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Using Excel for Data Analysis

Get started using Microsoft’s Excel to perform data analysis.
Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 32 lessons.
Course: On-Demand
Intermediate Provider Cliff Brozo  8 chapters ·  32 Lessons ·  3h 29m  in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese 

Course Description

In this course on Using Excel for Data Analysis, you’ll learn the basics of how to analyze data using Microsoft Excel’s built-in tools. We’ll cover the data analysis process, the essential functions, different methods for evaluating data, and how to do simple linear regressions.

You’ll discover the difference between operational and analytical data and learn about different types of charts used for visualizing data. We’ll go over the data analysis process and show you where to find data sets to practice with. As you learn how to clean and enrich data to look for insight, we will take a look at some essential functions like Min, Max, Sum, Count, Average, Concatenation & Length, Data Validation, If (including sumif, countif, and nested if), and explore Lookup tables (both vertical and horizontal). We’ll also explore What-if Analysis, the Scenario Manager, and the Goal Seek function. You’ll learn how to use simulations in your analysis, when to use sparklines, and how to tell stories using charts. We will explore decision support systems and learn how to create pivot tables, charts, and reports. Finally, we’ll delve into simple linear regression including linear and nonlinear functions and linear trendlines.

What You'll Learn

  • Understand the data analysis process, including operational vs. analytical data, finding datasets, and cleaning and enriching data for insight
  • Apply essential Excel functions such as Min, Max, Sum, Count, Average, Concatenation & Length, Data Validation, If (sumif, countif, nested if), and vertical and horizontal Lookup tables
  • Perform What-if Analysis using the Scenario Manager, the Goal Seek function, and simulations
  • Create pivot tables, charts, and reports and tell stories with data using charts and sparklines
  • Perform simple linear regression, including linear and nonlinear functions and linear trendlines
  • Explore decision support systems and different chart types used for visualizing data

Key Takeaways

  • The course teaches how to analyze data using Microsoft Excel's built-in tools and covers the full data analysis process.
  • It distinguishes between operational and analytical data and reviews different chart types for visualizing data.
  • Learners practice cleaning and enriching data and applying essential functions like Min, Max, Sum, Count, Average, If, and Lookup tables.
  • What-if Analysis, the Scenario Manager, the Goal Seek function, and simulations are used to evaluate data.
  • The course concludes with simple linear regression, covering linear and nonlinear functions and linear trendlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this course?

You'll learn the basics of analyzing data with Microsoft Excel's built-in tools, including the data analysis process, essential functions, methods for evaluating data, and how to do simple linear regressions. The course also covers operational vs. analytical data, chart types, What-if Analysis, the Scenario Manager, Goal Seek, simulations, sparklines, decision support systems, and creating pivot tables, charts, and reports.

What Excel functions does this course cover?

It covers essential functions such as Min, Max, Sum, Count, Average, Concatenation & Length, Data Validation, and If (including sumif, countif, and nested if), as well as Lookup tables in both vertical and horizontal forms.

Does this course cover regression analysis?

Yes. It delves into simple linear regression, including linear and nonlinear functions and linear trendlines.

What skills will I gain from this course?

You will build analytical skills, Microsoft Excel skills, experience with analytic applications, data analysis, quantitative data analysis, and regression analysis.

How does the course help with visualizing and presenting data?

It explores different types of charts for visualizing data, when to use sparklines, how to tell stories using charts, and how to create pivot tables, charts, and reports.

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