Boosting Excel Report
Speed
This presentation explores key strategies for optimizing Excel
performance and creating faster reports.
by Rahul Sheal
Optimize Formulas and Functions
Formula Efficiency Function Selection
Use efficient functions like SUMIFS and COUNTIFS Choose the most appropriate function for the task.
instead of nested IFs or multiple SUM/COUNT functions. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different
Avoid using unnecessary calculations and prioritize functions. Use built-in functions when possible, as they
logical operations. are optimized for performance.
Avoid Volatile Functions
and Manual Calculation
1 Volatile Functions 2 Manual Calculation
Avoid volatile functions Enable manual
like NOW, TODAY, RAND, calculation mode to
OFFSET, and INDIRECT. prevent automatic
They recalculate recalculation. This allows
whenever a change you to recalculate the
occurs in the workbook, workbook manually when
even if it's unrelated. necessary.
Partial Calculation and
External Links
Partial Calculation External Links
Leverage partial calculation Manage external links
mode. This allows you to carefully. Too many links can
recalculate only the relevant slow down performance.
parts of the workbook. Consider reducing or
simplifying the linked data
or using alternative data
sources.
Reducing File Size
Data Management Formatting
Remove unnecessary data and Minimize complex formatting,
use efficient data structures. such as cell shading, borders,
Consider using tables and filters and patterns. Use basic
to organize data and improve formatting to enhance
performance. readability.
Add-ins to Clean Formatting
1 Use add-ins to identify and remove unnecessary
formatting. They can help you identify redundant
formatting, such as unnecessary borders or fonts.
2 Some popular add-ins include "ExcelTools" and
"Clear Formatting." These add-ins automate the
process of cleaning up formatting.
Limit Conditional
Formatting and Updates
Conditional Formatting
Limit the use of conditional formatting, especially
complex formulas or large data sets. It can impact
calculation time.
Regular Updates
Update Excel regularly to benefit from the latest
performance enhancements. Software updates often
include optimizations and bug fixes.
64-Bit Excel and Multi-threaded Calculation
64-Bit Excel
Use 64-bit Excel for enhanced performance. It can handle larger
1 data sets and calculations more efficiently.
Multi-threaded Calculation
Enable multi-threaded calculation to speed up
2
calculations. This allows Excel to utilize multiple
processor cores, making calculations faster.
