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.

Excel will present a few options for you to consider. In our example, Excel offers to create 10 different pivot tables that take a look at a number of different angles on our sales data.

Excel tables have many benefits that regular spreadsheets lack. The biggest is the option to use data from multiple tables to create queries and reports.

To create data bars in Excel, select your cells and then choose data bars from Conditional Formatting.

Data validation is the foundation of creating drop-down lists in Excel. By setting up data validation rules, you can create lists that automatically update as your data changes.

Microsoft Office is more than the sum of its parts—you can link an Excel database table to an Access database, integrating your data and adding value. Here's how.

We all know that in uncertain times, a forecast underlies a company's success or failure. Forecasts keep prices low by optimizing business operations-including cash flow, production, staff, and ...