Top 20 Excel Formulas You Must Learn (Complete Beginner to Advanced Guide)
Microsoft Microsoft Excel is one of the most powerful tools for students, professionals, and businesses. Whether you're managing data, analyzing numbers, or creating reports, Excel formulas help you save time and work smarter.
In this blog, you’ll discover the Top 20 Excel formulas that every user must learn to boost productivity and efficiency.
🔹 1. SUM
Adds a range of numbers.
Example:=SUM(A1:A10)
🔹 2. AVERAGE
Calculates the average value.
Example:=AVERAGE(A1:A10)
🔹 3. COUNT
Counts numeric values in a range.
Example:=COUNT(A1:A10)
🔹 4. COUNTA
Counts non-empty cells.
Example:=COUNTA(A1:A10)
🔹 5. IF
Performs logical tests.
Example:=IF(A1>50,"Pass","Fail")
🔹 6. VLOOKUP
Searches for a value vertically.
Example:=VLOOKUP(A2,B2:C10,2,FALSE)
🔹 7. HLOOKUP
Searches for a value horizontally.
Example:=HLOOKUP(A2,B1:E2,2,FALSE)
🔹 8. XLOOKUP (Modern Alternative)
Advanced lookup function (new Excel versions).
Example:=XLOOKUP(A2,A2:A10,B2:B10)
🔹 9. INDEX
Returns a value based on position.
Example:=INDEX(A1:C10,2,3)
🔹 10. MATCH
Finds the position of a value.
Example:=MATCH("Apple",A1:A10,0)
🔹 11. LEN
Counts characters in a cell.
Example:=LEN(A1)
🔹 12. LEFT / RIGHT / MID
Extracts text from a cell.
Examples:=LEFT(A1,4)=RIGHT(A1,3)=MID(A1,2,5)
🔹 13. CONCAT / CONCATENATE
Joins text from multiple cells.
Example:=CONCAT(A1," ",B1)
🔹 14. TRIM
Removes extra spaces.
Example:=TRIM(A1)
🔹 15. UPPER / LOWER / PROPER
Changes text case.
Examples:=UPPER(A1)=LOWER(A1)=PROPER(A1)
🔹 16. ROUND
Rounds numbers.
Example:=ROUND(A1,2)
🔹 17. TODAY
Returns current date.
Example:=TODAY()
🔹 18. NOW
Returns current date and time.
Example:=NOW()
🔹 19. COUNTIF
Counts based on condition.
Example:=COUNTIF(A1:A10,"Pass")
🔹 20. SUMIF
Adds values based on condition.
Example:=SUMIF(A1:A10,"Apples",B1:B10)
💡 Pro Tips to Master Excel Faster
- Practice formulas daily with real datasets
- Combine functions like
INDEX + MATCHfor advanced lookups - Use keyboard shortcuts to save time
- Explore Excel features like Pivot Tables and Charts
📌 Conclusion
Mastering these 20 formulas in Microsoft Excel will significantly improve your data handling skills. Whether you're a student, job seeker, or working professional, these formulas are essential for productivity and career growth.