Excel's data validation tool allows you to constrain a cell's inputs to meet certain criteria. This can help prevent errors from occurring. In the example in the previous section, we can prevent the divide by zero error by forcing the diameter of the steel to always be less than the diameter of the … Read more about Using Excel Data Validation to Avoid Errors
Rounding Functions in Excel
Excel has several functions for rounding numbers. Function Description INT Rounds down to the nearest integer ROUND Rounds the number to a specified number of digits ROUNDUP Rounds a number up, away from zero ROUNDDOWN Rounds a number down, toward … Read more about Rounding Functions in Excel
Using Cell Names in Excel
As previously mentioned, one of the biggest complaints that engineers have against Excel is that it's difficult to understand formulas in a spreadsheet. Formulas refer to cell references like C6, D7, etc. However, Excel has a feature called Named Ranges that allows you to assign names to … Read more about Using Cell Names in Excel
Troubleshooting Engineering Formulas in Excel
Excel has built-in tools that are very useful for troubleshooting formulas, even if the formulas are complex. The example worksheet will calculate the force in the components of a structure made of a steel bar encased in concrete. There is a uniform load applied across the top. This kind … Read more about Troubleshooting Engineering Formulas in Excel
Trigonometric Functions in Excel
Excel contains a variety of trigonometric functions: Basic functions Hyperbolic functions Inverse … Read more about Trigonometric Functions in Excel
Save and Load Excel Solver Models
If you've used solver before, you've noticed that every time you close out the Solver dialog and reopen, your settings are preserved. This is handy because it allows us to quickly test and tune the model without having to reenter all the information again. However, what if you want to make a … Read more about Save and Load Excel Solver Models
Transferring Excel Charts to Other Software
There are a few different options for transferring charts out of Excel and into applications like Word or PowerPoint. In this section, we'll copy the RC Circuit Response chart from Section 4 into a PowerPoint presentation. First, select the chart in Excel and type Ctrl-C. Switch to PowerPoint and … Read more about Transferring Excel Charts to Other Software
Gaussian Fit in Excel
A Gaussian function has many different purposes in engineering although most people probably recognize it as a "bell curve". Most commonly, it can be used to describe a normal distribution of measurements. Sometimes it's necessary to fit a Gaussian function to data, so this post will teach you how … Read more about Gaussian Fit in Excel
