All posts tagged: Functions

The best spreadsheet upgrade this year is two tiny Google Sheets functions

The best spreadsheet upgrade this year is two tiny Google Sheets functions

Published by skeptic

Google Sheets gets plenty of flashy updates, such as AI features, new chart types, and formulas that save you hours of boring work. But the addition I’ve found most practical this year is two functions you can learn in under a minute. Yes, =SHEET and =SHEETS, which Google added in February 2026, return a tab’s position number and the total sheet count in your spreadsheet. They’re the kind of small, no-nonsense upgrade that matters when you’re juggling multi-tab spreadsheets daily. Excel has offered both for more than 10 years, so this isn’t innovative, but it’s Google closing a gap. Related 8 Google Sheets Formulas That Make Work So Much Easier (Even If You Hate Spreadsheets) These formulas fix the stuff that always drives you nuts in Sheets. These functions are as simple as they look How =SHEET and =SHEETS actually work Screenshot by Yasir Mahmood There’s no learning curve here. Both functions do exactly one thing each, and neither requires you to memorize complicated syntax. =SHEET tells you the position number of a given sheet …

Best Excel Functions for Data Analysis in 2026 : FILTER, XLOOKUP, LET

Best Excel Functions for Data Analysis in 2026 : FILTER, XLOOKUP, LET

Published by skeptic

Microsoft Excel remains a cornerstone for data analysts, offering a wide array of functions to streamline workflows and enhance data accuracy. In this deep dive, Mo Chen highlights ten essential Excel functions that every data analyst should know, including the Filter function, which allows users to extract relevant subsets of data based on specific criteria. For instance, filtering sales data by region or product category can help analysts focus on actionable insights without sifting through unnecessary information. These functions are not just about simplifying tasks, they also play a critical role in making sure clarity and precision when working with complex datasets. In this breakdown, you’ll explore how to use the Unique function to identify distinct values and eliminate redundancies, as well as the XLOOKUP function for retrieving data with greater flexibility than its predecessors. Additionally, you’ll learn how to apply conditional calculations using SUMIFS and COUNTIFS to analyze trends and patterns across multiple variables. By mastering these techniques, you can improve your ability to organize, analyze and present data effectively, regardless of the complexity …

These top 30 AI agents deliver a mix of functions and autonomy

These top 30 AI agents deliver a mix of functions and autonomy

Published by skeptic

Olena Malik/Moment via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways MIT released a list of top AI agents and their functionalities.  The largest portion focuses on enterprise workflows. Research and information synthesis is the top use case.  Which autonomous or semi-autonomous agents are making the greatest impact on the world — and potentially your job — these days? Certain agents are hogging all the headlines lately, but there are a number of function-specific agents available to developers and users.  MIT’s CSAIL — the university lab dedicated to AI research — set out to identify and document the background and capabilities of these agents, with its findings detailed in its latest AI Agent Index. The researchers conducted an ecosystem-wide analysis of state-of-the-art AI agents across 1,350 data points. Also: AI agents are fast, loose, and out of control, MIT study finds  What is the functionality and origin of leading agents? The researchers found that interfaces are the most abundant, followed closely by enterprise workflow platforms. They also uncovered risks shared across …

Neuroscientist reveals how the brain functions without a mind’s eye

Neuroscientist reveals how the brain functions without a mind’s eye

Published by José Betancourt

PsyPost’s PodWatch highlights interesting clips from recent podcasts related to psychology and neuroscience. On Wednesday, January 28, the Speaking of Psychology podcast, hosted by Kim Mills, released an episode featuring Joel Pearson. Pearson is a cognitive neuroscientist and professor at the University of New South Wales, where he directs the Future Minds Lab. The episode investigates the science of aphantasia, a condition characterized by a blind “mind’s eye,” and examines how researchers verify this invisible experience. At roughly the 3-minute mark, Pearson defines aphantasia as the inability to voluntarily create mental images. He notes that while the concept was first described by Francis Galton in the 1880s, it was only formally named in 2015. This new label sparked a wave of public interest, leading many people to realize for the first time that their lack of internal imagery was not the norm. Pearson estimates that this condition affects at least 4 to 5 percent of the population, though the real number could be higher. He explains that standard questionnaires often fail because people with aphantasia …

Modern Excel Functions to Know in 2026 for Faster Analysis

Modern Excel Functions to Know in 2026 for Faster Analysis

Published by skeptic

What if you could save hours on your Excel tasks while uncovering insights hidden deep within your data? My Online Training Hub explains how modern Excel functions are transforming data analysis in 2026, combining advanced algorithms and AI to solve even the toughest challenges. From cleaning up messy datasets to automating repetitive processes, these functions are more than just enhancements, they’re fantastic. Picture summarizing thousands of rows of data in seconds or effortlessly visualizing trends without relying on pivot tables. These innovations aren’t just on the horizon, they’re here now, reshaping the way we work. This guide explores 15 of the most impactful Excel functions every professional should know, featuring AI-driven automation and dynamic data transformation that make even the most complex spreadsheets manageable. Whether you’re an experienced analyst or eager to sharpen your skills, you’ll learn how to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and uncover deeper insights. Some of these features may surprise you, while others will leave you wondering how you ever managed without them. By the end, you’ll not only grasp what’s possible …

Excel Functions Guide 2026 : SUM to XLOOKUP with Clear Examples

Excel Functions Guide 2026 : SUM to XLOOKUP with Clear Examples

Published by skeptic

What if you could transform hours of tedious spreadsheet work into just minutes of streamlined efficiency? Simon Sez IT takes a closer look at how Excel’s most powerful functions can transform the way you handle data, from basic calculations to advanced analysis. Whether you’re a seasoned Excel user or just dipping your toes into its vast capabilities, these features aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re fantastic options. Imagine effortlessly extracting insights from massive datasets, automating repetitive tasks, or creating dynamic overviews that update in real time. Excel isn’t just a program; it’s a gateway to smarter, faster decision-making. In this breakdown, we’ll explore ten standout Excel functions that Microsoft itself highlights as essential for maximizing productivity. From the simplicity of the SUM function to the dynamic versatility of XLOOKUP, each feature offers unique ways to simplify your workflow and uncover hidden patterns in your data. You’ll discover how to make logical decisions with IF, filter and sort data dynamically, and even parse text with pinpoint precision. Whether you’re managing financial overviews or organizing customer data, these functions …