Organizing Data with Tables One of the unique functions of a computer is to organize information into Rows and Columns. Microsoft Excel does Rows and Columns: specifically Tables. Tables can be little reference lists that are named and used in a formula. One good example is a Lookup table. By definition, vLookup has the data in Columns (vertical). Hlookup has the data in Rows (horizontal).  The Advanced Guide to Excel begins with Tables and Table Tools. Start Microsoft Excel. When the Welcome screen appears, open a new, blank workbook. What do you see from the top of the screen? Is there a Home Ribbon? And the Insert, Page Layout, Formulas, Data. Review and View Ribbons as well? Yes. Then you are ready to go.