Excel case studies: solve the problem, not the formula

Realistic business scenarios where nobody tells you which function to use. Work out the approach, write the formula, and get it checked.

Knowing what VLOOKUP does is not the same as recognizing when a problem needs it. These case studies train that second skill, which is what Excel interview tests and real analyst work actually measure. Each one gives you a short scenario and a starting dataset; deciding between COUNTIFS, a lookup, a pivot table or a date function is part of the exercise.

• What's the average satisfaction score?

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Break down spending by department and category

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Work out this order's shipping cost

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• How many orders shipped late?

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Who still owes on their invoice?

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• When does this project actually finish?

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Which region needs attention?

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Build a dropdown from a list that isn't all still valid

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Total vendor costs using two named ranges together

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• What would the payment be on this financing deal?

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Flag the SKUs actually at risk

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.

• Which SKU has the most stock?

  Real problems with no formula named for you. You decide what to use.