Decision Making and Using
Functions & Tables in Excel – II
Agenda
• 1. What-If Analysis & Line Charts
• 2. Statistical & Logical Functions
• 3. Freezing Panes & Excel Tables
• 4. Managing Large Worksheets
• 5. Financial Functions, Goal Seek & Data
Tables
5.1 What-If Analysis and Line
Charts
• Explore data trends by changing inputs
• Change cell values to observe impact
• Use formulas like =B2*C2 to calculate results
• Compare scenarios (e.g., price increase, cost
savings)
Line Chart Demo
• 1. Select your data range
• 2. Go to Insert > Line Chart
• 3. Format axis, labels, and titles
• Tip: Use for trends over time or comparisons
5.2 Statistical & Logical Functions
• Analyze and interpret data efficiently
• Functions: AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNTIF, IF,
DATE
• Use COUNTIF for conditional counts
• Use IF for decision-making logic
Conditional Formatting
• Use Cases: Highlight high/low performers,
mark deadlines
• Steps:
• 1. Select data
• 2. Home > Conditional Formatting
• 3. Choose rule type (greater than, text,
formula)
5.3 Freezing Panes & Excel Tables
• Improve data navigation and organization
• Freeze Panes: View > Freeze Panes
• Excel Table: Insert > Table
• Enables sorting, filtering, and auto-formatting
Benefits of Excel Tables
• Easier data management
• Automatic formula fill-down
• Dynamic range references
• Enhances visualization and usability
5.4 Working with Large Worksheets
• Challenges: Navigation, data consistency
• Tools: Freeze Panes, Filters, Find & Replace,
Data Validation
• Use Named Ranges for easier references
Tips for Large Datasets
• Use structured table formats
• Apply filters to headers
• Use VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP for referencing
• Use color coding and conditional formats
5.5 Financial Functions, Goal Seek
& Data Tables
• Analyze financial scenarios and decision-
making
• Common Functions: PMT, FV, NPV, IRR
Goal Seek Tool
• Steps:
• 1. Data > What-If Analysis > Goal Seek
• 2. Set desired result for formula
• 3. Adjust input cell automatically
• Use Case: Calculate required monthly savings
to reach a goal
Creating Data Tables
• Types: One-variable and Two-variable
• Steps:
• 1. Setup input & formula
• 2. Data > What-If Analysis > Data Table
• 3. Fill row/column input cells
Summary
• ✅ What-If Analysis = dynamic scenario
testing
• ✅ Logical & Statistical Functions = decision-
making
• ✅ Tables & Formatting = better readability
• ✅ Financial Tools = smarter planning
• ✅ Goal Seek & Data Tables = powerful
analysis
Applications of MS Excel
Functions in Business Operations
Finance & Accounting
• Functions: SUM, AVERAGE, IF, NPV, IRR
• Applications:
• - Budgeting and forecasting
• - Financial modeling and reporting
• - Loan and interest calculations
• - Expense tracking and dashboards
Inventory & Supply Chain
• Functions: COUNTIF, IF, NOW, DATEDIF
• Applications:
• - Track stock levels and reorder points
• - Monitor delivery schedules
• - Forecast demand using historical data
• - Highlight aging inventory with conditional
formatting
Human Resources (HR)
• Functions: IF, COUNTIF, NETWORKDAYS,
VLOOKUP, TEXT
• Applications:
• - Attendance and leave management
• - Payroll and salary calculations
• - Performance scorecards
• - Recruitment tracking dashboards
Sales & Marketing
• Functions: SUMIFS, IFERROR, INDEX, MATCH,
CHARTS
• Applications:
• - Sales forecasting and performance tracking
• - Customer segmentation
• - Lead and campaign ROI tracking
• - Dynamic charts and dashboards
Operations & Project Management
• Functions: TODAY, WORKDAY, DATEDIF,
SUMPRODUCT
• Applications:
• - Gantt charts for project timelines
• - Task and resource management
• - Project cost estimation
• - Timeline-based risk analysis
Data Analysis & Reporting
• Functions: PIVOT TABLE, SORT, FILTER,
UNIQUE, CHARTS
• Applications:
• - Dynamic reporting dashboards
• - Data cleaning and transformation
• - KPI tracking and anomaly detection
• - Trend analysis
Customer Service / CRM
• Functions: HYPERLINK, IF, COUNTIF, TEXTJOIN
• Applications:
• - Maintain contact lists and logs
• - Support ticket tracking
• - Customer satisfaction analysis
• - Reports on issue types and frequency
Advanced Applications
• Functions: IF, CHOOSE, DATA TABLE, Goal Seek,
Solver
• Applications:
• - Scenario analysis and decision modeling
• - Optimization in strategic planning
• - Interactive dashboards with drop-downs and
dynamic charts
