6 things you should absolutely know how to do in Excel

When it comes to Excel, there isn't much middle ground.

You have people who absolutely love it and will sing the praises of spreadsheets all day. And, then you have the people who absolutely detest it. They'd rather lock themselves in a phone booth full of mosquitos than have to go cross-eyed looking at all of those columns and rows.

Admittedly, I used to fall into that latter group. I'd open a new Excel workbook with the best of intentions. But, after 20 odd minutes of trying to get one stupid decimal point to appear properly in its cell, I'd throw my hands up once again and claim Excel just wasn't for me.

Then, my life experienced a major plot twist: I married a total Excel whiz-someone who literally spends his entire workday creating complicated macros and some of the most impressive spreadsheets I've ever seen. And, he's made it his personal mission to convert me to his tribe of Excel-lovers (honestly, I'm surprised it wasn't in his wedding vows).

Since then? Well, he's made some progress. I've been able to put my hatred aside and recognize that Excel can actually be an incredibly powerful tool for combing through information and finding exactly what you need-provided you know how to use it correctly.

It's that last part that trips people up. But, fortunately, Excel isn't nearly as complicated as you're likely making it out to be.

In fact, there are plenty of helpful tricks and tools you can utilize-whether you're a total newbie or an established expert. Here are six things you should absolutely know how to do in Excel (and, trust me, you'll be glad you do!) courtesty of GoSkills.