Microsoft excel is one of the easiest tool to use when starting with data analytics. It helps to organise data, perfom simple analysis, and present result clearly. In this article, I explain how excel can be used for basic data analysis using simple examples.
Opening and viewing data on excel
📸 Screenshot 1: Excel workbook with dataset opened
The first step is data analysis using excel is opening dataset. Once the file is opened, the data appears in the raw and columns. Each column represesnts a type of information, such as names, location, or values.
Having data well arranged make it easier to work and analyze.
Understanding Raw, Columns, and Cells
📸 Screenshot 2: Excel sheet showing column headers and rows
Each box in excel is called a cell. Row run horizontally, while column run vertically. column headers help identify what type of data is stored in each colum.
This structure allow data to be organized clearly.
Example of rows, columns, and a selected cell in Excel
Sorting Data
📸 Screenshot 3: Sort option selected from the Data tab
Sorting is used to arrange data in a specific order. For example, Data can be sorted alphabetically or Numeric.
Sorting helps quickly identify highest, Lowest, or grouped values.
Data sorted in Excel to organize information more clearly.
Filtering Data
📸 Screenshot 4: Filter applied to a column
Filtering allows users to display only specific information. For example filtering can be used to show data from one location only.
this help focus on relevant data without deleting anything.
Filtering data in Excel to display only specific records.
Using Basic Formulas
📸 Screenshot 5: Formula bar showing SUM or COUNTIF
Excel formulas help perform calculations automatically. Common formulas include:
SUM for adding values.
COUNT or COUNTIF if for counting entries
AVERAGE for calculating the mean.
Formulas makes analysis faster and reduce manual errors.
Click an empty cell
Enter a formula such as:
=COUNTIF(P:P,"Nairobi")
or
=COUNTIFS(P:P,"Nairobi",O:O,"Intern")
Using an Excel formula to analyze data
Creating Charts
📸 Screenshot 6: Bar or column chart created from data
Chart helps turn data into visual information. Excel allow users to create charts such as bar chart and pie charts.
charts makes it eaiser to compare values and understand trends.
Chart created in Excel to visually represent the data.
Formatting Data
📸 Screenshot 7: Formatted table with bold headers and colors
Formatting helps improve readability. This include bolding headers, adjusting column width, and applying number formatts.
Well-Formatted data is easier to understand and looks more professional.
Formatted dataset to improve readability and presentation.
Conclusion
📸 Optional Screenshot: Final dataset or chart
Microsoft excel is a useful tool for basic data analytics. It help organize data, Perfomr simple analysis, and present result clearl. For beginners, Excel is good strating point before learning advance data analyiss.
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