1.3 Data Management Tools
Use the Ribbon to import data into Excel from various sources including (Data tab – Get & Transform Data section):
- SQL tables
- Microsoft Access tables
- Website tables
- Other Excel tables
Excel Standards for Structuring Data in Lists, Ranges, Tables
It should be understood that none of these standards are required in Excel. Think of these more in terms of Excel Best Practices.
- No empty rows
- No empty columns
- No data header titles in 2 or More Rows. Titles work best in a single row. This makes working with Excel data management tools easier
- Check numbers for added zero(s) to the end of the number
To check for empty rows/columns: select any cell in the range/list/table:
- Press CTRL + A to highlight all of the data
- Press CTRL + . (period); each depression moves active cell to each of the 4 corners of the database.
- Perform a sort; lowest to highest value numerically or alphabetically. Doing this uncovers blank rows in your database. Sometimes the blank rows are shown at the end of the database so check there if you don’t see any blank rows at the beginning of the database
Use the Ribbon to select various sorting tools. (Data tab – Sort & Filter section)
- Sorting icons on the Ribbon in multiple locations
- Sorting buttons in tables
- Sorting A to Z or Z to A
- Sort by cell distinction: color, icon, etc.