How to Speed Up an Excel File with Large Data? Best Techniques

Do you want to speed up an Excel file with large data? Then you are on the right blog. This write-up is going to explain the best and possible methods to make Excel run faster by removing unnecessary data, converting formulas to values, using manual calculation mode, dividing into smaller parts, etc. Let’s start the process with complete information.

MS Excel is a powerful application for data management, analysis, and reporting, and your file becomes larger, and as the file size grow it becomes slow and unresponsive or even crashes while opening. And it reduces productivity and increases the risk of corruption.

But don’t worry, this write-up is going to explain techniques one by one to speed up an Excel file. Let’s start.

Why do Excel Files Become Slow?

Before jumping to the techniques, let’s understand the root causes of this problem. These are the reasons why your Excel file is slow:

• Large data volumes (lakhs of rows/columns)
• Heavy formulas and volatile functions
• Too many conditional formatting rules
• External links and data connections
• Pivot tables with large caches
• Embedded objects (images, charts)
• Corrupt or bloated file structure
• Excessive formatting

How to Speed Up an Excel File?

Yes, you can make Excel run faster by removing unnecessary data, converting formulas to values, using manual calculation mode, or compressing images and other objects. Also, we have mentioned a list to speed up an Excel file easily:

• Optimize Conditional Formatting
• Use Power Query Instead of Formulas
• Save File in Binary Format (.XLSB)
• Disable Add-Ins
• Repair Corrupt Excel Files
• Use the 64-bit Excel Version
• Split Large Files

Quick Way to Speed Up an Excel File

The large file size is a common issue with your Excel file, making it slow and unable to open. If you can’t open a large Excel file and want to make Excel run faster, then you should use the SysTools Excel Splitter Tool. It will divide your large file into smaller parts for better management and easy access. You can even access your data without delay. You can use it for free as well to better understand the features.

Method 1: Remove Data

If your file contains unused rows, columns, and sheets, then remove them to speed up an Excel file performance. These are the steps:

1. Open your workbook.
2. Hit on the “Ctrl + End” and check the last used cell.
3. Right-click on empty rows and columns and choose the “Delete” icon.
4. Same for the sheet.

Method 2: Converting Formulas to Values

1. Firstly, select the formula cells.
2. Use “Ctrl + C” to copy.
3. Right click >> “Paste Special”.
4. Now select the “Values” >> hit on the “OK” icon.

Method 3: Manual Calculation Mode

Excel recalculates automatically after every change, but manual mode calculates only when you trigger it, which can improve the performance.

1. Head to the “Formulas” tab.
2. Hit on the “Calculation Options”.
3. Choose the “Manual” option.
4. And use the “F9” key whenever needed to speed up an Excel file.

Method 4: Compressing Images

1. Open your file and locate images.
2. Select the image and click on the “Picture Format” option.
3. Choose the “Compress Pictures” option.
4. Now uncheck the “Apply Only to This Picture”.
5. Next, select the resolution >> “OK.”

Method 5: Optimize Conditional Formatting

1. Choose your data range.
2. Head to the Home >> Conditional Formatting >> Manage Rules.
3. Delete unnecessary rules.
4. Reduce the “Applies to” range to actual data only.

Method 6: Use Power Query Instead of Formulas

1. Head to the “Data” tab, then “Get Data”.
2. Select the source file accordingly.
3. Now load data into Power Query Editor.
4. Next, apply transformations like (merge, filter, split).
5. Hit the Close & Load icon to speed up an Excel file.

Method 7: Save File in Binary Format (.XLSB)

1. Open your file.
2. Hit on the “File” >> “Save As” option.
3. Select a location to save the file.
4. Choose “XLSB” from the “File Type” list.
5. Hit the “Save” icon to reduce Excel file size

Method 8: Disable Add-Ins to Speed Up an Excel File

1. Go to the “File” >> “Options” >> “Add-Ins” options.
2. Now choose “Excel Add-ins” and Go from the bottom.
3. Next, uncheck all the unused add-ins and then the “OK” icon.
4. Repeat the same for “COM Add-ins”.

Method 10: Split Large Files

Let’s come to the main point. As we said, large file size is a main issue which slow down your Excel file performance. So, you can keep all data safe and speed up performance using the suggested solution. It will divide your data into small files, so you can access the file anytime according to your requirements. Follow the working steps and understand the features:

How to Speed Up Excel with Large Data?

1. Download and install the tool properly, and choose the “Split Excel”.

   

2. Now upload your large data file here using the “Add Files/Folder” options.

   

3. Now choose the “Split Options” by Row, Size, and Sheet.

   

4. Browse the saving path using the “Browse” button.
5. Hit the “Split” icon to speed up an Excel file.

   

Time to Say Goodbye

We have suggested manual and automatic techniques to speed up an Excel file with large data by removing unnecessary data, converting formulas to values, using manual calculation mode, and 10 other manual techniques. And for a large data file, you should use an automatic solution. Manual techniques require Excel application installation and technical knowledge. So, you can use the suggested software. Contact us for any query through live chat support.