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How to Create a Data Table in Excel 2010Nicole Bernstein
Introduction
Excel 2010 is a useful tool for data analysis and calculations. Most college students are familiar
with the basic functions of this software, yet many are unaware of the existence of data tablesa
time-saving analysis feature contained in Excel. This instruction set will define data tables and
their use, and will walk through a general example of how to create a two-variable data table. These
instructions are designed for users comfortable with basic aspects of Excel, such as inputting data
and creating formulas. All necessary terms will be defined throughout the instruction set, as
applicable.
A data table is a feature in the what-if analysis section of Excel commands. What-if
commands analyze how a change in the value of one cell will affect the results of other formulas
contained in the Excel worksheet. Data tables specifically allow the user to look at two separate
variables in a formula, and see how different combinations of values for those two variables will
affect the solution of the formula. For example, if you were interested in looking at how different
interest rates and initial loan amounts affect your monthly loan payment, you could use a two-
variable data table to see how the monthly payment differs between an initial loan of $10,000
versus $100,000, or between interest rates of 1% and 6%and any value in between. Using a data
table saves the Excel user from having to enter a new formula each time he or she wants to examine
the result of the formula for new variables.
This document will walk through a general example of a two-variable polynomial function to
illustrate how to use the data table function. The instructions are separated into two primary
sections. The first section describes how to input all of the initial conditionssuch as constant
variables and changing variablesfor the specific formula you would like Excel to analyze. The
second section provides instructions on creating the data table from the input information. Upon
completion of these instructions, you will have generated a two-variable data table that will analyze
a function for a range of different values. This activity should take around 5-10 minutes to
complete, and requires only a computer equipped with Microsoft Excel 2010.
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Inputting the Initial Conditions of your Formula
Step 1
Open a blank Excel worksheet.
Step 2
On paper or in Excel, write down the function you are interested in examining.
In this general example, we use a simple polynomial function (shown below).
Step 3
For your formula, decide which two variables will be able to change. We will call these changing
variables.
Here we have chosen to change x and y. Changing variable 1 (x) is shown in blue. Changingvariable 2 (y) is shown in green.
Step 4
All variables other than the two changing variables chosen in Step 3 will be constants. For your
formula, list all constants. We will call these constant variables.
The constant variables for this example formula are shown in red.
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Step 5
In Column B of the spreadsheet, type the letter of each constant variable you listed in Step 4 into a
different cell. In Column C, list the numerical value of each constant variable next to its letter.
In this example, we have randomly assigned each constant variable a numerical value. Foryour calculations, you will know values for these constant variables.
Step 6
Below the constant variable letters in Column B, type the letters of your two changing variables. In
Column C, list a numerical value for each of the changing variables next to its letter. This value can
be completely random, and will not affect the results of the data table.
Constant Variables
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
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Creating a Data Table
Step 7
Type your function into cell F6 by referencing the Column C cells you created in Steps 5 and 6 (cellshighlighted below in yellow). The formula will output a single numerical result.
If you are unfamiliar with creating formulas in Excel, more information is available on
Microsofts webpagethis topic is beyond the scope of these instructions.
Step 8
In Row 6directly to the right of the formula cell created in Step 7insert in separate cells all of
the numerical values for changing variable 1 (x) that you would like Excel to consider in your datatable. We will call changing variable 1 the row variable.
These values are not required to be integers, and the list can be as long or as short as you
desire.
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
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Step 9
In Column Fdirectly beneath the formula cell created in Step 7insert in separate cells all of the
numerical values for changing variable 2 (y) that you would like Excel to consider. We will call
changing variable 2 the column variable.
Step 10
Click on the formula cell, and drag your mouse until the entire region of cells, including the formula
cell (F6) and all row and column values are highlighted (see visual).
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
Constant Variables
Changing Variables
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Step 11
Keeping the range of cell highlighted, (1) click the Datatab in the title bar, (2) select What-If
Analysis, and (3) select Data Table.
After you select data table, a window will pop up asking for two input values: row input cell and
column input cell.
Step 12
For row input cell, select the cell in Column C that is directly next to the letter of your row
variable.
In this case, that variable is x, and the row input cell is indicated by the red arrow below.
1
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
2
3
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Step 13
For column input cell, select the cell in Column C that is directly next to the letter of your column
variable.
In this case, that variable is y, and the column input cell is indicated by the red arrow below.
Step 14
Select OK to generate the data table. Each highlighted cell will generate a value that is the solution
to the formula cell, should the x-value of its column and the y-value of its row be substituted into
the formula. You have now created a data table.
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
Changing Variables
Constant Variables
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Conclusion
You have now learned how to create a two-variable data table in Excel. This feature can be
applied to any equation of your choice, in order to examine its behavior as two of its variables
change concurrently. Now that you have learned how to complete this simple task, feel free to
explore the other data analysis tools that Excel 2010 has to offer, such as Goal-Seek and Scenario
Manager!