What is an Excel Table

Abstract

In this video, we’ll introduce the idea of an Excel Table.

So, what is an Excel Table?

An Excel table is a rectangular range of data that has been defined and named in a particular way.

To illustrate, here I have two rectangular ranges of data.

Both ranges contain exactly the same data but neither one has been defined as a table.

Next, I’ll convert the range on the right to a proper Table.

By the way, when I say “proper table”, I mean Excel Table.

When I click OK, we have a table.

So what are the important differences between a normal range, and an Excel Table?

Well, to start with, all tables have a unique name.

You’ll see this name in several places.

you could use this menu to navigate directly to the data in a table.

Even if a table is in a different worksheet.

Notice this tab disappears if I move the cursor outside the table.

You’ll also see table names listed in the Name Manager.

it’s possible for you to initiate the Name Manager from the Formulas tab of theribbon.

Or you could use the shortcut Ctrl + F3.

Next, notice an Excel table has automatic formatting.

By default, we get row striping, and a different header format.

Table formatting is fully customizable, and you could even switch to None to maintain current formatting.

Tables also have a filter applied by default.

you could use this filter to sort and filter data.

The filter is optional and you might easily turn it off.

There are 3 key features of Excel Tables.

First, tables automatically expand to handle new data.

If I copy in this data from a second sheet, notice the table expands to include it.

Second, tables provide a special formula syntax called “structured references”.

Structured references make it easier to write, read, and maintain formulas.

Finally, tables have handy features for working with data in rows and columns.

We’ll cover all these topics in detail in the course.