Smart Formula Selection in Excel: What to Use When
Online
2.00 Credits
Member Price $89.00
Non-Member Price $124.00
Overview
Excel gives you multiple ways to solve the same problem - but which formula is the right one? This course teaches a decision-based approach to function selection, helping you confidently choose between similar and competing functions. Through real-world examples and side-by-side comparisons, you’ll learn when IFS or SWITCH is cleaner than nested IFs, how SUMPRODUCT can help with complex summarizing data, how to use LET in place of defined names, and much more. Ideal for professionals who want to make smarter, faster formula choices that are easier to maintain and audit.
This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Objectives
After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
- Compare Excel functions that solve similar problems and select the most effective one for the task
- Apply structured decision-making when building formulas to improve clarity and scalability
- Distinguish when modern functions offer better solutions than legacy alternative
Highlights
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:
Introduction to Strategic Formula Use:
- Why choosing the right formula matters: clarity, performance, and maintenance
- Common traps: overusing IF, defaulting to familiar tools, ignoring modern functions
- How Excel offers multiple ways to solve the same problem and how to pick wisely
Conditional Logic and Branching Tools:
- IFS vs SWITCH vs nested IF: comparing readability and structure
- When to simplify logic and how to avoid nested nightmares
Summarizing Data:
- SUMIFS vs SUMPRODUCT: multiple conditions, weighted sums, totals
Filtering and Output Control:
- FILTER vs IF + INDEX: dynamic data extraction with vs without Excel 365
- Trade-offs in backward compatibility and ease of use
Custom Output and Decision Trees:
- CHOOSE vs SWITCH vs LOOKUP: logic trees and category mapping
Embedded Variables and Reusability:
- LET vs named ranges: clarity and efficiency for long formulas
- Using LAMBDA with LET to create custom functions
- Simplifying and documenting complex calculations
Best Practices for Formula Selection:
- Criteria for deciding: readability, flexibility, future maintenance
- Tips for avoiding overengineering and formula bloat
Designed For
All Excel users looking to elevate their formula skills with strategic guidance
Prerequisites
None
Preparation
Download the handout and practice material prior to course
Notice
You will receive an email from CPA Crossings via Webex with instructions to access the webinar.
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Bryan Smith, CPA Crossings LLC
Bryan serves as a trusted adviser to CPAs in public accounting, as well as business and industry, on all aspects of information technology. Bryan’s expertise includes in-depth knowledge of paperless work flow solutions, the impact of technology on internal controls, strategic IT infrastructure design and information security best practices. As a nationally recognized author and presenter on information technology issues impacting CPAs, Bryan is passionate about the opportunities for CPAs to benefit from safe and secure computing. Qualifications and Experience: •Leadership role in IT consulting services for a top 10 and two top 100 firms over the past 25 years. •Nationally recognized speaker on technology issues impacting the CPA profession, with an emphasis on internal controls, disaster recovery planning and information security. •Specialized knowledge in project management systems •Charter member of the Masters of Science in Information Assurance (MISA), Walsh College, Troy, Michigan •Treasurer of the Microsoft Project Users Group - Michigan •Member of the AICPA CITP (Certified Information technology Professional) Credential Committee •Past Chair of the Michigan Association of CPAs Information Technology Committee and Leadership Committee
Non-Member Price $124.00
Member Price $89.00