Microsoft Excel tests ability to store multiple values in a single cell

Microsoft is testing a major update to Excel that breaks the decades-old rule of having only one value per cell. Currently available as a preview for Microsoft 365 Insider Beta Channel users on Windows and macOS, the update allows cells to act as containers for multiple data points.

Key features include the ability to store lists and arrays directly within a single cell. Users can create lists using the ‘Insert > List’ menu or the ‘Ctrl + J’ shortcut. Unlike traditional text strings, these lists allow for individual value filtering and calculations. The update also introduces support for nested arrays, where arrays can contain other arrays within a single cell.

To support these new structures, Microsoft is introducing four new functions: • FLATTEN: Simplifies nested arrays by removing levels of nesting. • HAS: Checks if a specific value exists in an array. • HASANY: Checks if at least one of several specified values exists in an array. • HASALL: Checks if all specified values exist in an array.

While these features aim to simplify complex data management and reduce the need for auxiliary tables, Microsoft noted that certain limitations currently exist regarding conditional formatting, pivot tables, and Power Query. The features remain in preview and may undergo changes before a full release.