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The functions, VBA, and shortcuts a finance operator actually uses — curated, with CFO examples. Prefer them pre-built? Grab a ready-made model.
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Format as Table
CtrlTTables & dataTurn a range into a structured Table that grows and reads in plain English.
Difficulty
Amateur
1What it does
Ctrl + T converts a range into an Excel Table: banded rows, filter dropdowns, and structured references so formulas read as Table[Amount] instead of C2:C500. New rows join automatically, and formulas and charts expand to include them.
2The shortcut
CtrlT
- 1Click anywhere in your data range.
- 2Press
Ctrl + T. - 3Confirm the range and 'My table has headers', then
Enter.
3Before → after
Press the shortcut to play it on a sample sheet.
or press the keys for real
Before — a plain range
| Account | Amount |
| Revenue | 80,000 |
| COGS | 32,000 |
| Opex | 28,000 |
Total formula
fx=SUM(B2:B4)
4When you use it
- Make a range that auto-expands as you add rows.
- Reference columns by name instead of by cell range.
- Get instant filtering and a banded, readable layout.
5Related functions
- SUBTOTAL — see its own page, with a live demo.
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