Data Visualization in Excel: A Guide for Beginners, Intermediates, and Wonks

by Jonathan Schwabish

This book closes the gap between what people think Excel can do and what they can achieve in the tool. Over the past few years, recognition of the importance of effectively visualizing data has led to an explosion of data analysis and visualization software tools. But for many people, Microsoft Excel continues to be the workhorse for their data visualization needs, not to mention the only tool that many data workers have access to. Although Excel is not a specialist data visualization platform, it does have strong capabilities. The default chart types do not need to be the limit of the tool’s data visualization capabilities, and users can extend its features by understanding some key elements and strategies. Data Visualization in Excel provides a step-by-step guide to creating more advanced and often more effective data visualizations in Excel and is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to create better, more effective, and more engaging data visualizations.

Genres: Nonfiction

532 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2023

Reviews

[Maarten Boers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that unlocks the many features of graphing in Excel for the uninitiated. I confess I have a love-hate relationship with Excel, starting all the way back when personal computing came up. It can do almost anything, but has a knack of making it easy for a so-so result and insanely difficult for a good result. A case in point that Jon discusses extensively is that the program has no straightforward way to export a graph in publication-ready resolution, resulting in all that blurry output that we see everywhere. Jon patiently tested all the available options to come up with the best result. Despite these two faces of Excel (and other Office programs), the ubiquity of Office makes it the default option for users who want to make simple graphs, but also the only option for users in low-income countries, where the cost of specialized programs put these out of reach.

This book discusses all the graph types that Excel has available, and works through them in an accessible style with a downloadable set of files that you can use to recreate the graphs. Jon also demonstrates his skills with advanced tweaks that expand the range of available possibilities. Although not the focus of the book, he also introduces the user to formulas that are useful when making graphs. I worked through all the chapters and found them easy to follow along. I also greatly appreciate that Jon consistently focuses both on Windows and Mac platforms. I used the e-book version and found the interface to work well.

There is one area where I disagree with Jon. He devotes a special chapter to improving tables in Excel. Whereas his suggestions are useful, I find the program falls short in providing the tools to make excellent tables. Users will need to switch to Word that has these tools, along with Microsoft’s propensity to make things difficult.

My focus is on scientific data visualization, and working through the book also forces one to confront Excel’s limitations. Excel is not focused on science but on business, and no amount of tweaking can overcome this fundamental aspect. However, the book also made me realize how much is possible in Excel, even when the process to make standard scientific graphs forces one to jump through several ‘Microsoft hoops’. Luckily, much of this work can be mitigated by making templates that can be re-used.

In conclusion, for scientific data visualization I continue to strongly recommend specialized software. However, for scientists on a tight budget, buying this book can be a great way to start making graphs in Excel that enhance your scientific output.

Maarten Boers is Emeritus Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at Amsterdam UMC and Rheumatogist. He has long-standing interest and experience in scientific data visualization and is author of the book: Boers M. Data visualization for biomedical scientists: creating graphs and tables that work. Amsterdam: VU University Press; 2022.
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[Naman Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who could have imagined that Excel could be this awesome? Reading Jonathan Schwabish's book about Data Visualization in Excel is akin to uncovering secret abilities within your tried and true spreadsheet program. He not only instructs on creating attractive charts but also teaches how to convey narratives using data.

I adored the way he guides you through his experience, starting as a naive college student and becoming an expert in data visualization. It's similar to having a helpful advisor leading you through the labyrinth of spreadsheets. What is the top aspect? He always stays authentic. No complex terminology or confusing equations. Simple and useful advice in everyday language.

If you've ever found yourself bewildered by a blank Excel spreadsheet, this book is here to help you. It's similar to discovering a hidden code that unleashes all the possibilities of your data. Believe me, once you read this, you'll see Excel in a completely different way.