The List feature is a new addition to Microsoft Excel 2003. You can designate a range in a worksheet as a list, and then analyze the data in the list independently of data outside the list. For example, you can filter data, add a row for averages, and even create a PivotTable report, using only the data contained within the list.

Note: If your existing worksheet doesn't have text column labels, when you use the Create List command, Excel automatically assigns the headings Column 1, Column 2, and so on. To create a list, do the following:
  1. Click any cell within the data range in which you want to use to create a list.
  2. Select Data > List > Create List.
  3. Tip: Instead of using the menu bar to create a list, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+L.
  4. The Create List dialog box opens with the data range automatically selected, as shown in Figure 1. If your list has column labels, confirm that the My list has headers checkbox is selected.

    Figure 1:
    Figure 1: Create List dialog box.
  5. Click OK.

AutoFilter arrows appear at the top of each column in your list. An asterisk also appears in a blank row below the last row on your list so you can add data to the list at any time. Adding a column is easy too. Click in the first row of the next empty column, enter heading information, and then press Enter. The new column is automatically added to your existing list.

Once your list is complete, you can use the same commands you use on an ordinary data range. Using the drop-down menus on each of the columns, you can sort the contents of more than one column at a time. You can also have more than one list on any worksheet. Each list is independent of the other; however, if your lists are side by side, you may see some of the functions reflected in the list you're not currently working on. Regardless, the unused list isn't affected.

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