How to simplify complex calculations with custom functions
From Excel Tips by CPA Australia
November 3, 2025 · 8 min
About this episode
This episode discusses how to simplify complex calculations in Excel using custom functions.
Did you know that you can transform the way you can build models, reports and schedules with custom functions? This episode guides you on how they make complex calculations cleaner and easier to maintain . You'll also learn practical ways to document, test and reuse these functions for consistent results . In this episode, an Excel expert will : Explain how to create custom functions using the LAMBDA function Outline how the LET function works Demonstrate creat ing a loan schedule "mega formula" Cover useful functions like HSTACK and VSTACK Perfect for accountants, analysts and finance professionals ready to take Excel mastery to the next level. Tune in now. Host: Neale Blackwood CPA. He has more than 20 years of experience as a Microsoft Excel educator and is the author of more than 200 INTHEBLACK articles as well as a book, Advanced Excel Reporting for Management Accountants . There is a useful companion video to go with this episode of Excel Tips. And you can read more of Neale's Excel articles on INTHEBLACK . You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Loving this content? Would you like to listen to more Excel Tips and other CPA Australia podcasts…
People in this episode
Host: Neale Blackwood CPA
Topics covered
- custom functions
- Excel calculations
- financial modeling
- LAMBDA function
- LET function
- loan schedule
- Excel mastery
Keywords
- custom functions
- Excel
- LAMBDA
- LET
- HSTACK
- VSTACK
- loan schedule
- financial modeling
- accountants
- analysts
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CPA Australia
Books & works: Advanced Excel Reporting for Management Accountants
More episodes of Excel Tips
- Template tips to boost workflows · May 1, 2026 · 8 min
- Increment dates easily in Excel · April 1, 2026 · 7 min
- Master your messy data · March 2, 2026 · 6 min
- Build Better Excel Models · February 2, 2026 · 12 min
- Smarter, faster, easier: Here's what's new in Excel · January 1, 2026 · 14 min
- Unlock 7 underused Excel features you still need today · December 1, 2025 · 16 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Excel Tips podcast page.