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Data Preparation in Excel

BasicSkill Level
4.8+
6,088 reviews
Updated 04/2026
Understand how to prepare Excel data through logical functions, nested formulas, lookup functions, and PivotTables.
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ExcelData Preparation
3 hr
9 videos
28 Exercises
2,250 XP
82,420
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Course Description

Starting data preparation in Excel

In this course, you’ll learn how to prepare and clean raw data in Excel worksheets. This course focuses on helping you utilize the numerous features in Excel that allow you to bring in data from different sources and prepare the data by filtering, deduping, and organizing your columns and rows to ensure subsequent analysis tasks are done as efficiently as possible.

Useful functions to prepare data

As well as the built-in features Excel offers, you will learn to use different functions to handle and manipulate dates and text strings.

Nesting logical functions

You will be introduced to logical functions that will allow you to create new flags and categories within your raw data while understanding how different logical functions can be combined in nested formulas.

Lookups and new table types

You will also understand how to use lookup functions in Excel to bring in data from different sheets and identify specific results within large datasets. Finally, you will get your first glimpse of PivotTables - a powerful Excel feature that allows you to summarize and analyze large volumes of data using dynamic tables.

What you'll learn

  • Identify the correct logical functions (IF, AND, OR, NOT, nested logic) to generate flags, categories, or conditional outputs in datasets.
  • Recognize appropriate Excel tools and features for cleaning, validating, and structuring data.
  • Distinguish between worksheet and workbook protection options to select the appropriate security controls.
  • Identify the correct Excel import tools and configurations for loading tabular data from various external sources.
  • Recognize when to use lookup functions (VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and exact-match settings) to retrieve or merge related information across sheets or tables.

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Prerequisites

Introduction to Excel
1

Starting Data Preparation in Excel

In this chapter, you’ll learn different ways to source and import your raw data into Excel. You will then start your preparation of raw data by removing duplicates added in error and filling in the missing parts of your data that will help you prepare the best dataset for analytical use.
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2

Functions for Data Preparation

In this chapter, you’ll learn how to use text category functions to combine text strings with useful variables for better analysis. You will also utilize some of Excel's date and time functions, taking simple date columns to a new level.
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3

Conditional Formulas

In this chapter, you’ll learn how to use logical functions to create conditional formulas for new flags and filters for your data. You will combine the logical operators to create nested formulas, specifically using the IF function to create new category data. Additionally, you will understand how to differentiate between notes and comments in Excel and use them effectively to share information with others.
Start Chapter
4

Lookups and Data Transformation

In this chapter, you’ll finish by looking at some important lookup and reference functions available within Excel, specifically the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions. Additionally, you’ll be introduced to the powerful world of PivotTables, which helps you summarize and analyze large volumes of data through dynamic tables.
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Data Preparation in Excel
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FAQs

What skills will I gain from this course?

In this course, you will learn how to import data from various external sources into Excel, cleanse data by removing duplicates and correcting errors, manipulate and transform text data, utilize Excel functions for data preparation, format cells and columns, create PivotTables, and use lookup functions like VLOOKUP.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is ideal for data consumers and analysts who need to prepare and manipulate data using Excel's functions and features. It is also beneficial for professionals in various industries, such as retail, finance, marketing, and sales, who rely on Excel for data analysis and reporting.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in this course?

A basic understanding of Excel is required before taking this course. Familiarity with Excel's basic functions and features, such as data entry, simple formulas, and basic formatting, will help you grasp the more advanced topics covered in this course. It is recommended that you have completed the Introduction to Excel course before starting this course.

What tools and technologies will I use in this course?

This course focuses exclusively on Microsoft Excel. You will use various Excel functions and features, such as Flash Fill, text and date functions (e.g., MID, LEN, NOW), logical functions (e.g., IF, AND, OR), lookup functions (e.g., VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP), and PivotTables.

Do I need Excel on my computer to take this course?

You'll need an active Excel instance on your computer. Under the course materials on the landing page, you'll find a link to download Excel and the necessary files. It is best to use Excel from Office 365 from Microsoft, as this version allows you to use all supported functionalities. Older versions, such as Excel 2021, Excel 2019, or Excel 2016, will support most of the functions introduced in this course but will be too limited for more advanced Excel courses on DataCamp.

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