Excel

When using Excel and working with two data sets that differ greatly in range it can be difficult to chart those values due to the larger range of one of your data sets. A classic example of this would be your monthly data and your YTD values for each month. When you put these together in a chart the monthly data is diminished by the much larger YTD values. In order to overcome this you can assign each data set an axis. The default for all your data sets is Primary axis, you have the option of assigning your second data set to the secondary axis which makes your chart readable. Below you will find the instructions on how to do this, I used Excel 2003 for this demonstration, but it should hold true for 97-2007. If you have any questions or comments feel free to ask.

Most of the time I work with a lot of data and I've found that the most effective and simple way of sorting and making use of that data is by applying AutoFilters in Excel. The AutoFilter tool allows you to arrange a set of data in a variety of ways which helps you find specific information and sort the data in a more friendly matter. Every time you filter your list by selecting an item from the AutoFilter menu you get a count on the number of times that specific criteria you chose appears. Autofilter is one of the many tools available in Excel that allow you to make something out of data without having to comb through it. To learn how to use the AutoFilter tool in Excel please follow the instructions below. Any comments/suggestions are welcome.