How to Use Data Analysis in MS Excel

Excel 2007
1. Open Excel and navigate to a blank or existing spreadsheet file. Locate the Data Analysis tool by clicking the 'Microsoft Office' button, located in the top left-hand corner of your open spreadsheet. This opens a menu with a series of commands. Click the “Excel Options” button at the bottom of this menu.
2. Choose the “Add-ins” option, located in the column on the left side of the Excel Options menu. This will display a set of available add-ins that can be installed in your Excel program. Click the “Analysis ToolPak” add in, which often appears first on the list of add-ins. After selecting this add-in, click “OK.” The Data Analysis tool should appear in your Excel 2007 tool bar, located at the top of an Excel workbook file.
3. Select the Data Analysis tool to analyze a set of data in Excel by clicking the tool in your toolbar. This will open a smaller window that displays a set of statistical procedures and analysis tools.
4. Select the analytical procedure you want by clicking on it, then choosing “OK.” This will take you to the window for that procedure. Here you must specify the range of data you want analyzed by clicking and dragging across the cells, rows or columns that contain the data.
5. Indicate whether you want your results displayed on the same worksheet, in a new worksheet or in a new workbook by choosing the appropriate option. Click “OK.” Excel will then run the analysis and display the results in the manner you selected.
Earlier Versions of Excel
6. Unlock and install the data analysis tool by clicking the “Tools” menu, found in the toolbar at the top of an open Excel workbook file. This will display a drop-down menu of available options.
7. Select “Add-ins” from the Tools menu. This opens a small menu that displays the add-ins that can be installed for use. Choose 'Analysis ToolPak' by clicking the check box next to it, then click “OK.” The tool “Data Analysis” should then appear in the Tools drop-down menu, ready for use.
8. Select the Data Analysis tool to analyze a set of data in Excel by clicking the tool in your toolbar. This will open a smaller window that displays a set of statistical procedures and analysis tools.
9. Select the analytical procedure you want by clicking on it, then choosing “OK.” This will take you to the window for that procedure. Here you must specify the range of data you want analyzed by clicking and dragging across the cells, rows or columns that contain the data.
10. Indicate whether you want your results displayed on the same worksheet, in a new worksheet or in a new workbook by choosing the appropriate option. Click “OK.” Excel will then run the analysis and display the results in the manner you selected.