Excel Revolution: Microsoft Tests Single-Cell Multiple Value Storage

Microsoft is experimenting with new features for Excel that allow users to store multiple values in a single cell. This change could be a game-changer for those who build complex spreadsheets, as it reduces the need for workarounds and provides more flexibility when handling data.

The update includes lists, arrays, and nested arrays, which can contain variable amounts of information within one cell. Lists allow several individual values to stay separate, while arrays can now exist directly inside cells as values or formula results. Nested arrays enable one array to contain other arrays, addressing situations where formulas previously produced incomplete results.

Microsoft is adding four functions to help users work with these new data structures: FLATTEN, HAS, HASANY, and HASALL. These capabilities could be particularly relevant to advanced Excel users who build complex models or use formulas to process structured data.