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.

How to create an Excel table 1. First, enter the field names in the columns across the top, and then enter some records/data in the rows under each column.

In other words, these references will never change—I will always use the ID to create the lookup, and the database will always be in these cells. I added these dollar symbols by pressing F4 ...

How to create a temporary view in Excel When others are viewing and working in the workbook, you’ll see a small icon with their Microsoft account information (or organizational information).