Smart Formula Selection in Excel: What to Use When
Overview
Excel gives you multiple ways to solve the same problem - but which formula is the right one? This course teaches a decision-based approach to function selection, helping you confidently choose between similar and competing functions. Through real-world examples and side-by-side comparisons, you’ll learn when IFS or SWITCH is cleaner than nested IFs, how SUMPRODUCT can help with complex summarizing data, how to use LET in place of defined names, and much more. Ideal for professionals who want to make smarter, faster formula choices that are easier to maintain and audit.
This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Highlights
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:
Introduction to Strategic Formula Use:
- Why choosing the right formula matters: clarity, performance, and maintenance
- Common traps: overusing IF, defaulting to familiar tools, ignoring modern functions
- How Excel offers multiple ways to solve the same problem and how to pick wisely
Conditional Logic and Branching Tools:
- IFS vs SWITCH vs nested IF: comparing readability and structure
- When to simplify logic and how to avoid nested nightmares
Summarizing Data:
- SUMIFS vs SUMPRODUCT: multiple conditions, weighted sums, totals
Filtering and Output Control:
- FILTER vs IF + INDEX: dynamic data extraction with vs without Excel 365
- Trade-offs in backward compatibility and ease of use
Custom Output and Decision Trees:
- CHOOSE vs SWITCH vs LOOKUP: logic trees and category mapping
Embedded Variables and Reusability:
- LET vs named ranges: clarity and efficiency for long formulas
- Using LAMBDA with LET to create custom functions
- Simplifying and documenting complex calculations
Best Practices for Formula Selection:
- Criteria for deciding: readability, flexibility, future maintenance
- Tips for avoiding overengineering and formula bloat
Prerequisites
None
Designed For
All Excel users looking to elevate their formula skills with strategic guidance
Objectives
After attending this presentation, you will be able to...
- Compare Excel functions that solve similar problems and select the most effective one for the task
- Apply structured decision-making when building formulas to improve clarity a
Preparation
Download the handout and practice material prior to course
Notice
This course is offered by a 3rd party vendor and will not be accessible in the My CPE Tracker section of the ISCPA website. Course access information will be emailed directly to you by CPA Crossings.
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Bryan Smith, CPA Crossings LLC
Bryan serves as a trusted adviser to CPAs on all aspects of information technology. Bryan’s expertise includes in-depth knowledge of paperless work flow solutions, the impact of technology on internal controls, strategic IT infrastructure design and information security best practices. As a nationally recognized author and presenter on information technology issues impacting CPAs, Bryan is passionate about the opportunities for CPAs to benefit from safe and secure computing.
Non-Member Price $119.00
Member Price $89.00