Advance Excel Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

Preparing for a Advance Excel interview can be daunting, whether you’re a fresher or experienced professional. This guide covers latest Advance Excel Interview Questions and Answers to help you succeed.

Data Analysis and Lookup Functions

1) What is a Pivot Table, and how do you create one?

Pivot table is a tool in Excel to summarize and analyze the data. You can create it by selecting your data range, going to the Insert tab, clicking PivotTable, and arranging fields in the Pivot Table Field List.

2) Explain how to use VLOOKUP in Excel.

VLOOKUP searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a value from a specified column. Syntax: VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]).

3) What are the differences between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP?

VLOOKUP searches vertically and HLOOKUP horizontally. VLOOKUP syntax: VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]); HLOOKUP syntax: HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup]).

4) How can you use INDEX and MATCH functions together?

INDEX and MATCH are used together to look up values dynamically. INDEX returns the value of a cell at a given position, and MATCH finds the position of a value in a range. Combined, they offer a flexible lookup solution. The syntax is INDEX(array, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])), where array is the range of cells containing the data, and MATCH finds the row or column number.

5) Describe how to use the SUMIFS function.

SUMIFS adds up the cells that meet multiple criteria. The syntax is SUMIFS(sum_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, [criteria_range2, criteria2], …). sum_range is the cells to sum, criteria_range is the cells to evaluate, and criteria is the condition that must be met.

6) Explain how to use the LOOKUP function.

LOOKUP is used to find a value in a single row or column and it returns a value from the same position in another row or column. Syntax: LOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_vector, [result_vector]).

7)Explain the use of the FILTER function.

FILTER returns an array that meets a given criteria. Syntax: FILTER(array, include, [if_empty]).

Functions Formula and Function Usage

8)What is the difference between absolute, relative, and mixed cell references?

Relative references (e.g., A1) change when a formula is copied to another cell. Absolute references (e.g., $A$1) remain constant regardless of where the formula is copied. Mixed references (e.g., $A1 or A$1) have one part fixed and the other part relative.

9) What is the purpose of the IFERROR function?

IFERROR catches and handles errors in formulas. The syntax is IFERROR(value, value_if_error), where value is the formula or expression to evaluate, and value_if_error is the value to return if an error occurs.

10) Explain how to use the CONCATENATE function

CONCATENATE joins two or more text strings into one. The syntax is CONCATENATE(text1, [text2], …). Use & for the same purpose, e.g., =A1 & ” ” & B1.

11) What is the difference between COUNT, COUNTA, and COUNTIF functions?

COUNT counts numeric cells.
COUNTA counts non-empty cells.
COUNTIF counts cells meeting a specific condition. Syntax: COUNTIF(range, criteria).

12) How do you use the AGGREGATE function?

AGGREGATE function is used to perform calculations while ignoring errors.

Syntax: AGGREGATE(function_num, options, ref1, [ref2], …).

13)Explain how to use Excel’s Goal Seek feature.

Goal Seek is a tool that finds the input needed for a specific result. Go to Data > What-If Analysis > Goal Seek, and set the target value and cell to change.
13) What is the use of the SUBSTITUTE function?

SUBSTITUTE replaces text in a string. Syntax: SUBSTITUTE(text, old_text, new_text, [instance_num]).

Data Validation and Conditional Formatting

14) Explain how to use conditional formatting in Excel.

Conditional formatting is used to change the appearance of cells according to specified conditions. To apply it, select the cells, go to the Home tab, click on Conditional Formatting, choose a rule type (e.g., Highlight Cells Rules, Top/Bottom Rules), and set the conditions and formatting.

15) How do you create a data validation rule in Excel?

Data validation is a feature that controls the type of data entered in a cell. Select the cells to apply validation, go to the Data tab, click on Data Validation, choose the validation criteria (e.g., whole number, decimal, list), and specify the condition.

16) How do you use the TEXT function to format numbers?

The TEXT function changes the way a number appears by applying specified format to it. Syntax: TEXT(value, format_text).

17) Explain the use of the ISBLANK function.

ISBLANK checks if a cell is empty or not. ISBLANK(value) returns TRUE if empty, FALSE otherwise.

18) What is the purpose of the TRIM function in Excel?

The TRIM function in Excel removes extra spaces from text and leaves single space between words. Syntax: TRIM(text).

19) Explain the use of the DATEDIF function.

DATEDIF calculates the difference between dates in years, months or days. Syntax: DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, unit), where unit specifies the time unit.

Charts and Visualization

20) Explain how to create a pivot chart in Excel.

Create a Pivot Table, then go to Analyze > PivotChart and choose a chart type to visualize the Pivot Table data.

21) How can you create a dashboard in Excel?

Combine charts, tables, and slicers on one sheet, using dynamic data sources and linking to summarize key information.

Data Cleaning and Transformation

22) How can you remove duplicates in Excel?

Select data, go to Data > Remove Duplicates, and choose columns to check for duplicates.

23) What are array formulas, and how are they used?

Array formulas perform multiple calculations on one/more items. Enter with Ctrl+Shift+Enter. They can return single/multiple results.

24) How do you use Excel’s Solver tool?

Excel’s solver tool is used for what-if analysis and optimizes a formula’s result based on constraints. Access via Data > Solver, define the objective, variables, and constraints, and solve.

25) How do you split text into columns in Excel?

Use Text to Columns in the Data tab. Choose delimiter or fixed width to split text accordingly.

26) How do you perform conditional calculations using Excel formulas?

Use IF, SUMIF, COUNTIF, etc., to calculate based on conditions. Example: =SUMIF(range, criteria, sum_range).

27) What are the different ways to consolidate data in Excel?

Use Pivot Tables, data consolidation features, or Power Query to combine data from multiple sources.

Data Import and Connection

28) How do you import data from a CSV file into Excel?

Go to Data > Get External Data > From Text, select the CSV, and use the wizard to import.

29) Explain how to connect Excel to an SQL database.

Go to Data > Get External Data > From Database, choose your database type, and enter the connection details.

30) How can you export Excel data to a CSV file?

Use File > Save As, choose CSV format, and save the file.

31) How do you handle large datasets in Excel efficiently?