the table and you will see that the tab “table layout” appears above the ribbon. Open that tab and check the following options.
Table name
Each table you create is assigned a default Table name 1, Table 2, etc. You can give your table a more meaningful name, which is useful if you plan to reference it in your workbook. Enter the name you want to use in the field “Table name”.
show u hide queues, columns and buttons
In the center of the ribbon are checkboxes to show things like a total row, the first and last columns and the filter button. Check the boxes of the items you want to display.
Table style
Whether you started your table with a particular style or just used the default, you can change it here. On the right side of the tape, use the arrows to view and then select a color scheme.
How to manage your Excel table data
When you're ready to get that Excel table up and running, have options to order, filter and search table data. Click on the “filter button” (arrow) next to the column header you want to use.
Order your table
You have two quick and easy options for sorting at the top of the window: ascending and descending. Note that, even when you are sorting using a single column, the rest of the data in your table will change. Then, it's not just sorting that column; you too sorting your table by that column.
Sorting is perfect for sorting textual data alphabetically, numerical data by quantity or data based on time chronologically.
Filter your table
Although sorting the table is useful to see the data in a certain way, filtering them is useful for calling specific data. Below the sorting alternatives in the window, have “Filters” (and Mac, this is the drop down list “pick one”). Since the alternatives in the list vary depending on the type of data in your table, see “Date filters”, “number filters” O “text filters”.
So, if your table contains dates, can filter by time periods like tomorrow, next week or last month. If your table contains numbers, you will see options as equal, is greater or less than average.
Once you select a filter, It is possible that you must enter a piece of information in the box that appears. As an example, if you select “Is equal to” for the numbers, will enter the value “equal to”, and if you choose “Before” for a date, will enter the date “before”.
You can also choose to apply a quick filter. The data contained in that column will be displayed within a box in the window. Just check or uncheck the boxes of the data you want to filter.
If you have a large amount of data in your table, you can also use the search box to find what you need. Search results will be displayed in the filter box directly below. Search is simply a filter in itself.
In Windows, click on “To accept” to apply your filter. And Mac, the filters you select will be applied to your table instantly. When I'm done with a filter, select “select the Review tab and click” to get the table back to normal.
Sort or filter by color
in sections “Order” and “Filter” of the window, you will see an option for “by color”. If you apply a color to a cell or a font in that table, this option allows you to sort or filter by it.
Convert your table back to a cell range
If you decide that you no longer want to use the table you created, you can just convert it back to a cell range. Select any cell in the table, open the Table Design tab and click “convert to range” on the tape.
With a table in Microsoft Excel, you can more easily manage and analyze a range of associated cells in your spreadsheet. So keep this handy feature in mind when reviewing your next workbook.. For large data sheets, you can also take a look at using a pivot table in excel.
