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Analyze a portfolio

Prepare a holdings table and use MarketXLS portfolio analytics without exposing private account data.

Start with a simple holdings table. Use one row per position, and keep symbols, quantities, and weights in separate columns.

Prepare the holdings

  1. Create columns for Symbol, Quantity, and either Weight or Market value.
  2. Remove totals, blank rows, notes, and account identifiers from the input range.
  3. Use one symbol format throughout the table.
  4. Check that weights use a consistent percentage or decimal format.
  5. Save a working copy before you add analytics.
A predictable holdings table prevents symbols and weights from being interpreted as headings or totals.

Choose an analysis method

  • Use portfolio functions when you want specific outputs such as beta, volatility, Sharpe ratio, drawdown, or value at risk.
  • Use Portfolio Report Builder when it appears in your add-in and you want a guided report workflow.
  • Start from a portfolio template when you want a prepared workbook.

Search the formula reference for Portfolio Analytics, and check each formula's platform label before sharing the workbook between add-ins.

Use the report builder for a guided output, or choose individual formulas for a custom model.

Protect customer and account data

Don't include brokerage account numbers, client names, email addresses, tax identifiers, or authentication details in a workbook that you send to support. Replace private holdings with a small fictional sample whenever the problem can be reproduced without real data.

If the workbook is slow, read Improve a slow workbook before adding more portfolio calculations.


© 2026 MarketXLS. Financial data documentation for Excel.