formula
formula on Beyond Market Intelligence: a running collection of 19 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on formula in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Acme AI is the next-generation, AI-powered spreadsheet platform built to replace Excel and redefine how analysts, data scientists, and enterprise teams work with data. New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around formula, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Beyond Market Intelligence is covering right now.
Catching bugs in scikit-learn [D]
Scikit-learn users, be aware: version 1.9 includes a fix for a subtle bug in the BayesianRidge uncertainty calculation. Keen observers can now explore this firsthand through a fascinating bug-hunting exercise. The provided notebook [https://github.com/aadya940/scikit-verify/blob/master/examples/sklearn_bug_hunting.ipynb] challenges you to identify the formula change between versions 1.8 and 1.9 before revealing the solution. For those seeking to maximize their coding agent efficiency, consider "How to Effectively Solve 100+ Tasks with Claude Code" for deeper insights.
Trying to count number of times that appear in list
Analyzing data across multiple sheets can be streamlined with the right approach. You're seeking to count occurrences of job titles from Sheet 1 within Sheet 2, matching them to corresponding names. This requires a formula that iterates through Sheet 1’s column, then counts matches in Sheet 2. Explore leveraging functions like `COUNTIF` combined with `VLOOKUP` or `INDEX/MATCH` for accurate results. For troubleshooting similar spreadsheet challenges, our article on "#SPILL! errors" offers valuable insights into resolving unpredictable errors.
Microsoft to retire the COPILOT function
Microsoft is phasing out the COPILOT function in Excel, effective September 14th—a notable departure from their usual commitment to backwards compatibility. While the broader Copilot feature remains active, this specific function will no longer be available. Users who relied on COPILOT for calculations should explore alternative formulas. This shift highlights the evolving landscape of AI-native spreadsheet technology. Curious to know: Have you utilized the COPILOT function, and if so, for what purpose?
Add up bills in date range using only the day
Need to automate bill aggregation in your budget spreadsheet? You're aiming to pull bill amounts based on due dates falling within a weekly timeframe, specifically between a Friday payday and the following Friday. While `SUMIF` can be useful, a more tailored formula is needed to achieve this. Explore leveraging `SUMIFS` to filter by both the day of the month and your payday reference date.
Floating plot on evergrowing spreadsheet possible?
Many spreadsheet users face the frustration of plots becoming detached from the data they summarize as tables grow. /u/orbitolinid highlights this challenge, specifically noting the need for a "floating" plot within Microsoft Excel Professional Plus 2024 on a 14" laptop screen, where daily data additions necessitate constant manual adjustments. This common workflow limitation underscores the need for more adaptive data visualization tools.
Unpredictable #SPILL! error. Solution?
How to use a checkbox TRUE or FALSE statement to write into different cells
Need to quickly reset daily business tracking in your spreadsheet? You can absolutely achieve this with an IF statement. The core concept is simple: use the checkbox's TRUE/FALSE value to control what's written to another cell. A formula like `=IF(H28,0, "")` will set the target cell to "0" when H28 (your checkbox) is TRUE, and leave it blank otherwise. This approach avoids complex code and leverages Excel's built-in logic.
cant copy/reference a cell
Experiencing reference errors like `=A2` failing in your primary document, while working elsewhere, is a common frustration. This often stems from file corruption or complex formula interactions. First, try saving your main document as a new file to rule out corruption. Second, examine any recently added formulas or functions for potential conflicts. If you’re encountering unexpected errors, consider the issues explored in our article, "Unpredictable #SPILL! error," which addresses similar formula behavior. Consistent troubleshooting will pinpoint the root cause and restore reliable referencing.
Looking to see if it is possible to create a formula to show my account number
Navigating complex data extraction in Excel can be challenging. This user is seeking a formula to automatically populate account numbers from intermittently listed cells, specifically targeting the middle six digits. While a simple drag-down formula works for consistent data, recognizing account number changes across rows presents a hurdle. Explore innovative solutions to streamline your spreadsheet workflows; similar challenges in data visualization are addressed in our article, "Struggling with creating a stack? bar? chart." Discover how to empower your data journey and eliminate manual work.
How to get a table to match the number of rows, and row order, of a parent table
Need to streamline your data management? When adding new expense types to your parent table, automatically populate corresponding rows in linked tables—saving valuable time. This approach ensures consistent data structure and eliminates manual row insertion. It’s a powerful way to maintain data integrity and workflow efficiency. Discover how to configure this feature, mirroring your parent table's growth across related sheets. For troubleshooting formula errors that might arise, see our article, "Pls help - Need to fix formula with Spill Error," for helpful guidance.
Formula for extracting information from one worksheet's column to different worksheet giving blank result.
Encountering blank results when attempting to transfer data between worksheets in Excel 365 (build 16.0) is a common challenge. The provided formula, designed to populate a course sheet with tee color data from a "Scores" sheet based on matching course name and date, appears to be experiencing a logical mismatch. Specifically, the formula’s range references need careful review to ensure accurate data retrieval.
Seeking Excel shortcut for entering times without typing the colon
Entering times in Excel can be surprisingly tedious, especially with high-volume data entry. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution to bypass repetitive colon typing. Leverage Excel's custom cell formatting to automatically convert four-digit inputs (like "1436") into recognized time values—either 12-hour (with AM/PM) or 24-hour format. This empowers you to streamline your workflow and boost productivity. Explore this transformative approach to data entry, and discover how a simple formatting change can significantly reduce manual effort.
How do I use the green square/fill handle without a mouse?
Navigating Excel’s autofill feature without a mouse can streamline your workflow. The green fill handle, typically double-clicked to extend formulas or data down a column, presents a challenge when mouse access is limited. Currently, Excel lacks a dedicated keyboard shortcut to replicate this double-click action directly.
Struggling with creating a formula for twice monthly overtime pay
Calculating overtime with bi-monthly pay periods and a Sunday-to-Saturday work week presents a unique challenge. Many spreadsheet users encounter this complexity when tracking fluctuating hours. To accurately reflect overtime earned across pay periods, you'll need a formula that accounts for the work week’s span regardless of the pay period's end date. Explore our resources for deeper insights into similar data management complexities, such as the recent article discussing Airtable’s valuation shifts—understanding these broader trends can inform your approach.
I created a triple nested XLOOKUP formula. Is there a more efficient way to do what I'm doing?
Navigating dynamic data imports from PDFs often necessitates complex formulas to ensure accurate referencing. You've ingeniously employed a triple-nested XLOOKUP to dynamically locate values across varying row and column arrangements—a testament to its versatility. While functional, deeply nested formulas can impact performance. Consider exploring alternative approaches like Power Query, which excels at data transformation and reshaping, potentially offering a more efficient solution for your scenario.
Sort Order and Locking Cells
Navigating shared spreadsheets with multiple users can introduce unexpected data shifts. Many users experience this when sorting – a common challenge is maintaining the original order of data after filtering and sorting. To address this, consider locking Column A to preserve the block order while still enabling sorting by Column H (IDs). This ensures a consistent, organized view even after filters are removed.
Standard derivation of the last three data in a column
Measuring consistency in your hobby group's results is a smart approach. To calculate the standard deviation of the last three data points in a column, the STDEV.P function is indeed the right tool. Your attempt using INDEX and COUNTA is a common hurdle—Excel’s formula complexity can be frustrating. A more straightforward approach involves using the OFFSET function. For example, `=STDEV.P(OFFSET([LA], COUNTA([LA])-3, 0, 3, 1))` will directly compute the standard deviation for the last three entries in column [LA].
Pls help - Need to fix formula with Spill Error
Encountering a #SPILL! error can halt your progress, but rest assured, a solution exists. This user seeks a formula to dynamically total blank cells in Sheet2's Column B, contingent on a corresponding value in Sheet2's Column A—a common data management challenge. Their attempt, utilizing FILTER, highlights a frequent misunderstanding of spill ranges. We can help clarify the logic and provide a corrected formula to achieve this task efficiently.
Vibe-coded a tool to ELI5 research papers in-place [P]
Navigating complex research papers can be surprisingly inefficient. That's why we're sharing Vibe-coded, a new tool designed to streamline your understanding. Simply select a passage, formula, or citation within a paper, and Vibe-coded will provide an accessible explanation, leveraging the full context of the document. Built on Vercel and Supabase, and informed by models like Claude, this tool aims to eliminate the need for constant copy-pasting and context switching. For a deeper dive into related AI techniques, explore our tutorial on building an AI-text detector.