Spreadsheet workflow guide

Excel Functions and Shortcuts Reference

Search Excel formulas, functions, shortcuts, and engineering spreadsheet patterns for calculations, lookups, data cleanup, and reporting.

Formula lookup

Find Excel formulas by task

Filter by formula name, spreadsheet problem, shortcut, lookup method, or engineering calculation use.

Excel

Best for

Fast engineering spreadsheets

Use the table for common calculation, lookup, cleaning, and summary formulas.

Watch out

Cell references drive errors

Check absolute references, units, hidden rows, circular references, and copied formula ranges.

Searchable reference

Excel functions, formulas and shortcuts

Category	Command / Function	Purpose	Example / Use
Logic	IF	Return one value when a condition is true and another when false	`=IF(A2>10,"Pass","Check")`
Logic	IFERROR	Show a fallback value when a formula errors	`=IFERROR(A2/B2,"")`
Math	SUMIF	Add values that meet one condition	`=SUMIF(A:A,"Steel",B:B)`
Statistics	STDEV.S	Estimate sample standard deviation	`=STDEV.S(D2:D30)`
Lookup	XLOOKUP	Return a matching value from another range	`=XLOOKUP(F2,A:A,C:C,"Not found")`
Lookup	INDEX MATCH	Flexible lookup using position and index	`=INDEX(C:C,MATCH(F2,A:A,0))`
Text	TEXTJOIN	Join text with a delimiter	`=TEXTJOIN(", ",TRUE,A2:A10)`
Date	NETWORKDAYS	Count working days between dates	`=NETWORKDAYS(A2,B2)`
Rounding	ROUND	Round a value to fixed decimals	`=ROUND(A2,3)`
Units	CONVERT	Convert between supported unit types	`=CONVERT(10,"m","ft")`
Tables	Ctrl + T	Create an Excel table from a range	`Select range -> Ctrl + T`
Charts	Alt + F1	Create a chart from selected data	`Select data -> Alt + F1`

How to use

How to use Excel references in engineering

Search by task

task -> command -> example

Start with the task you need, then check the command, function, or shortcut syntax before using it in a real workflow.

Check context

version + module + units

Software behavior can change by version, workspace, add-in, toolbox, shell, or engineering unit system.

Verify output

example -> small test -> real work

Use the examples as starting patterns and confirm results with a small test file, sample model, or known calculation.

Document assumptions

inputs + method + result

Record the inputs, method, version, and assumptions so engineering results can be reviewed later.

Workflow notes

Spreadsheet workflow notes

Absolute reference

A fixed cell reference such as $A$1 that does not move when a formula is copied.

Dynamic array

A formula result that spills into neighboring cells, often used with FILTER, SORT, UNIQUE, and XLOOKUP.

Lookup table

A structured range used to return matching values, material data, coefficients, or project parameters.

Named range

A readable name assigned to cells so formulas are easier to audit and maintain.

FAQ