Excel: 10 Must-Know Functions Backed by Harvard Research

Key insights

• Concatenation using the & operator allows you to combine text and values from different cells, making your formulas more flexible and reducing the need for frequent updates.
   
• Logical functions such as IF, AND, OR, and IFS help automate decision-making by evaluating conditions within your data and returning results based on true or false outcomes.
   
• Dynamic array functions, including features like FILTER, UNIQUE, and SORT, let you process multiple results at once, automatically updating as your data changes without manual intervention.
   
• PIVOT tables and Power Query are powerful tools for summarizing, transforming, and analyzing large sets of data efficiently, supporting better business decisions.
   
• The use of new operators such as the hash (#) sign supports dynamic arrays in Excel, helping manage ranges that change size automatically as data is updated.
   
• The integration of AI add-ins and advanced automation features expands Excel’s capabilities, enabling natural language queries and smarter analysis directly within your spreadsheets.

Introduction: Harvard’s Top Excel Functions in 2025

A new wave of interest in Microsoft Excel has swept through the business and academic world, thanks to a recent YouTube video by Kenji Farré (Kenji Explains) [MVP]. Drawing inspiration from a Harvard Business Review article, Kenji explores the “10 Excel Functions You Need to Know” for professionals and students alike. His presentation highlights how these essential functions can transform everyday data tasks, making users more efficient and insightful in their analyses.

As organizations continue to rely on Excel for critical decisions, understanding these functions is vital. The video not only covers the basics but also dives into advanced features, offering practical tips that reflect real-world scenarios. This approach bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, a balance that many Excel learners strive to achieve.

Core Functions and Their Practical Impact

Kenji’s video builds on Harvard’s recommendations by showcasing both foundational and advanced Excel tools. For instance, he demonstrates the “&” (Ampersand) Operator, which allows users to dynamically combine text and values. This makes formulas more adaptable, reducing the need for constant manual updates when data changes.

Additionally, the focus on advanced logical functions—such as IF, AND, OR, and their nested versions—enables users to automate decisions within spreadsheets. By leveraging these tools, professionals can streamline complex tasks, such as financial modeling or business analysis, with greater accuracy and less effort. Furthermore, Kenji highlights features like dynamic array functions (FILTER, UNIQUE, SORT), which process multiple results instantly, saving valuable time.

Balancing Efficiency and Complexity

While these functions offer significant advantages, Kenji also discusses the tradeoffs involved. On one hand, embracing automation through features like macros or Power Automate can drastically improve speed and reduce repetitive work. However, these tools may introduce complexity, requiring users to invest time in understanding their logic and troubleshooting errors.

Moreover, the introduction of new operators—such as the hash (#) sign for managing dynamic arrays—demands that users stay up-to-date with Excel’s evolving capabilities. This ongoing learning curve is both a challenge and an opportunity, as it ensures that users remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven world.

Modern Enhancements and AI Integration

Kenji’s insights extend to modern enhancements in Excel, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence and add-ins. For example, the ability to use natural language queries or incorporate tools like ChatGPT directly into spreadsheets opens up new possibilities for analysis. These features are especially beneficial for users seeking to extract deeper insights without mastering complex formulas.

Nevertheless, balancing the use of AI-driven tools with core Excel knowledge is essential. While automation can simplify many tasks, a strong understanding of foundational functions remains critical for troubleshooting and customizing analyses to fit unique business needs.

The Value of Mastering Essential Functions

Ultimately, the video underscores why learning these top Excel functions is more important than ever. Mastery leads to increased analytical power, allowing users to uncover trends and insights efficiently. It also enables significant time savings by automating routine processes, which in turn reduces the risk of human error.

Moreover, as Excel continues to evolve with AI and dynamic data features, those who keep pace with these changes will possess future-ready skills. This adaptability is key for anyone aiming to excel in today’s fast-paced, data-centric environments.

Conclusion: Excel’s Evolving Role in Data Analysis

Kenji Farré’s breakdown of Harvard’s recommended Excel functions offers a timely reminder of the platform’s enduring relevance. By focusing on dynamic, flexible, and logic-driven tools, users can reshape how they approach data analysis and problem-solving. As Excel continues to integrate new technologies, mastering these functions remains a valuable investment for professionals across industries.

Keywords

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