If you're using Excel 2002 or later, you can add &[Path]&[File] to the Header or Footer fields under File, Page Setup. This will print the location and file name of your spreadsheet, e.g. C:My DocumentsMy Spreadsheet.xls.

This article on the Microsoft web site shows how you can combine print areas from multiple sheets into a single page print out: http://office.microsoft.com/assistance/2000/ExPrintAreas.aspx

You can calculate part of a long formula by highlighting a portion of the formula bar and pressing F9. Be sure to press the escape key afterwards, otherwise the calculated result will replace the formula. This is a great way to isolate problems in a long formula. (Neale Blackwood got paid for submitting this tip. Learn how at http://www.acctadv.com/submit_tip.php)

Excel's Data Validation feature allows you to restrict inputs within a cell. For instance, to limit inputs between 0 and 100, select a cell, then choose Data, then Validation. On the Settings tab, allow Decimal, then specify 0 for the Minimum and 100 for the Maximum. Fill in the Input Message and Error Alert tabs if you want to customize the prompts for that cell. Entering anything other than a number between 0 and 100 will result in an error prompt. (Our thanks go to Kavitha Gandhi, who got paid for submitting this tip! Learn how at http://www.acctadv.com/submit_tip.php)

The Microsoft web site has a new quiz that tests your knowledge of Excel functions and formulas. Don't worry. The answers are provided after you take the quiz! Plus, this is an easy way to learn a bit about Excel. www.acctadv.com/go.mv?id=functionquiz

The CEILING function allows you to round number to any increment you choose. For instance, if cell A1 contains $2,320.00, then entering =CEILING(A1,500)in cell B1 will return $2,500.

If you have Excel 2002, try the Watch Window feature. This allows you to keep tabs on worksheet cells anywhere in your workbook. This is a great way to immediately know if a change you make on one sheet is affecting a critical formula on another. Access this feature through Tools, Formula Auditing, Show Watch Window.

Dragging between sheets can be difficult with the mouse unless you use the Alt key. If you have a workbook maximized, e.g. only one sheet is visible, you can drag a selection to another sheet by holding the Alt key while dragging and pointing to the sheet tab you want to go to. If you hold Ctrl and Alt you will copy instead of move. You can also press the Alt while dragging with the right mouse button. Pressing Alt is also useful if you have two windows visible side by side and are copying between them. (Neale Blackwood got paid for submitting this tip...learn how at www.acctadv.com/submit_tip.php.)

If you drag the fill handle of a date with the right mouse button, a special menu appears option to Fill Weekdays, along with other choices. The right-drag menu that appears offers other options if you're dragging text or numbers. (Neale Blackwood got paid for submitting this tip. Learn how at www.acctadv.com/submit_tip.php.)

The default setting for sorting in ascending or descending order is by row. Occasionally, you may want to sort by column instead. To do so, choose Data, Sort, then click the Options button. Choose Left to Right, then click OK. Select the row that you want to sort by, then click OK. (Shah Sital got paid for submitting this tip. Learn how at www.acctadv.com/go.mv?id=tip.)