Microsoft isn't trying to confuse you—Excel's three ranking functions balance flexibility, compatibility, and tie handling.

PivotTables are great for quick analysis, but they break down when you rely on them for serious reporting workflows.

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Erika Rasure is globally-recognized as a leading consumer economics subject matter expert, ...

As PCMag's resident data journalist, I practically live in Microsoft Excel. I've learned that it's capable of far more than I ...