Excel Breaks 40-Year Rule: One Cell, Multiple Values
Microsoft tests new Excel feature allowing multiple values in one cell, including lists, arrays, and nested arrays, available to Microsoft 365 Insiders
Microsoft is testing a new version of Excel that allows users to put more than one value inside a cell, breaking the traditional one-cell, one-value model that has been in place for 40 years. This new capability includes lists, arrays in cells, and nested arrays, which can be used for various applications such as tracking projects or people with varying numbers of related entries.
The new feature is available on an opt-in basis to Microsoft 365 Insiders in the Excel Beta Channel for Windows and Mac. Users can create a list through Insert > List or by pressing Ctrl+J, then add items separated by commas or semicolons, based on regional settings. Excel can use the individual entries in filtering and calculations, and referencing a list with a formula such as =B2 can spill its items into separate cells.
Arrays can have different dimensions and can themselves contain other arrays. Nested arrays can be used to store variable-length data inside a structured record instead of forcing it into fixed columns. For example, Microsoft used a running log as an example, where each row could represent a run and store an array of split times.
According to Jake Armstrong, senior product manager for Excel, the new feature allows users to keep values together in one cell while still working with each item individually. This can be particularly useful for spreadsheets that track projects, people, or other records with a varying number of related entries.
## What it means The new feature has the potential to revolutionize the way users work with data in Excel. By allowing multiple values in one cell, users can simplify complex spreadsheets and reduce the need for separate columns or helper tables. This can lead to more efficient data management and analysis, and can be particularly useful for businesses and organizations that rely heavily on Excel for data tracking and analysis.
## Why it matters The introduction of this new feature is a significant departure from the traditional one-cell, one-value model that has been in place for 40 years. It demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to innovating and improving Excel, and responding to the evolving needs of its users. As the feature becomes more widely available, it is likely to have a significant impact on the way users work with data in Excel, and can potentially lead to new and innovative uses of the software.
