Create a report using charts: Select Insert > Recommended Charts, then choose the one you want to add to the report sheet. Create a report with pivot tables: Select Insert > PivotTable. Select the ...

Excel used to be the poor schmuck’s database, with spreadsheets that just sort of sat there. You could create something more sophisticated with LOOKUP functions, but they were a huge hassle to set up.

Much of the data that you use Excel to analyze comes in a list form. You might need to sort the data, filter it, sum it, and perhaps even chart it. Excel tables provide superior tools for working with ...