Insert Function Wizard Revisited

Occasionally I like to revisit the topics that the readers of this blog have found the most interesting in times past. Over 2 years ago, we discussed the Insert Function Wizard, and it has become one of the most popular subjects that has been addressed in the past 4 years.

Whichever version of Excel you may be using, the Insert Function Wizard can be a very helpful in performing a bit of Magic when you need it, )and who among us can’t use a little “Magic” now and then?)

Let’s face it, there are times when you may think that Excel has a Function that you can use in a formula, but you just don’t know what it is called or how to use it. You can describe it to another user, but what Excel calls it is simply a mystery. The solution is (a drum roll and an Alacazam here…) the Function Wizard!

Where Is It?
To find the wizard, to Insert Function under Formulas if you are using Excel 2007 or 2010, and type a brief description of what you want to do. For instance, let’s say you want to calculate what your Loan Payments are going to be when you buy the new GuruMobile you have had your eye on.

How Do You Use It?
1) Pull up the Insert Function Wizard
2) Type your description in the search textbox (in this case, “loan payment”)
3) Select the function (in this instance it would be PMT)
4) Complete the Function Arguments and click OK

Magic
Alacazam! You have your specialized function for your formula! Give it a try and find out how easy it is to perform a bit of Magic when you need it.