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.

Import data from external sources Excel offers a robust set of tools to import data from various external sources, making it a versatile, lightweight database solution.

Tips This article applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and Office 365. View the videos listed in the Resources section for more ideas on using Excel's database functions.

Database functions excel at managing multiple criteria, including AND and OR conditions, allowing for comprehensive and accurate data analysis.

Learn how to create a drop-down list using Data Validation in Excel. Data Validation limits the type of data that can be entered into a cell.

When using existing data in a Microsoft Excel file, there’s not a lot to do to prepare. However, you can’t think like an Excel user; you must think like a Lists user.

To create data bars in Excel, select your cells and then choose data bars from Conditional Formatting.