◆ Excel · clean

Data Transformation

Combine site survey CSVs into one cleaned dataset: import each CSV into queries, remove duplicate coordinate rows, mer…

2heights
12tasks
6roles do it
See the prompt↓More clean workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Combine site survey CSVs into one cleaned dataset: import each CSV into queries, remove…+
Combine site survey CSVs into one cleaned dataset: import each CSV into queries, remove duplicate coordinate rows, merge the queries into a single table, and set the query to auto-refresh so the dataset is ready for export to the drawing team.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before I hand this to the CAD lead, make the dataset trustworthy — standardise coordinate…+
Before I hand this to the CAD lead, make the dataset trustworthy — standardise coordinate columns and units, remove obvious outliers, keep a SourceFile column for each row, collapse identical points, and confirm the query auto-refreshes without prompting so I can feed it straight into the drawing workflow.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Data Tools

Excel's Data Tools help you clean, standardize, split, and transform your data for better analysis and quality.

  1. 1

    Select a cell within your data range.

    Best practiceAvoid creating multiple data tables within a single spreadsheet to prevent confusion for analysis programs and humans.

  2. 2

    On the Home tab, select the Analyze Data button.

  3. 3

    Review the insights and visualizations provided by Analyze Data.

  4. 4

    To access advanced tools, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.

  5. 5

    Check the Developer box and select OK.

  6. 6

    On the Developer tab, click Add-Ins.

  7. 7

    Select the Analysis ToolPak check box and then select OK.

    NoteThe Analysis ToolPak provides complex data analysis functions.

  8. 8

    To import external data, go to the Data tab.

  9. 9

    In the Get & Transform Data section, select Get Data.

  10. 10

    Choose your data source and follow the prompts to import.

  11. 11

    Save your workbook to apply all changes.

Organize your data with clear rows and columns before using Data Tools to ensure accurate analysis.

Many Excel Data Tools functions can be automated using VBA macros or integrated with Power Query for repeatable data transformations.

Glossary

words on this page
Get & Transform DataA powerful feature set for connecting to, cleaning, and shaping data from various sources.ExampleYou can combine sales data from two different databases and clean it up for analysis.
Analysis ToolPakAn Excel add-in providing data analysis tools for financial, statistical, and engineering data.ExampleUsing the Analysis ToolPak, you can quickly run a regression analysis on your sales data.
Customize RibbonPersonalize the Ribbon by adding, removing, or reordering tabs and commands.ExampleYou customize the Ribbon to add your most frequently used formatting commands to a new tab.
Data ToolsA group of features on the Data tab for managing and analyzing data within cells.ExampleYou use Data Tools to remove duplicate entries from your customer list.
Get DataConnect to external data sources to import information directly into your Excel workbook.ExampleYou can import customer information directly from a website into your spreadsheet.

The real tasks

6 of them
Convert disparate site survey CSVs into a single cleaned dataset so I can feed coordinates into our drawing software.
Translate a stakeholder's request for 'compare our regions' into a repeatable cross-tab so they can drill into any region quickly.
Translate field GPS points and survey notes into a single table the GIS team can merge with parcel maps.
Unpivot the lab output that was delivered as wide columns so I can run time-series analyses across analytes.
Unpivot the weekly task status export so I can analyze trends by task type across time.
Unpivot weekday and weekend count columns so I have a single event row per timestamp for trend analysis.

Who does this

6 roles
Business Intelligence AnalystPMO AnalystTransportation PlannerArchitectConservation ScientistEnvironmental Scientist

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Excel — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.