The database capabilities of Excel are very powerful. In fact, not only can Excel be used to create a simple searchable database, it also can be used to create a proper relational database.

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 ...

I recommend starting with a simple database type list if you can, and if you’re using Excel to analyze that data. For instance, the sheet in Figure B stores customer invoice information.

Whichever method you use to create the table, Excel will open a new worksheet with the table in it. If you like, you can copy it into the original data sheet as I did in the screenshot.

How to create a list in Microsoft 365 using Excel data. Why lists instead of Excel? Lists lets you control the way you see the data. Once the data is in Lists, you can view it as a grid, ...

Step 1: Prepare your data. Perhaps the most important step in using Excel pivot tables is to carefully organize your data. The easiest way to do this is to use Excel tables, which let you add rows ...

How to create color scales in Excel. If you prefer, you can also use color scales rather than data bars. Color scales are similar to data bars, but instead of relying on a single color, ...

Excel filters help you find exactly what you want, no matter how big your spreadsheet database is. Here's how to set number, text and data filters.