How to Make Excel Run Faster: Tips for Boosting Performance and Speed

Making Excel run faster can be a game-changer, especially when you’re working with large spreadsheets or complex calculations. From optimizing settings to cleaning up your data, there are several tricks you can use to speed things up. Follow these steps to enhance your Excel experience without pulling your hair out over loading times.

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make Excel Run Faster

Ready to make Excel run like a dream? Here’s how you can do it, step by step.

Step 1: Disable Unnecessary Add-Ins

First, go to File > Options > Add-Ins. Click "Go" next to "Manage: COM Add-ins" and uncheck any add-ins you don’t need.

Unused add-ins can slow down Excel significantly. By disabling them, you’re freeing up resources that Excel can use to run more efficiently.

Step 2: Limit the Use of Volatile Functions

Avoid using volatile functions like NOW(), TODAY(), and RAND(). These functions recalculate every time a change is made, which can be a major slowdown.

Switch to non-volatile alternatives whenever possible. For example, manually input dates or use alternatives that don’t require constant recalculations.

Step 3: Optimize Data Formatting

Keep your formatting simple. Use standard fonts, borders, and colors sparingly.

Complex formatting can make your file size larger and slow down processing times. Stick to basics to keep things running smoothly.

Step 4: Clean Up Your Data

Delete any unnecessary rows, columns, or data. Go to Data > Remove Duplicates to clean up your dataset.

Extra data not only clutters your workspace but also slows down calculations and operations. Keep your data lean and mean.

Step 5: Adjust Excel Options

Go to File > Options > Advanced. Under the "Formulas" section, check "Enable iterative calculation" and set the maximum iterations to a lower number like 1 or 2.

Changing these settings can help reduce the time Excel spends recalculating large spreadsheets, making everything run faster.

After completing these steps, you should notice a significant improvement in Excel’s performance. Your spreadsheets will open quicker, calculations will be faster, and you’ll spend less time waiting for Excel to catch up.

Tips for Making Excel Run Faster

• Use Fewer Formulas: Combine multiple formulas into one or use array formulas to cut down on the number of calculations.
• Limit Conditional Formatting: Use it sparingly, as it adds extra processing time.
• Sort Data: Sorted data can be processed faster by Excel, so organize your data whenever possible.
• Use Excel Tables: They are more efficient for managing and analyzing data.
• Close Other Programs: Running multiple applications can slow down Excel, so close any that you’re not using.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if an add-in is slowing down Excel?

You can disable all add-ins and see if performance improves. If it does, re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.

What are volatile functions in Excel?

Volatile functions recalculate every time any change is made in the workbook. Examples include NOW(), TODAY(), and RAND().

How do I remove unnecessary formatting?

Select the range of cells, go to the Home tab, and click "Clear" > "Clear Formats."

What’s the benefit of sorting data?

Sorted data can be processed faster because Excel doesn’t have to search through unsorted data.

How do Excel tables help with performance?

Excel tables are designed to manage and analyze data more efficiently, which can improve performance.

Summary

1. Disable unnecessary add-ins.
2. Limit the use of volatile functions.
3. Optimize data formatting.
4. Clean up your data.
5. Adjust Excel options.

Conclusion

Making Excel run faster doesn’t have to be rocket science. By following these steps and tips, you can transform your sluggish spreadsheet into a high-speed data-processing machine. Remember to disable unnecessary add-ins, limit volatile functions, simplify your data formatting, clean up your data, and tweak your Excel settings. These simple changes can make a world of difference.

If you’re dealing with particularly large datasets or complex calculations, it might be worth investing in a more powerful computer or additional RAM. However, for most users, these steps will provide a noticeable improvement in performance.

For further reading, consider exploring Excel’s advanced features or even taking a course to deepen your understanding. The more you know, the more efficiently you can work. So go ahead, give these steps a try, and watch as Excel starts to run faster and more smoothly. Happy spreadsheeting!