Top 10 Types of Graphs Any good financial analyst knows the importance of effectively communicating results, which largely comes down to knowing the different types of charts and graphs and when and how to use them. In this guide, we outline the top 10 types of graphs in Excel and what situation each kind is…
The VLOOKUP guide below explains how to use the VLOOKUP function in Excel to search for a value in the first column of a table and return a value in the same row from a specified column. The formula is structured as =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]). Key steps include organizing data, specifying lookup and table…
Why Use the XNPV Function in Excel? The XNPV Function in Excel uses specific dates that correspond to each cash flow being discounted in the series, whereas the regular NPV function automatically assumes all the time periods are equal. For this reason, the XNPV function is far more precise and should be used instead of…
Excel is the primary tool finance professionals use to value companies, model cash flows, build loan schedules, and analyze investments. This guide walks through the most important Excel finance formulas like XNPV, XIRR, PMT, EFFECT, and DB so you can apply them directly in real-world financial models. Each function includes a plain‑English explanation, syntax, and…
What is a Correlation Matrix? A correlation matrix is simply a table that displays the correlation coefficients for different variables. The matrix depicts the correlation between all the possible pairs of values in a table. It is a powerful tool to summarize a large dataset and to identify and visualize patterns in the given data….
VBA Quick Reference Guide This VBA quick reference guide provides a list of functions for VBA in Excel. This guide will help you prepare for CFI’s VBA Modeling Course. A workbook Workbooks(“MyBook.xls”) A worksheet Worksheets(“Sheet1”) or Sheets(“Sheet1”) A cell or range in A1 convention Range(“A1”) or Range(“A1:C5”) Several cells or ranges Range(“A1,C5,D11”) or Range(“A1:C5,F6,D2:E5”) A…
VBA Dictionary This VBA dictionary is a useful guide for anyone wanting to learn how to use VBA in Excel modeling. Review each of the terms and definitions in the VBA dictionary below to learn the fundamentals before taking CFI’s VBA Financial Modeling Course. Download our ultimate VBA cheat sheet for a comprehensive list of…
What is the Goal Seek Excel Function? The Goal Seek Excel function (often referred to as What-if-Analysis) is a method of solving for a desired output by changing an assumption that drives it. The function essentially uses a trial and error approach to back-solving the problem by plugging in guesses until it arrives at the…
What is MIRR? The Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR) is a function in Excel that takes into account the financing cost (cost of capital) and a reinvestment rate for cash flows from a project or company over the investment’s time horizon. The standard Internal Rate of Return (IRR) assumes that all cash flows received…
