Working in Excel

There first couple of labs in class were about working in Excel, the workhorse of the data journalist. Here are some of the handouts that I have worked on to support the lessons:

• Handout: Excel basics for reporters
• Data: Excel basics for reporters
• Handout: Common Excel formulas
• Handout: Crazy Excel formulas

I also keep some common (and not so common) string and math formulas and tips on my wiki. Beware, this is written for me, and I tend to drop stuff in without explanation.

The awesome Mary Jo Webster also has put together a handout for a NICAR conference of her favorite Excel tricks. It covers the same topics and more.

• Handout: Excel favorite things
• Data: Excel favorite things

As one of the most widely used programs in business, there is plenty of help for Excel out on the Web. When in doubt, Google it.

Speaking of Google, you can also do most everything in Google Sheets, which is also excellent for collaborative work since more than one person can be in the document at the same time.

• Here is a list of Google Sheets formulas
• Use Forms to crowd-source data, which you can then save into a spreadsheet.

If you don't have access to Excel, there are alternatives beyond Google:

• Libre Office
• Open Office

Folks I know and trust choose Libre over Open office, but I haven't used much of either. I'd be interested to hear from folks who have used the Access equivalent, Base, since Access is available for PC only.