Introduction to Data Analysis using Excel from edX

The ability to analyze data is a powerful skill that helps you make better decisions. Microsoft Excel is one of the top tools for data analysis and the built-in pivot tables are arguably the most popular analytic tool.

In this course, you will learn how to perform data analysis using Excel's most popular features. You will learn how to create pivot tables from a range with rows and columns in Excel. You will see the power of Excel pivots in action and their ability to summarize data in flexible ways, enabling quick exploration of data and producing valuable insights from the accumulated data.

Pivots are used in many different industries by millions of users who share the goal of reporting the performance of companies and organizations. In addition, Excel formulas can be used to aggregate data to create meaningful reports. To complement, pivot charts and slicers can be used together to visualize data and create easy to use dashboards.

You should have a basic understanding of creating formulas and how cells are referenced by rows and columns within Excel to take this course. If required, you can can find many help topics on Excel at the Microsoft Office Support Site. You are welcome to use any supported version of Excel you have installed in your computer, however, the instructions are based on Excel 2016. You may not be able to complete all exercises as demonstrated in the lectures but workarounds are provided in the lab instructions or Discussion forum. Please note that Excel for Mac does not support many of the features demonstrated in this course.

After taking this course you'll be ready to continue to our more advanced Excel course, Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Excel.

*Note: *This course will retire at the end of October. Please enroll only if you are able to finish your coursework in time.

What you'll learn

Create flexible data aggregations using pivot tables
Represent data visually using pivot charts
Calculate margins and other common ratios using calculation on pivot table
Filter data using slicers in multiple pivot tables
Create aggregate reports using formula based techniques

What's inside

Learning objectives

Create flexible data aggregations using pivot tables
Represent data visually using pivot charts
Calculate margins and other common ratios using calculation on pivot table

Filter data using slicers in multiple pivot tables
Create aggregate reports using formula based techniques

Create flexible data aggregations using pivot tables
Represent data visually using pivot charts
Calculate margins and other common ratios using calculation on pivot table
Filter data using slicers in multiple pivot tables
Create aggregate reports using formula based techniques

Syllabus

Week 1

Learn about Excel tables and what is their advantage over regular ranges.

Use a table to filter, sort and see totals.

See how calculations can be used to add columns to the existing data in Excel table.

Week 2

Create our first pivot table.

Use multiple pivot tables and pivot charts to create our first dashboard.

Connect multiple slicers to the pivot tables.

Week 3

Explore in more depth the full power of pivot tables.

See how to filter the data shown in the pivot in many ways to achieve interesting subsets of the data.

Use calculated fields on top of the pivot table to calculate profitability and find anomalies.

Week 4

Use formulas to aggregate the data as an alternative to pivot tables for more flexible reporting layouts.

See how a pivot can use more than one table and introduction to the Excel data table that is described in detail in the more advanced course in these series.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches Microsoft Excel, which is an industry standard for data analysis

Taught by Dany Hoter and Jonathan Sanito, who are experienced Excel trainers

Examines pivot tables, which is an essential skill for data analysts

Develops strong data analysis skills, which are highly relevant to industry

Covers a wide range of topics, from creating pivot tables to using formulas for data aggregation

Requires basic understanding of Excel formulas and cell referencing

Uses Excel 2016 as the primary software, which may not be the latest version

May not be suitable for complete beginners in Excel

Reviews summary

Excel basics with pivot table

Learners say this introductory data analysis course is effective for beginners with little prior knowledge of Excel formulas. Students say projects are engaging and lead to fast learning without long lectures.

Suits beginners well.

"I've managed to avoid pivot tables while working extensively with excel for 6 years."

"I had little prior knowledge of Excel formulas..."

"It's a very good course to started with for Excel."

Less time spent on lectures and more time practicing with projects.

"The course is project-based, which is really good for active learning."

"...I had to learn the new things on my own with the help of instructions given in each Lab session."

"I found it to be effective and fast learning process without going through long lectures or pages after pages of explanations."

Career center

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

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, cleans, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you build a foundation in data analysis using Excel, a valuable tool for this role. You will learn how to create pivot tables, use formulas to aggregate data, and create visualizations to present your findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Operations Analyst

An Operations Analyst helps businesses improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course can help you develop the skills you need to analyze operational data and make recommendations for improvement. You will learn how to use Excel to track key metrics, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst helps businesses improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. This course can help you develop the analytical skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze data, identify trends, and make recommendations.

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Marketing Analyst

A Marketing Analyst helps businesses understand their customers and develop effective marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to analyze marketing data and make informed decisions. You will learn how to use Excel to track key metrics, identify trends, and segment your audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst helps businesses make investment decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to analyze financial data and make sound investment recommendations. You will learn how to use Excel to create financial models, analyze data, and present your findings.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects to achieve specific goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to manage projects effectively. You will learn how to use Excel to track progress, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics. This course can help you develop the analytical skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze data, identify problems, and make recommendations.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and analyze data, and create visualizations.

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Auditor

An Auditor examines financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to organize and analyze financial data.

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Tax Accountant

A Tax Accountant prepares and files tax returns. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to organize and analyze financial data.

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Accountant

An Accountant prepares and examines financial records. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to organize and analyze financial data.

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Budget Analyst

A Budget Analyst prepares and manages budgets. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to organize and analyze financial data.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to organize and analyze data.

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Financial Advisor

A Financial Advisor provides financial advice and guidance to individuals and families. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to analyze financial data and make recommendations.

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Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be useful in developing the foundational skills needed for this role. You will learn how to use Excel to clean and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

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Introduction to Data Analysis using Excel