Excel Basics for Data Analysis from Coursera

Spreadsheet tools like Excel are an essential tool for working with data - whether for data analytics, business, marketing, or research. This course is designed to give you a basic working knowledge of Excel and how to use it for analyzing data.

This course is suitable for those who are interested in pursuing a career in data analysis or data science, as well as anyone looking to use Excel for data analysis in their own domain. No prior experience with spreadsheets or coding is required - all you need is a device with a modern web browser and the ability to create a Microsoft account to access Excel online at no cost. If you have a desktop version of Excel, you can also easily follow along with the course.

Throughout this course, you'll gain valuable experience working with data sets and spreadsheets. We'll start by introducing you to spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, and show you how to load data from multiple formats. From there, you'll learn how to perform basic data wrangling and cleansing tasks using functions, and expand your knowledge of data analysis through the use of filtering, sorting, and pivot tables.

There is a strong focus on practice and applied learning in this course. With each lab, you'll have the opportunity to manipulate data and gain hands-on experience using Excel. You'll learn how to clean and format your data efficiently, and convert it into a pivot table to make it more organized and readable. The final project will allow you to showcase your newly acquired data analysis skills by working with real data sets and spreadsheets.

By the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in using Excel for data analysis. You'll have worked with multiple data sets and spreadsheets, and will have the skills and knowledge needed to effectively clean and analyze data without having to learn any code. So let's get started!

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Data Analysis Using Spreadsheets

In this module, you will learn about the fundamentals of spreadsheet applications, and you will be introduced to the Excel interface and learn how to navigate your way around a worksheet and workbook.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a foundation for learners entering data science or data analysis professions

Offers in-depth coverage of various functions, filtering, and pivot table features

Hands-on labs provide practical experience using Excel spreadsheets

No prior experience with spreadsheets or coding required, making it accessible to beginners

Emphasis on data wrangling and cleansing tasks using functions and features

Instructors have notable experience and expertise in the topic of data analysis

Reviews summary

Excel basics: solid foundation for data analysis

According to students, this course is a strong starting point for anyone new to spreadsheets and data analysis, particularly those aiming for a career in data. Learners highlight its well-structured content and clear explanations, making complex concepts easy to grasp. The hands-on labs and practical projects, especially on data cleaning and pivot tables, are frequently praised for reinforcing learning. However, some experienced Excel users found the course too basic and wished for more advanced techniques. A few mentioned that certain parts, like VLOOKUP explanations, could be improved or that some instructions felt slightly outdated.

Effectively covers crucial data wrangling, cleaning, and analysis techniques.

"I loved how they showed how to clean and wrangle data; it's exactly what I needed for my new role."

"The modules on data wrangling and cleaning were particularly strong and directly applicable to my job."

"I now feel much more confident using Excel for data tasks at work after taking this course."

Offers valuable hands-on experience through engaging labs and a final project.

"The hands-on labs are super helpful, making the learning process engaging and practical."

"The practical approach truly made a difference and the exercises reinforced every lesson for me."

"The labs provided great hands-on experience, allowing me to manipulate data directly."

Excellent for those new to Excel, providing clear and easy-to-follow instructions.

"This course is incredibly well-structured and perfect for absolute beginners."

"Absolutely brilliant for someone with no prior Excel experience! The explanations were crystal clear..."

"Excellent course for getting started with Excel for data analysis. The explanations are clear and easy to follow, even for someone who hasn't touched spreadsheets before."

A few sections could benefit from clarity or updates, such as VLOOKUP.

"Some topics felt a bit rushed, especially the VLOOKUP part, which I found confusing."

"My main critique is that some of the online Excel interface differences weren't always clear, but I managed."

"The course felt like it could use an update; some screenshots or instructions seemed a little off."

May be too simplistic for those with existing Excel knowledge or seeking advanced content.

"If you already know some Excel, this might be too basic. I was hoping for more advanced techniques..."

"Found this course too simplistic. I've used Excel before, and it didn't really teach me anything new."

"It's good for absolute novices, but not for intermediate users. The pacing was a bit slow for me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Excel Basics for Data Analysis with these activities:

Review Basic Math and Statistics Concepts

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Strengthens your foundational understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts, which are essential for data analysis and will help you fully grasp the content of this course.

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Review your notes or textbooks on basic math concepts such as algebra, calculus, and probability.
Go through online resources or tutorials to refresh your knowledge of statistical concepts like mean, median, and standard deviation.

Review Introductory Statistics with Applications

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Provides a strong foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this data analysis course and the fundamentals of data analytics.

View Mathematical Statistics with Applications on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3 to gain an understanding of the basics of statistics, data, and sampling.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.

Participate in Excel Study Group

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Provides an opportunity to collaborate with peers, exchange knowledge, and reinforce your understanding of the course material through discussions and problem-solving.

Browse courses on Excel

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Find a study partner or group who are also enrolled in the course.
Meet regularly to discuss course concepts, work on assignments together, and provide mutual support.
Engage in peer review of each other's work to provide constructive feedback and improve understanding.

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Begin a Personal Data Analysis Project

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Allows you to apply the concepts learned in this course in a practical context, solidifying your understanding and enhancing your data analysis skills.

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Identify a dataset that interests you and align with the learning objectives of the course.
Develop a research question or hypothesis to guide your analysis.
Import the dataset into Excel and explore the data using descriptive statistics and visualization techniques.
Conduct analysis to answer your research question or test your hypothesis.
Present your findings in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the insights gained from the analysis.

Explore Tutorials on Advanced Excel Functions

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Enhances your proficiency in Excel functions beyond the basics covered in the course, enabling you to perform more complex data manipulation and analysis tasks.

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Search for tutorials on advanced Excel functions such as INDEX, MATCH, and OFFSET.
Follow along with the tutorials, practicing the functions on sample datasets.
Experiment with the functions in your own Excel workbooks to gain hands-on experience.

Participate in an Excel Data Analysis Competition

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Provides a unique opportunity to test your skills against other data enthusiasts, gain recognition for your abilities, and expand your knowledge through exposure to diverse approaches.

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Identify an Excel data analysis competition that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Form a team or work individually to prepare for the competition.
Analyze the provided dataset and develop data-driven insights and solutions.
Present your findings and compete against other teams for recognition and prizes.

Develop an Excel Tutorial

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Solidifies your understanding of Excel and data analysis by requiring you to articulate the concepts in a clear and structured manner, which can also benefit others who are learning.

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Choose a specific Excel function or data analysis technique that you want to focus on.
Create a step-by-step tutorial that explains the concept in a clear and concise way.
Include screenshots, examples, and practice exercises to illustrate the concepts.
Share your tutorial with others through a blog, social media, or other platforms.

Contribute to an Open-Source Excel Project

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Allows you to engage with the wider data analysis community, contribute to the development of open-source tools, and gain valuable practical experience.

Browse courses on Excel

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Identify an open-source Excel project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Review the project's documentation and familiarize yourself with its codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute and propose your improvements or new features.
Create pull requests to submit your contributions and engage with the project maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Excel Basics for Data Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst examines and interprets data through statistical methods and software to extract meaningful insights. These insights support decision-making in organizations. This course can help build a foundation for a Data Analyst by teaching you how to handle, clean, and analyze data using Excel.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Analyzing data and trends is essential for a Market Research Analyst. This course helps build a foundation for this career by teaching you how to analyze data using Excel. You will learn to clean and format your data efficiently, as well as how to create and use pivot tables for organized and readable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Financial Analyst

Spreadsheets, particularly Microsoft Excel, are one of the most important tools for financial analysis. In this course, you will learn the basics of using Excel for data analysis, which may help build the foundation for a successful career as a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data to analyze business processes and performance. This course helps build a foundation for this career by teaching you how to use Excel to clean, manipulate, and analyze data. You will learn how to use functions, filter, sort, and create pivot tables to make data more organized and readable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to solve complex problems in various industries. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you how to use Excel for data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of data analysis and machine learning to solve complex problems and extract meaningful insights from data. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Statistician

Statisticians use mathematical and statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make predictions. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Auditor

Auditors examine and analyze financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts examine and analyze financial data to develop and manage budgets. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Cost Analyst

Cost Analysts examine and analyze financial data to determine the cost of products or services. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners help clients plan and manage their finances. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts examine and analyze financial data to make investment recommendations. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts examine and analyze financial data to identify and mitigate risks. This course may be useful for building a foundation for this career, by teaching you the basics of data analysis using Excel.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst