Beginner-friendly guide
Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used applications for data management. It is not necessary to be a programmer or a data scientist to begin analyzing data using Microsoft Excel. It has simple features such as tables, formulas, sorting, filtering, and charts that enable a beginner to understand the data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
This article is intended to provide information on the application of MS Excel as a simple data analytics tool.
What is Data Analytics?
Data analytics is the process of collecting, cleaning, organizing, and analyzing the data to extract valuable information.
In simple words, data analytics helps us find answers to the following questions:
- How many were sold?
- Which product performed the best?
- What is the total, average, or maximum value? Excel assists us in finding the answers to these questions quickly and graphically.
Getting Started with MS Excel
When you start Excel, you see a sheet consisting of rows (numbered on the left side) and columns (lettered on the top). The intersection of each row and column is called a cell.
The most effective way to use Excel is when you organize your data in a table format.
This small data set will help us learn the basic concepts of data analysis.
Using Basic Formulas in Excel
One of the most powerful tools in Excel is the use of formulas. Formulas enable Excel to calculate data.
Calculating Total Sales
To calculate the total sales of each product:
- Add a new column and name it Total
- In the first cell of the Total column, type
=B2*C2 - Press Enter
- Drag the formula down to calculate the totals for the other products
This multiplies the quantity by the price.
Using Common Excel Functions
SUM Function
The SUM function is used to add total sales.
This gives the total sales amount.
Average Function
The AVERAGE function finds the average value.
This is the average sales amount.
Sorting Data
Sorting data helps you arrange information in a useful way.
For instance, you can sort items from highest to lowest total sales as follows:
- Select the data
- Click Sort & Filter
- Select Sort Largest to Smallest
This helps you identify the best-performing items.
Filtering Data
Filtering enables you to show data based on your needs.
Example: Display products with a quantity above 8.
- Select your table
- Click Filter
- Use the drop-down arrows to apply conditions
Creating Simple Charts
Charts enable you to visualize data and understand insights easily.
To create a chart:
- Select the data
- Click Insert
- Select a Column Chart or Bar Chart
Why Excel is Good for Beginners in Data Analytics
Excel is good for beginners in data analytics because:
- It is easy to learn
- No programming skills are required
- Calculations are automatic
- Data visualization is easy
- It is used in most schools and work environments
Conclusion
Microsoft Excel is a powerful data analysis tool that is also suitable for beginners. It is easy to learn and use, and its mastery will provide a good foundation for more advanced data analysis tools in the future.
If you are a beginner in data analysis, then Excel is the best place to start.
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