What are the best practices for organizing and analyzing large datasets in Excel?

Data prep is the most important part of the process and it's all about Power query. You simply must learn and utilise it. Don't get me wrong, I love Text to Columns (I mean, alot) and formulas, but when you cut steak, you use a steak knife, and when you prep data you use Power Query. Powerful transformations plus it will connect to you source and load only what is needed. Don't store large data on the grid.

The modern tool for data preparation in Excel is, undeniably, Power Query. Rather than an assortment of random tools within Excel, Power Query is a complete application for data cleansing that provides significantly more power, and automates the repetition of these tasks by refreshing the query. Additionally, Power Query can automatically append multiple files' worth of data into a single table, eliminating the need to open and copy data from multiple CSV files, for example. Finally, Power Query loads the data it prepares into Tables, automatically feeding the next stage of the process.

I would not recommend Excel to handle large volumes of data but if there is no other option then Power Query is the solution. It involves cleaning, transforming and organizing raw data so that it is suitable for further processing and analysis. This process ensures that the data is accurate, consistent, and usable to extract meaningful information.

Before diving into analysis, preparing your dataset is crucial for minimizing errors and simplifying the process. Begin by cleaning your data to remove duplicates, correct inconsistencies, and handle missing values. Use Excel's built-in features like 'Remove Duplicates' and 'Text to Columns' to streamline this phase. It's also important to format your data consistently, using appropriate data types for different categories, such as dates, currency, or text. This sets a solid foundation for subsequent analysis and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

Yes, Tables are fantastic. The Crtl+L shortcut works too and is best if working in Excel Online. Tables changed how I write formulas. The intellisense list and structures references are far superior than column clicking and range selecting. The dynamic expansion make them the perfect source for a dynamic array formula.

The only way I will use a table is when I want to do an experiment and all the things I notice I'll put it in a table so that I can analyze what I did . Tables are helpful because it's very organized and time saving once you completed it.

Before the introduction of Tables to Excel, a common 'trick' was to create a dynamic named range using the OFFSET function, in order to guarantee your calculations would automatically update with the introduction of new data. Microsoft simply gave us this tool for free, without a volatile function and a tricky process. By naming your tables effectively, you make it much easier to find and reference data across a complex workbook. Additionally, Tables automatically copy formulas, formatting, and data validation across entire columns, eliminating much of the inconsistency that ruins spreadsheets.

Learning PivotTables is essential and you should look at adding your data to the data model first. Data Model PivotTables are better. PivotTables have limitations and frustrations, But in short, are a fast no-nonsense analysis tool to summarise and aggregated values. Plus, Slicers are awesome.

PivotTables are the fastest way to create dozens of quick summaries and calculations from your data. Based on your findings with the PivotTable, you can then create a more specific and detailed visualization of the insights you've found. PivotTables automatically group related data together, and can be supplemented with relationships between tables and DAX functions if you leverage the Power Pivot Add-in.

You can tell this was written by AI ?? Formulas are gold. They offer an alternative to the data model > PivotTable route and provide flexibility with power. When your data is not so large, formulas can handle the whole game from prep to analysis. Need a report? Formulas give you complete control for dynamic and effective visuals.

SUMIFS and COUNTIFS are non-negotiable must-haves for any self-respecting spreadsheet professional. Recently, Microsoft has rolled out a range of dynamic array functions, like XLOOKUP to replace VLOOKUP. Functions that can 'spill' across multiple cells like UNIQUE, FILTER, and TEXTSPLIT are absolute game-changers. If you have Microsoft 365, you owe it to yourself to find a list of the most recently added functions. I've basically replaced VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH with XLOOKUP, Power Query, and relationships in modern Excel.

Rule number 1, choose the right chart for the job. Then keep it simple. It it does not help the message, remove it from the chart. Careful use of colour. Use shades of the same colour over different colours in a chart for accessibility reasons. Use labels effectively.

Remember, pixels are free. One of the worst things you can do in Excel is pick a chart blindly and create it without comparing it against similar chart types. Often, replacing a line chart with a slope chart or Cleveland dot plot can communicate specific messages more effectively. Create several chart types quickly for your data, and ask yourself which one answers the question most completely. Then, leverage color, size, and other visual attributes to communicate meaning and importance to your audience, and be clear and direct with your use of titles and labels. Your audience shouldn't wonder what your major point is.