Full-featured spreadsheet program
Excel 2019 is a spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft. As part of the Microsoft 365 suite (formerly Office 365), it can also be downloaded independently. Widely recognized as a robust tool, Excel 2019 provides enhanced data analysis and documentation features. Since its predecessor, Excel 2016, significant updates have been made to features such as Power Pivot and Get & Transform, making it a more comprehensive tool for users handling complex datasets.
A notable enhancement in Excel 2019 is the introduction of the IFS function, which evaluates multiple conditions and returns values based on whether the conditions are met. This eliminates the need for multiple levels of nested IF statements, streamlining the creation of complex logical conditions. Additionally, Excel 2019 introduces MAXIFS and MINIFS functions to find maximum and minimum values from a data range, with the ability to apply specific conditions. These tools are particularly beneficial for large datasets that require precise filtering and analysis.
Updated functions
The SWITCH function also simplifies decision-making processes by matching an expression to a list of values and returning the corresponding result. For users working with text data, the TEXTJOIN function allows the concatenation of multiple strings while inserting specified delimiters between entries. This feature is particularly useful for organizing textual data in a coherent format. Although CONCAT performs similar functions, it lacks the flexibility of adding delimiters automatically, requiring users to insert spaces or symbols manually.
Enhanced charting options
Excel 2019 broadens the scope of data visualization with several new chart types. The Sunburst hierarchical pie chart, enables users to display data relationships through concentric circles, offering an intuitive way to represent multi-level data. The Treemap chart emphasizes hierarchical data using color-coded rectangles, making it easy to identify patterns and proportions at a glance.
Other notable additions include Waterfall, Funnel, and Filled Map charts. The Waterfall chart is particularly useful for showing the cumulative effect of sequential data points, ideal for financial reporting or tracking progressive changes. Conversely, the Funnel chart illustrates data moving through stages, such as sales pipelines or process flows. The Filled Map chart is a geographic visualization tool that compares values across regions, offering insights into regional trends or global data comparisons.
Comparison with an alternative app: Google Sheets
While Excel 2019 offers extensive features, Google Sheets provides a viable alternative, particularly for users prioritizing collaboration and cloud-based functionality. Google Sheets excels in real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit spreadsheets simultaneously. This feature is accompanied by automatic saving and seamless integration with Google Workspace tools, which ensures accessibility across devices without additional software installations.
However, Excel 2019 outperforms Google Sheets in advanced data analysis capabilities. Features such as Power Pivot, Power Query, and extensive charting options make Excel better for professionals handling large datasets or requiring in-depth statistical analysis. Google Sheets’ data processing capacity is limited compared to Excel, which can handle significantly larger datasets without performance issues. Excel’s built-in functions, including the newly introduced IFS and TEXTJOIN, also provide greater flexibility for complex calculations.
Google Sheets’ interface is simpler and more intuitive, appealing to users with basic spreadsheet needs. However, Excel’s depth and customization options make it the superior choice for advanced users. Moreover, Excel’s offline functionality is an advantage for users without consistent internet access, whereas Google Sheets’ reliance on connectivity can be a limitation.
Improved collaboration and accessibility
Excel 2019 introduces features to enhance productivity and accessibility. The addition of co-authoring allows multiple users to work on a single spreadsheet in real-time. Coupled with the version history tool, users can track changes and restore earlier versions of files if needed. Although these features mirror Google Sheets’ collaboration tools, Excel’s integration with SharePoint and OneDrive provides enterprise-level solutions for larger teams.
For users with disabilities, Excel 2019 incorporates improved screen reader support and text-to-speech functionality. These updates ensure a more inclusive experience, enabling a broader range of users to leverage Excel’s capabilities effectively.
Excel 2016 vs. Excel 2019
Excel 2019 builds on the foundation laid by Excel 2016, incorporating new features and improvements that enhance usability. These include:
- Functions: MAXIFS, TEXTJOIN, IFS, and SWITCH simplify calculations and improve workflow efficiency.
- Visualizations: New chart types, such as Funnel and Filled Map, offer advanced options for presenting data.
- Data tools: Enhanced Power BI integration and 3D Maps expand analytical capabilities.
- Collaboration: Co-authoring and real-time chat improve teamwork on shared spreadsheets.
While both versions are compatible with existing Excel files and share core functionalities, Excel 2019 is preferred for users seeking advanced tools and improved performance. However, users who are focused on basic functions or are constrained by budget may find Excel 2016 sufficient.
Can you install two Office versions on one PC?
Users can install multiple Office versions on the same computer, provided proper licensing and installation protocols are followed. Installing the older version first, followed by the newer one, is recommended to avoid compatibility issues. Users may need to manually adjust file associations, as newer installations might reset default application preferences.
A critical tool for data professionals
Excel 2019 is increasingly cementing itself as an indispensable data analysis and visualization program. Users get powerful tools to analyze and present data due to its expanded functions and chart types. The alternatives, such as Google Sheets, are fantastic at collaborating and are approachable. However, Excel 2019 shines for its depth and versatility, which makes it the best option for people who need a business-grade data handling and analysis function.
