The database capabilities of Excel are very powerful. In fact, not only can Excel be used to create a simple searchable database, it also can be used to create a proper relational database.

Tips This article applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and Office 365. View the videos listed in the Resources section for more ideas on using Excel's database functions.

Here's how to create a pivot table in Excel to slice and dice your data, letting you perform in-depth analyses and spot important trends.

Drop-down lists in Excel let you create a list of valid choices that you can select for a given field. We'll show you how to use tables, named ranges, formulas, data validation, and table styles.

As I mention in How to use Excel’s Data Model to turn related data into meaningful information, you might create complete records on a single sheet using complex formulas to lookup data.

When collaborating in Excel, sometimes the collaboration can be distracting. Here's how to make a static image so you can do your own work without interruption.

Learn how to create a calendar in Microsoft Excel with data using a pre-designed template, Visual Basic code, or a manual method.