1. Search for existing solutions
Try a search first to see if you can find an existing solution you can use or adapt. You can save a lot of time by finding a path others have already travelled.
2. State your goal clearly and briefly
Be clear about what you want. For example:
I need to sum sales by month I need to count orders on Wednesdays or Mondays I need C1 to be blank unless there are numbers in A1 and B1 I need a date 10 days in the future excluding weekends
3. Reduce and simply
Less is more. Do not try to explain your requirements at length in text. Distill your problem to its essence. Build a tiny example on one worksheet. Be sure to include (1) sample data and (2) desired result. For example:
5. Show your formula
Include the exact formula you are trying to use. It may not work correctly, but it helps others understand how you are approaching the problem.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
