Welcome to our in-depth tutorial on mastering essential functions in Excel and Google Sheets for data analysts. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this video will provide you with the knowledge you need to become proficient in these powerful tools. Here’s what we’ll cover:
We kick off this video with a brief introduction to the importance of Excel and Google Sheets in the field of data analysis. These tools are the backbone of many data-driven decisions in businesses and organizations worldwide. Understanding how to use them effectively can set you apart in the competitive field of data analytics.
Data Analyst Syllabus Roadmap
The journey to becoming a data analyst is filled with learning various tools, techniques, and methodologies. In this section, we outline a comprehensive syllabus roadmap that includes:
- Basic Spreadsheet Skills: Mastering the interface and basic functions of Excel and Google Sheets.
- Data Cleaning and Preparation: Techniques for handling missing data, duplicates, and errors.
- Data Analysis Functions: In-depth understanding of essential functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and more.
- Data Visualization: Creating charts and graphs to visualize data trends and patterns.
- Advanced Functions and Formulas: Learning about VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, and more.
- Macros and VBA: Automating repetitive tasks using macros and Visual Basic for Applications in Excel.
- Google Sheets Specific Features: Utilizing unique features of Google Sheets, such as real-time collaboration and add-ons.
This roadmap will guide you through the necessary steps to become a proficient data analyst, ensuring you have a strong foundation in both Excel and Google Sheets.
1. Sum in Excel & Google Sheets
adds the values in cells A1 through A10.
Learn how to apply the SUM function across different ranges, including multiple columns and rows. We also cover how to use the AutoSum feature for quick calculations.
The SUM function is one of the most basic yet powerful tools in your data analysis arsenal. In this segment, we demonstrate how to use the SUM function to add up data in Excel and Google Sheets.
Excel:
Syntax:
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)
Example:
=SUM(A1:A10)
Google Sheets:
Syntax:
=SUM(number1, [number2], ...)
Example:
=SUM(A1:A10)
adds the values in cells B1 through B10.Discover the similarities and differences in using the SUM function in Google Sheets. We provide examples of summing up data across different sheets and using the SUMIF function to add data based on specific criteria.
By the end of this section, you’ll be able to quickly and accurately sum up large datasets, saving you valuable time and effort.
2. Min & Max in Excel & Google Sheets
Understanding the minimum and maximum values in your dataset is crucial for identifying outliers and understanding data distribution. In this segment, we delve into the MIN and MAX functions.
Excel:
Syntax:
=MIN(number1, [number2], ...)
=MAX(number1, [number2], ...)
Example:
Q. Find the smallest value in cells A1 through A10.
=MIN(A1:A10)
Q. Find the largest value in cells B1 through B10.
=MAX(B1:B10)
See how to use the MIN and MAX functions to find the smallest and largest values in a range. We also explore how these functions can be combined with conditional formatting to highlight outliers.
Google Sheets:
Syntax:
=MIN(value1, [value2], ...)
=MAX(value1, [value2], ...)
Example:
Q. Find the smallest value in cells C1 through C10.
=MIN(C1:C10)
Q. Find the largest value in cells D1 through D10.
=MAX(D1:D10)
Learn how to apply the MIN and MAX functions in Google Sheets, including examples of using these functions with other formulas to create more complex analyses.
By mastering these functions, you’ll be able to quickly identify critical data points and make informed decisions based on your data.
3. Right & Left in Excel/Google Sheets
The RIGHT and LEFT functions are essential for text manipulation, allowing you to extract specific characters from a string of text. This is particularly useful when dealing with formatted data or codes.
Excel:
Syntax:
=RIGHT(text, [num_chars])
=LEFT(text, [num_chars])
Example:
Q. Extracts the last 5 characters from the text in cell A2.
=RIGHT(A2, 5)
Q. Extracts the first 3 characters from the text in cell A2.
=LEFT(B2, 3)
We demonstrate how to use the RIGHT and LEFT functions to extract characters from the beginning or end of a string. You’ll learn practical applications, such as extracting area codes from phone numbers or separating first and last names.
Google Sheets:
Syntax:
=RIGHT(text, [num_chars])
=LEFT(text, [num_chars])
Example:
Q. Extract the last 4 characters from the text in cell C2.
=RIGHT(C2, 4)
Q. Extracts the first 2 characters from the text in cell D2.
=LEFT(D2, 2)
See how to use these functions in Google Sheets, including examples of combining them with other text functions like MID and FIND to perform more advanced text manipulations.
These functions will empower you to handle text data more effectively, making your data cleaning and preparation tasks much easier.
4. Split in EXCEL / Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers unique functions that make certain tasks more straightforward, and the SPLIT function is one of them. This function allows you to divide text into separate columns based on a specified delimiter.
Google Sheets
Syntax:
=SPLIT(text, delimiter, [split_by_each], [remove_empty_text])
Example:
Q. Split the text in cell A1 into separate columns based on the comma delimiter.
=SPLIT(A1, ",")
| A | B | C | D | E |
| 1 | Sachin,Ramesh,Tendulkar | Sachin | Ramesh | Tendulkar |
| 2 | Virat,Kohli | |||
| 3 | Mahendra,Singh,Dhoni | |||
| 4 | Rohit,Sharma |
Learn how to use the SPLIT function to separate data into multiple columns. We provide examples such as splitting names, addresses, and other text fields. Additionally, we cover how to handle different delimiters and use the function in combination with other Google Sheets features.
Excel:
Excel also provides a similar function called TEXTSPLIT, which allows you to divide text into separate columns based on a specified delimiter.
Syntax:
=TEXTSPLIT(text, col_delimiter, [row_delimiter], [ignore_empty], [match_mode], [padding])
Example:
Q. Split the text in cell A2 into separate columns based on the comma delimiter.
=TEXTSPLIT(A2, ",")
By the end of this section, you’ll be able to quickly and efficiently split text data in both Excel and Google Sheets, making it easier to analyze and visualize.
By the end of this video, you should have a solid understanding of several key functions in Excel and Google Sheets that are essential for any data analyst. Practice these functions on your datasets to get comfortable with them, and don’t hesitate to revisit this video whenever you need a refresher.
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Thank you for watching, and happy analyzing!