New: AI-powered data modeling for Google Sheets and Excel. Build better spreadsheets faster. Learn more →
Ardin Logo
← Back to Blog

Resources & Tools

Ardin Team6 min read

Access our comprehensive library of formulas, functions, and best practices for data modeling in spreadsheets.

Essential Formulas Library

Master these essential formulas to supercharge your data models. Each formula includes examples and best practices for common use cases.

Data Lookup & Reference

  • VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP: Find data across tables
  • INDEX-MATCH: More flexible alternative to VLOOKUP
  • INDIRECT: Dynamic cell references
  • FILTER: Extract subset of data based on conditions

Aggregation & Analysis

  • SUMIF/SUMIFS: Conditional summation
  • COUNTIF/COUNTIFS: Conditional counting
  • AVERAGEIF/AVERAGEIFS: Conditional averaging
  • UNIQUE: Remove duplicates from lists

Text & Data Manipulation

  • CONCATENATE/TEXTJOIN: Combine text strings
  • LEFT/RIGHT/MID: Extract portions of text
  • TRIM/CLEAN: Remove extra spaces and characters
  • TEXT: Format numbers and dates as text

Ardin Feature

Use Ardin's AI to automatically suggest the right formula for your task. Just describe what you want to do in plain English, and Ardin will generate the formula for you.

Best Practices Guide

1. Data Organization

  • One table per sheet for clarity
  • Headers in the first row always
  • No empty rows or columns in data ranges
  • Consistent data types within columns
  • Use structured table references (Excel) or named ranges

2. Formula Design

  • Avoid hardcoded values in formulas
  • Use cell references or named ranges instead
  • Break complex formulas into smaller steps
  • Add comments to explain complex logic
  • Use error handling (IFERROR, IFNA)

3. Performance Optimization

  • Limit volatile functions (NOW, TODAY, RAND)
  • Use SUMIFS instead of SUM(IF(...)) array formulas
  • Convert formulas to values when possible
  • Remove unused formatting and objects
  • Split large files into linked workbooks

4. Data Validation

  • Use dropdown lists for categorical data
  • Set date and number format restrictions
  • Provide helpful error messages
  • Prevent duplicate entries where needed
  • Lock formula cells to prevent accidental changes

Free Tools & Resources

Formula Cheat Sheet

Downloadable PDF reference with all essential formulas, syntax, and examples.

Video Tutorial Series

Step-by-step video guides covering data modeling fundamentals to advanced techniques.

Community Forum

Connect with other Ardin users, share tips, and get help from the community.

Ardin Pro Features

Upgrade to Ardin Pro to access advanced tools:

  • AI-powered formula generation
  • Automated data quality checks
  • Performance optimization suggestions
  • Custom function library
  • Priority support and training