The Excel User's Quick Start Guide To SQL

Welcome!
The goal of this workbook is help you use your Excel knowledge as a foundation for learning SQL.
For more context on why you might want to transition your workflow from Excel to SQL, check out
this companion blog post: https://blog.modeanalytics.com/learn-sql-using-excel/
Each worksheet contains an example of manipulated data, a detailed explanation of the function(s)
behind it, and how Excel and SQL are used to approach it. This workbook is not a complete tutorial
by any means. Rather, it's meant to highlight SQL and Excel's relative strengths, suggest cases where
it's appropriate to use one over the other, and direct you to the appropriate resources to execute
these tasks on your own.
The worksheets build upon one another, so they should be viewed from left to right. Here's a quick
table of contents:
1. Arithmetic
2. IF
3. Filtering
4. VLOOKUP (two parts)
5. SUM-COUNT-AVG
6. Grouped Aggregation
Many of the lessons here link to the result in Mode. It's a collaborative analytics platform used by
companies and individuals to analyze data and share their results. The datasets in this file are pre-
loaded into Mode and example SQL code is linked from each tab in this workbook. You can look at
the examples without signing in, but if you create an account, you'll be able to test out some SQL
yourself using this dataset. You can create a Mode account here: http://about.modeanalytics.com
The lessons also link to Mode's SQL School, which is a plain-English guide to SQL and basic database
concepts. If you are completely new to SQL, you might want to check out the first few lessons
starting here: https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/the-basics/introduction/
tion for learning SQL.
xcel to SQL, check out
xcel/
ation of the function(s)

ot a complete tutorial
hs, suggest cases where
resources to execute
to right. Here's a quick
tics platform used by

ets in this file are pre-
book. You can look at
to test out some SQL
t.modeanalytics.com
SQL and basic database

e first few lessons
product_id product_name product_type unit price/unit wholesale
1 strawberry produce lb 3.28 1.77
2 apple_fuji produce lb 1.44 0.43
3 orange produce lb 1.02 0.37
4 clementines produce lb 1.19 0.44
5 blood_orange produce lb 3.86 1.66
6 blood_lime produce lb 1.69 0.91
7 tayberry produce lb 2.54 0.89
8 pluot produce lb 3.99 1.44
9 tangelo produce lb 0.96 0.56
10 pomello produce lb 0.96 0.57
11 pineberry produce lb 4.89 2.00
12 vegan_egg_subsdairy oz 1.15 0.58
13 asparagus_watebeverages fl_oz 0.38 0.21
14 falafel_chips snacks oz 0.53 0.29
15 sweet_potato_hsnacks oz 0.43 0.17
16 arugula_crisps snacks oz 2.43 1.19
17 bottled_organicother cubic_ft 2.67 0.96
18 chia_seeds dry_goods oz 0.67 0.36
19 all_natural_chesnacks oz 0.41 0.16
20 sriracha_popco snacks oz 1.11 0.37
21 buttermilk_pansnacks oz 2.59 1.24
22 smoked_trout meat lb 19.59 9.01
23 pine_nuts dry_goods oz 0.91 0.30
24 dried_apricots dry_goods oz 0.56 0.26
25 smoked_salmonmeat lb 39.99 20.00
26 green_juice beverages fl_oz 0.25 0.13
27 celery_foam other fl_oz 6.00 4.29
28 protein_powderdry_goods oz 0.69 0.33
29 asiago_cheese dairy oz 0.63 0.25
30 camembert_chedairy oz 0.91 0.54
31 almond_nut_thisnacks oz 0.61 0.21
32 arugula produce lb 2.99 1.05
33 white_bean_ancanned_jarred_goz 0.97 0.55
34 edamame_humcanned_jarred_goz 0.95 0.35
35 eggplant_caponfrozen oz 1.39 0.74
36 olive_tapanadecanned_jarred_goz 1.12 0.57
37 chocolate_ganafrozen oz 3.52 1.09
38 pork_gyoza frozen oz 1.19 0.65
39 table_wafers snacks oz 0.59 0.21
40 vegetable_gyozfrozen oz 1.17 0.60
41 frozen_tamalesfrozen oz 1.09 0.58
42 porchini_mush produce lb 5.99 3.41
43 garlic_naan bread oz 0.99 0.36
44 frozen_clams frozen oz 4.99 2.54
45 butter_chicken frozen oz 1.29 0.57
46 frozen_salmon frozen oz 16.99 9.17
47 paneer dairy oz 1.17 0.66
48 organic_mung_dry_goods oz 0.89 0.31
49 silken_tofu dairy oz 0.67 0.33
50 white_cheddar dairy oz 0.77 0.36
51 english_cheddadairy oz 0.89 0.53
52 cranberry_infu dairy oz 1.79 0.72
53 black_pepper_gdairy oz 1.69 0.63
54 aged_gouda dairy oz 1.23 0.69
55 parmigiano_regdairy oz 1.10 0.39
56 organic_glazed dry_goods oz 0.86 0.40
57 Kumatos produce lb 3.60 1.19
58 pumpkin_spice dry_goods oz 0.96 0.45
59 medjool_dates produce oz 4.29 1.37
60 satsuma_orangeproduce lb 2.06 0.87
61 grapefruits produce lb 0.55 0.22
62 goji_berries dry_goods oz 1.17 0.56
63 organic_garlic produce lb 3.57 1.32
64 white_onions produce lb 1.22 0.44
65 purple_onions produce lb 1.32 0.45
66 yellow_onions produce lb 1.12 0.44
67 barberries dry_goods oz 1.74 0.87
68 salmonberries produce lb 0.67 0.29
69 wholewheat_codry_goods oz 0.27 0.09
70 orzo dry_goods oz 0.19 0.10
71 autumn_pilaf dry_goods oz 0.24 0.11
72 wild_rice dry_goods oz 0.27 0.16
73 cheddar_corn_st snacks oz 0.69 0.32
74 poppy_onion_sesnacks oz 0.75 0.40
75 rice_crackers snacks oz 0.57 0.30
76 cheddar_whalesnacks oz 0.69 0.24
77 sugar_snap_peaproduce lb 2.67 1.52
78 garam_masala dry_goods oz 1.44 0.49
79 darjeeling_blac dry_goods oz 3.30 1.39
80 rooibos_tea dry_goods oz 3.49 1.85
81 irish_breakfast dry_goods oz 2.99 1.70
82 mango_black_t dry_goods oz 3.08 1.29
83 soy_ginger_traisnacks oz 0.39 0.22
84 buckwheat_floudry_goods lb 2.59 1.22
85 cranberry_milk beverages fl_oz 0.08 0.04
current_inventory profit margin
13 1.5088 0.46 Overview:
2 1.008 The example for this workbook is a fictional market that sells organic
2 0.6528 looking at right now is an inventory list with products and their curren
the workbook will build on this dataset, so take a minute to look it ov
44 0.7497 of information each column contains.
19 2.2002
10 0.7774 The concepts here are applicable broadly. While this is a list of foods,
of software products. If you were to pull a list of advertisements from
25 1.651 look much different from this.
26 2.5536
Arithmetic in Excel:
32 0.4032 The most basic operation performed in Excel is simple arithmetic. Mo
33 0.3936 the values in the 'profit' and 'margin' columns have been calculated u
42 2.8851 and 'wholesale' columns. In later lessons, you'll use this dynamic data
functions to solve more complex problems.
41 0.575
42 0.1672 One of the key features of Excel is that each cell is treated as its own e
2 0.2438 to any other cells. It can be tied to other cells, but when you open a n
alone. You'll notice that cell I2 is the only cell in the 'margin' column w
35 0.2623 information in E2 and F2, but it could just as easily reference informati
32 1.2393 worksheet or reference nothing at all. This is true of any cell.
38 1.7088
This flexibility is part of what people like about Excel, but it's also Exce
30 0.3082 there's so much flexibility, checking for errors and inconsistencies req
13 0.246 cell can easily be manipulated, it's harder to trust the integrity of the
26 0.7437 Arithmetic in SQL:
21 1.3468 You can perform arithmetic calculations in SQL using the same operat
3 10.5786 also share the same order of operations (PEMDAS).
42 0.6097 The major difference is the underlying structure. In SQL, calculations a
34 0.3024 given column. To see what this might look like, drag the formula in cel
5 19.995 worksheet will now look a lot like this table, which was generated usin
https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/12b52e961f5f
15 0.125
7 1.71 As you can see, this query is pretty straightforward:
2 0.3588 https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/12b52e961f5f/queries/4
20 0.3843 For a couple practice problems and a more complete explanation, che
15 0.3731 https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/the-basics/where-operators/
20 0.4026
10 1.9435
2 0.4171
13 0.5985
25 0.6533
36 0.5488
40 2.4288
31 0.5355
32 0.3776
28 0.5733
23 0.5123
44 2.5757
38 0.6336
39 2.4451
4 0.7224
5 7.8154
43 0.5148
17 0.5785
16 0.3417
24 0.4081
15 0.3649
15 1.074
11 1.0647
38 0.5412
30 0.715
11 0.4558
20 2.412
19 0.5088
21 2.9172
39 1.1948
15 0.33
19 0.6084
24 2.2491
2 0.7808
20 0.8712
11 0.6832
34 0.87
11 0.3819
20 0.1836
3 0.095
42 0.1296
12 0.108
14 0.3657
44 0.3525
0 0.2736
35 0.4485
11 1.1481
40 0.9504
15 1.914
0 1.6403
40 1.2857
22 1.7864
30 0.1677
2 1.3727
36 0.0384
onal market that sells organic foods. The dataset you're
with products and their current inventory levels. Each tab in
so take a minute to look it over and get a sense of the type
ly. While this is a list of foods, it could just as easily be a list

l a list of advertisements from Google Adwords, it wouldn't
Excel is simple arithmetic. Most of this dataset is static, but

lumns have been calculated using data from the 'price/unit'
s, you'll use this dynamic data in conjunction with other
ms.
each cell is treated as its own entity —it's not necessarily tied
r cells, but when you open a new worksheet, each cell stands
y cell in the 'margin' column with a value in it. I2 references
st as easily reference information anywhere in this
his is true of any cell.
e about Excel, but it's also Excel's Achilles' heel. Because

errors and inconsistencies requires careful scrutiny. If one
er to trust the integrity of the file as a whole.
in SQL using the same operators as in Excel: +, -, *, /. They

(PEMDAS).
tructure. In SQL, calculations are applied to all values in a

ok like, drag the formula in cell I2 down to cell I85. Your
able, which was generated using a SQL query:
orts/12b52e961f5f
ghtforward:
orts/12b52e961f5f/queries/4525b41bfd56
ore complete explanation, check out the SQL School lesson:

he-basics/where-operators/
product_id product_nam product_type unit price/unit wholesale current_inventory
1 strawberry produce lb 3.28 1.77 13
2 apple_fuji produce lb 1.44 0.43 2
3 orange produce lb 1.02 0.37 2
4 clementines produce lb 1.19 0.44 44
5 blood_orangeproduce lb 3.86 1.66 19
6 blood_lime produce lb 1.69 0.91 10
7 tayberry produce lb 2.54 0.89 25
8 pluot produce lb 3.99 1.44 26
9 tangelo produce lb 0.96 0.56 32
10 pomello produce lb 0.96 0.57 33
11 pineberry produce lb 4.89 2.00 42
12 vegan_egg_sudairy oz 1.15 0.58 41
13 asparagus_wabeverages fl_oz 0.38 0.21 42
14 falafel_chips snacks oz 0.53 0.29 2
15 sweet_potatosnacks oz 0.43 0.17 35
16 arugula_crispsnacks oz 2.43 1.19 32
17 bottled_organother cubic_ft 2.67 0.96 38
18 chia_seeds dry_goods oz 0.67 0.36 30
19 all_natural_ snacks oz 0.41 0.16 13
20 sriracha_pop snacks oz 1.11 0.37 26
21 buttermilk_p snacks oz 2.59 1.24 21
22 smoked_troumeat lb 19.59 9.01 3
23 pine_nuts dry_goods oz 0.91 0.30 42
24 dried_apricotdry_goods oz 0.56 0.26 34
25 smoked_salmmeat lb 39.99 20.00 5
26 green_juice beverages fl_oz 0.25 0.13 15
27 celery_foam other fl_oz 6.00 4.29 7
28 protein_powddry_goods oz 0.69 0.33 2
29 asiago_cheesdairy oz 0.63 0.25 20
30 camembert_cdairy oz 0.91 0.54 15
31 almond_nut_tsnacks oz 0.61 0.21 20
32 arugula produce lb 2.99 1.05 10
33 white_bean_canned_jarred_ oz 0.97 0.55 2
34 edamame_h canned_jarred_ oz 0.95 0.35 13
35 eggplant_capfrozen oz 1.39 0.74 25
36 olive_tapana canned_jarred_ oz 1.12 0.57 36
37 chocolate_gafrozen oz 3.52 1.09 40
38 pork_gyoza frozen oz 1.19 0.65 31
39 table_waferssnacks oz 0.59 0.21 32
40 vegetable_gyfrozen oz 1.17 0.60 28
41 frozen_tamalfrozen oz 1.09 0.58 23
42 porchini_mu produce lb 5.99 3.41 44
43 garlic_naan bread oz 0.99 0.36 38
44 frozen_clamsfrozen oz 4.99 2.54 39
45 butter_chick frozen oz 1.29 0.57 4
46 frozen_salmofrozen oz 16.99 9.17 5
47 paneer dairy oz 1.17 0.66 43
48 organic_mundry_goods oz 0.89 0.31 17
49 silken_tofu dairy oz 0.67 0.33 16
50 white_cheddadairy oz 0.77 0.36 24
51 english_cheddairy oz 0.89 0.53 15
52 cranberry_in dairy oz 1.79 0.72 15
53 black_pepperdairy oz 1.69 0.63 11
54 aged_gouda dairy oz 1.23 0.69 38
55 parmigiano_rdairy oz 1.10 0.39 30
56 organic_glaz dry_goods oz 0.86 0.40 11
57 Kumatos produce lb 3.60 1.19 20
58 pumpkin_spi dry_goods oz 0.96 0.45 19
59 medjool_dateproduce oz 4.29 1.37 21
60 satsuma_ora produce lb 2.06 0.87 39
61 grapefruits produce lb 0.55 0.22 15
62 goji_berries dry_goods oz 1.17 0.56 19
63 organic_garli produce lb 3.57 1.32 24
64 white_onionsproduce lb 1.22 0.44 2
65 purple_onionproduce lb 1.32 0.45 20
66 yellow_onionproduce lb 1.12 0.44 11
67 barberries dry_goods oz 1.74 0.87 34
68 salmonberrieproduce lb 0.67 0.29 11
69 wholewheat_dry_goods oz 0.27 0.09 20
70 orzo dry_goods oz 0.19 0.10 3
71 autumn_pilafdry_goods oz 0.24 0.11 42
72 wild_rice dry_goods oz 0.27 0.16 12
73 cheddar_cornsnacks oz 0.69 0.32 14
74 poppy_onion_snacks oz 0.75 0.40 44
75 rice_crackerssnacks oz 0.57 0.30 0
76 cheddar_whasnacks oz 0.69 0.24 35
77 sugar_snap_pproduce lb 2.67 1.52 11
78 garam_masaldry_goods oz 1.44 0.49 40
79 darjeeling_bldry_goods oz 3.30 1.39 15
80 rooibos_tea dry_goods oz 3.49 1.85 0
81 irish_breakfadry_goods oz 2.99 1.70 40
82 mango_blackdry_goods oz 3.08 1.29 22
83 soy_ginger_trsnacks oz 0.39 0.22 30
84 buckwheat_fldry_goods lb 2.59 1.22 2
85 cranberry_mibeverages fl_oz 0.08 0.04 36
profit margin category
1.5088 0.46 low Conditionals:
1.008 0.7 high Sometimes you want to maniupulate data or calcuate new data depen
0.6528 0.64 medium Conditional statements allow you to do that by filtering data.
0.7497 0.63 medium In this example, we've added a 'category' column to describe margin s
2.2002 0.57 medium are considered high-margin items, products with margins below 50% a
0.7774 0.46 low in between is "medium." These types of classifiers will be especially us
1.651 0.65 medium IF in Excel:
2.5536 0.64 medium IF is one of the first fuctions people learn in Excel. Here it's used to cre
0.4032 0.42 low Proper syntax for the IF function in Excel is: IF(logical_test, value_if_tru
0.3936 0.41 low
2.8851 0.59 medium In plain English, you could read that as:
0.575 0.5 low IF <some condition is met> THEN <display this value> OTHERWISE <dis
0.1672 0.44 low
0.2438 0.46 low The OTHERWISE portion, which is shown as [value_if_false], is optiona
0.2623 0.61 medium In this example, we want to create three categories, and that requires
1.2393 0.51 medium statement. That's no big deal. But with each new category, the IF state
1.7088 0.64 medium messy. There are a few reasons why nesting multiple conditions is trick
0.3082 0.46 low 1. The formula bar makes it hard to read a really long line of functions
0.246 0.6 medium 2. It's unwieldy to nest complex IF statements that include AND or OR.
0.7437 0.67 high 3. There are a lot of variations of IF for different situations (IF, IFERROR
1.3468 0.52 medium Because of this, IF isn't ideal when you need to categorize data on a gr
10.5786 0.54 medium
CASE/WHEN in SQL:
0.6097 0.67 high The SQL equivalent is very similar to the semantic example above.
0.3024 0.54 medium
19.995 0.5 low Instead of: IF <some condition is met> THEN <display this value> OTHE
0.125 0.5 low SQL is written as: CASE WHEN <some condition is met> THEN <display
1.71 0.285 low value>
0.3588 0.52 medium
The major difference here is that SQL queries aren't restricted to single
0.3843 0.61 medium different conditions into one column. Doing so would look like this:
0.3731 0.41 low
0.4026 0.66 high CASE WHEN <condition 1 is met> THEN <display value 1>
WHEN <condition 2 is met> THEN <display value 2>
1.9435 0.65 medium ELSE <display a different value>
0.4171 0.43 low END
0.5985 0.63 medium You can see the SQL implementation of this worksheet here:
0.6533 0.47 low https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/47f58f2655bc/queries/30
0.5488 0.49 low
If you click the "Report" link at the top, you will see that the output m
2.4288 0.69 high
0.5355 0.45 low There are a few big advantages to doing it this way (as opposed to in E
0.3776 0.64 medium
1. It's much easier to read.
0.5733 0.49 low 2. SQL queries allow you to write on multiple lines, which is conducive
0.5123 0.47 low 3. You only need to know one syntax for CASE, as opposed to Excel's IF
2.5757 0.43 low above).
You can get a bit more in-depth in the SQL School lesson on CASE/WH
https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/intermediate/case/
There are a few big advantages to doing it this way (as opposed to in E
1. It's much easier to read.

2. SQL queries allow you to write on multiple lines, which is conducive
3. You only need to know one syntax for CASE, as opposed to Excel's IF
above).
0.6336 0.64 medium You can get a bit more in-depth in the SQL School lesson on CASE/WH
2.4451 0.49 low https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/intermediate/case/
0.7224 0.56 medium
7.8154 0.46 low
0.5148 0.44 low
0.5785 0.65 medium
0.3417 0.51 medium
0.4081 0.53 medium
0.3649 0.41 low
1.074 0.6 medium
1.0647 0.63 medium
0.5412 0.44 low
0.715 0.65 medium
0.4558 0.53 medium
2.412 0.67 high
0.5088 0.53 medium
2.9172 0.68 high
1.1948 0.58 medium
0.33 0.6 medium
0.6084 0.52 medium
2.2491 0.63 medium
0.7808 0.64 medium
0.8712 0.66 high
0.6832 0.61 medium
0.87 0.5 low
0.3819 0.57 medium
0.1836 0.68 high
0.095 0.5 low
0.1296 0.54 medium
0.108 0.4 low
0.3657 0.53 medium
0.3525 0.47 low
0.2736 0.48 low
0.4485 0.65 medium
1.1481 0.43 low
0.9504 0.66 high
1.914 0.58 medium
1.6403 0.47 low
1.2857 0.43 low
1.7864 0.58 medium
0.1677 0.43 low
1.3727 0.53 medium
0.0384 0.48 low
ate data or calcuate new data depending on what the existing data shows.
to do that by filtering data.
ategory' column to describe margin size. Products with margins above 65%
, products with margins below 50% are considered low-margin, and anything
pes of classifiers will be especially useful when aggregating data later on.
le learn in Excel. Here it's used to create the 'category' column.
n Excel is: IF(logical_test, value_if_true, [value_if_false])
at as:
<display this value> OTHERWISE <display a different value>
shown as [value_if_false], is optional.
e three categories, and that requires an IF statement nested inside another IF

with each new category, the IF statement becomes more complex and
hy nesting multiple conditions is tricky:
to read a really long line of functions.

statements that include AND or OR.
F for different situations (IF, IFERROR, SUMIF, SUMIFS).
n you need to categorize data on a granular level.
to the semantic example above.
met> THEN <display this value> OTHERWISE <display a different value>
ome condition is met> THEN <display this value> ELSE <display a different
SQL queries aren't restricted to single line. That makes it easy to nest many
mn. Doing so would look like this:
THEN <display value 1>

THEN <display value 2>
ue>
tion of this worksheet here:

al/reports/47f58f2655bc/queries/309f7dae76ea
e top, you will see that the output matches this Excel worksheet.
doing it this way (as opposed to in Excel):
on multiple lines, which is conducive to adding complex conditions.

tax for CASE, as opposed to Excel's IF statement with its many variations (see
the SQL School lesson on CASE/WHEN:

om/intermediate/case/
doing it this way (as opposed to in Excel):
on multiple lines, which is conducive to adding complex conditions.

tax for CASE, as opposed to Excel's IF statement with its many variations (see
the SQL School lesson on CASE/WHEN:

om/intermediate/case/
product_id product_name product_type unit price/unit wholesale current_inven
5 blood_orange produce lb 3.86 1.66 19
12 vegan_egg_substdairy oz 1.15 0.58 41
13 asparagus_waterbeverages fl_oz 0.38 0.21 42
15 sweet_potato_hosnacks oz 0.43 0.17 35
16 arugula_crisps snacks oz 2.43 1.19 32
17 bottled_organic_other cubic_ft 2.67 0.96 38
19 all_natural_cheesnacks oz 0.41 0.16 13
20 sriracha_popcornsnacks oz 1.11 0.37 26
21 buttermilk_panc snacks oz 2.59 1.24 21
22 smoked_trout meat lb 19.59 9.01 3
24 dried_apricots dry_goods oz 0.56 0.26 34
25 smoked_salmon meat lb 39.99 20.00 5
28 protein_powder dry_goods oz 0.69 0.33 2
29 asiago_cheese dairy oz 0.63 0.25 20
30 camembert_cheedairy oz 0.91 0.54 15
31 almond_nut_thinsnacks oz 0.61 0.21 20
33 white_bean_andcanned_jarred_gooz 0.97 0.55 2
34 edamame_hummcanned_jarred_gooz 0.95 0.35 13
35 eggplant_caponafrozen oz 1.39 0.74 25
36 olive_tapanade canned_jarred_gooz 1.12 0.57 36
37 chocolate_ganacfrozen oz 3.52 1.09 40
39 table_wafers snacks oz 0.59 0.21 32
40 vegetable_gyozafrozen oz 1.17 0.60 28
41 frozen_tamales frozen oz 1.09 0.58 23
42 porchini_mushr produce lb 5.99 3.41 44
44 frozen_clams frozen oz 4.99 2.54 39
45 butter_chicken frozen oz 1.29 0.57 4
46 frozen_salmon frozen oz 16.99 9.17 5
48 organic_mung_bdry_goods oz 0.89 0.31 17
50 white_cheddar dairy oz 0.77 0.36 24
51 english_cheddar dairy oz 0.89 0.53 15
52 cranberry_infus dairy oz 1.79 0.72 15
53 black_pepper_godairy oz 1.69 0.63 11
55 parmigiano_reggdairy oz 1.10 0.39 30
56 organic_glazed_wdry_goods oz 0.86 0.40 11
58 pumpkin_spice_ dry_goods oz 0.96 0.45 19
59 medjool_dates produce oz 4.29 1.37 21
60 satsuma_orangesproduce lb 2.06 0.87 39
63 organic_garlic produce lb 3.57 1.32 24
64 white_onions produce lb 1.22 0.44 2
65 purple_onions produce lb 1.32 0.45 20
66 yellow_onions produce lb 1.12 0.44 11
68 salmonberries produce lb 0.67 0.29 11
69 wholewheat_coudry_goods oz 0.27 0.09 20
71 autumn_pilaf dry_goods oz 0.24 0.11 42
73 cheddar_corn_stisnacks oz 0.69 0.32 14
74 poppy_onion_sessnacks oz 0.75 0.40 44
75 rice_crackers snacks oz 0.57 0.30 0
76 cheddar_whales snacks oz 0.69 0.24 35
77 sugar_snap_peasproduce lb 2.67 1.52 11
78 garam_masala dry_goods oz 1.44 0.49 40
79 darjeeling_black dry_goods oz 3.30 1.39 15
81 irish_breakfast_ dry_goods oz 2.99 1.70 40
82 mango_black_te dry_goods oz 3.08 1.29 22
83 soy_ginger_trail snacks oz 0.39 0.22 30
84 buckwheat_flourdry_goods lb 2.59 1.22 2
85 cranberry_milk beverages fl_oz 0.08 0.04 36
Filtering:
1.5088 0.46 low SQL's CASE statement allows you to create new columns based on c
1.008 0.7 high sometimes you need to use conditional statements to filter data ou
0.6528 0.64 medium Excel and SQL do this in totally different ways and have some pretty
0.7497 0.63 medium Filters in Excel:
2.2002 0.57 medium Surprisingly, Excel isn't very flexible when it comes to filtering. You c
0.7774 0.46 low cell. In fact, filters only really work when applied to a row of column
when applied to all column headers at once.
1.651 0.65 medium
2.5536 0.64 medium The filters have already been added to this worksheet. If you want t
0.4032 0.42 low worksheet, select the cells in row 1 (in this case, A1 through J1) and
one that looks like a funnel) in the top navigation bar.
0.3936 0.41 low
2.8851 0.59 medium To filter the dataset by a specific column, click the arrow next to tha
filter by selecting specific values from the list or by selecting options
0.575 0.5 low than, etc.) from the dropdown menu.
0.1672 0.44 low
0.2438 0.46 low Excel's strength is that when you can see results as soon as you turn
quickly get a sense of how else you might want to filter the data.
0.2623 0.61 medium
1.2393 0.51 medium There are a couple limitations:
1.7088 0.64 medium 1. It's difficult to see all the filters you have applied to a dataset at a
2. The interface for adding new filters is a little clunky.
0.3082 0.46 low 3. Filters cannot be applied programmatically, so you have to set the
0.246 0.6 medium you want to filter.
0.7437 0.67 high SQL's WHERE clause:
1.3468 0.52 medium SQL's method of filtering datasets is very simple —you simply specif
10.5786 0.54 medium to filter and write a conditional statement using the WHERE claus:
0.6097 0.67 high WHERE category = 'medium'
0.3024 0.54 medium
19.995 0.5 low You can use AND and OR to string together sets of conditions simila
and OR in Excel:
0.125 0.5 low
1.71 0.285 low WHERE category = 'medium'
0.3588 0.52 medium AND price > 3.00
0.3843 0.61 medium You can see the complete query here:
0.3731 0.41 low https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/2fe491777da0/queries
0.4026 0.66 high
Clicking the "Report" link at the top will show the output. As an exe
1.9435 0.65 medium match the SQL output using the filters in this worksheet. Side note:
0.4171 0.43 low this text box when you apply the filters.
0.5985 0.63 medium For this task, Excel's weaknesses are SQL's strengths. Because the fil
0.6533 0.47 low written out in a query, you can see, add, and subtract them without
0.5488 0.49 low
You can use the WHERE clause to filter data out of very large datase
2.4288 0.69 high pare down a dataset in SQL because Excel can only handle a little ov
0.5355 0.45 low
0.3776 0.64 medium You can learn more about how to do this in the SQL School lesson:
https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/the-basics/where-operators/
0.5733 0.49 low
0.5123 0.47 low
2.5757 0.43 low
You can learn more about how to do this in the SQL School lesson:
https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/the-basics/where-operators/
0.6336 0.64 medium

2.4451 0.49 low
0.7224 0.56 medium
7.8154 0.46 low
0.5148 0.44 low
0.5785 0.65 medium
0.3417 0.51 medium
0.4081 0.53 medium
0.3649 0.41 low
1.074 0.6 medium
1.0647 0.63 medium
0.5412 0.44 low
0.715 0.65 medium
0.4558 0.53 medium
2.412 0.67 high
0.5088 0.53 medium
2.9172 0.68 high
1.1948 0.58 medium
0.33 0.6 medium
0.6084 0.52 medium
2.2491 0.63 medium
0.7808 0.64 medium
0.8712 0.66 high
0.6832 0.61 medium
0.87 0.5 low
0.3819 0.57 medium
0.1836 0.68 high
0.095 0.5 low
0.1296 0.54 medium
0.108 0.4 low
0.3657 0.53 medium
0.3525 0.47 low
0.2736 0.48 low
0.4485 0.65 medium
1.1481 0.43 low
0.9504 0.66 high
1.914 0.58 medium
1.6403 0.47 low
1.2857 0.43 low
1.7864 0.58 medium
0.1677 0.43 low
1.3727 0.53 medium
0.0384 0.48 low
ou to create new columns based on certain conditions. But
nditional statements to filter data out of your dataset entirely.
different ways and have some pretty clear tradeoffs.
xible when it comes to filtering. You can't apply filters to just any
ork when applied to a row of column headers, and they work best
aders at once.
dded to this worksheet. If you want to add filters to another

ow 1 (in this case, A1 through J1) and click the "Filter" icon (the
the top navigation bar.
c column, click the arrow next to that column name. You can
s from the list or by selecting options (equal to, less than, greater
menu.
u can see results as soon as you turn on a filter, so you can

you might want to filter the data.
ers you have applied to a dataset at a given time.

filters is a little clunky.
grammatically, so you have to set them all individually each time
ets is very simple—you simply specify the column name you want
statement using the WHERE claus:
ng together sets of conditions similar to how you would use AND
y here:
orial/reports/2fe491777da0/queries/911320160429
e top will show the output. As an exercise, try making this output
e filters in this worksheet. Side note: check out what happens to
e filters.
s are SQL's strengths. Because the filters you've applied are

see, add, and subtract them without digging around.
to filter data out of very large datasets. It's handy to be able to

cause Excel can only handle a little over a million rows of data.
to do this in the SQL School lesson:

s.com/the-basics/where-operators/
to do this in the SQL School lesson:
s.com/the-basics/where-operators/
product_id product_nam product_type unit price/unit wholesale current_inven
5 blood_orangeproduce lb 3.86 1.66 19
12 vegan_egg_sudairy oz 1.15 0.58 41
13 asparagus_wabeverages fl_oz 0.38 0.21 42
15 sweet_potatosnacks oz 0.43 0.17 35
16 arugula_crispsnacks oz 2.43 1.19 32
17 bottled_organother cubic_ft 2.67 0.96 38
19 all_natural_ snacks oz 0.41 0.16 13
20 sriracha_pop snacks oz 1.11 0.37 26
21 buttermilk_p snacks oz 2.59 1.24 21
22 smoked_troumeat lb 19.59 9.01 3
24 dried_apricotdry_goods oz 0.56 0.26 34
25 smoked_salmmeat lb 39.99 20.00 5
28 protein_powddry_goods oz 0.69 0.33 2
29 asiago_cheesdairy oz 0.63 0.25 20
30 camembert_cdairy oz 0.91 0.54 15
31 almond_nut_tsnacks oz 0.61 0.21 20
33 white_bean_canned_jarred_ oz 0.97 0.55 2
34 edamame_h canned_jarred_ oz 0.95 0.35 13
35 eggplant_capfrozen oz 1.39 0.74 25
36 olive_tapana canned_jarred_ oz 1.12 0.57 36
37 chocolate_gafrozen oz 3.52 1.09 40
39 table_waferssnacks oz 0.59 0.21 32
40 vegetable_gyfrozen oz 1.17 0.60 28
41 frozen_tamalfrozen oz 1.09 0.58 23
42 porchini_mu produce lb 5.99 3.41 44
44 frozen_clamsfrozen oz 4.99 2.54 39
45 butter_chick frozen oz 1.29 0.57 4
46 frozen_salmofrozen oz 16.99 9.17 5
48 organic_mundry_goods oz 0.89 0.31 17
50 white_cheddadairy oz 0.77 0.36 24
51 english_cheddairy oz 0.89 0.53 15
52 cranberry_in dairy oz 1.79 0.72 15
53 black_pepperdairy oz 1.69 0.63 11
55 parmigiano_rdairy oz 1.10 0.39 30
56 organic_glaz dry_goods oz 0.86 0.40 11
58 pumpkin_spi dry_goods oz 0.96 0.45 19
59 medjool_dateproduce oz 4.29 1.37 21
60 satsuma_ora produce lb 2.06 0.87 39
63 organic_garli produce lb 3.57 1.32 24
64 white_onionsproduce lb 1.22 0.44 2
65 purple_onionproduce lb 1.32 0.45 20
66 yellow_onionproduce lb 1.12 0.44 11
68 salmonberrieproduce lb 0.67 0.29 11
69 wholewheat_dry_goods oz 0.27 0.09 20
71 autumn_pilafdry_goods oz 0.24 0.11 42
73 cheddar_cornsnacks oz 0.69 0.32 14
74 poppy_onion_snacks oz 0.75 0.40 44
75 rice_crackerssnacks oz 0.57 0.30 0
76 cheddar_whasnacks oz 0.69 0.24 35
77 sugar_snap_pproduce lb 2.67 1.52 11
78 garam_masaldry_goods oz 1.44 0.49 40
79 darjeeling_bldry_goods oz 3.30 1.39 15
81 irish_breakfadry_goods oz 2.99 1.70 40
82 mango_blackdry_goods oz 3.08 1.29 22
83 soy_ginger_trsnacks oz 0.39 0.22 30
84 buckwheat_fldry_goods lb 2.59 1.22 2
85 cranberry_mibeverages fl_oz 0.08 0.04 36
1.5088 0.46 low Joining Datasets:
There are a lot of cases in which you might want to join data from multiple so
1.008 0.7 high that lacks all the data you need, forcing you bring in data from a second shee
0.6528 0.64 medium which is why Excel's commands for this are VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP (for Verti
table we've been working with—the one that shows information about each
0.7497 0.63 medium table.
2.2002 0.57 medium
0.7774 0.46 low In this exercise, we're going to join it to a food sales data. Skip to the next wo
and SQL.
1.651 0.65 medium
2.5536 0.64 medium It's worth noting again that while this dataset shows grocery information, the
0.4032 0.42 low example, this could be a table of all Amazon Prime users and we could be join
by those users.
0.3936 0.41 low
2.8851 0.59 medium
0.575 0.5 low
0.1672 0.44 low
0.2438 0.46 low
0.2623 0.61 medium
1.2393 0.51 medium
1.7088 0.64 medium
0.3082 0.46 low
0.246 0.6 medium
0.7437 0.67 high
1.3468 0.52 medium
10.5786 0.54 medium
0.6097 0.67 high
0.3024 0.54 medium
19.995 0.5 low
0.125 0.5 low
1.71 0.285 low
0.3588 0.52 medium
0.3843 0.61 medium
0.3731 0.41 low
0.4026 0.66 high
1.9435 0.65 medium
0.4171 0.43 low
0.5985 0.63 medium
0.6533 0.47 low
0.5488 0.49 low
2.4288 0.69 high
0.5355 0.45 low
0.3776 0.64 medium
0.5733 0.49 low
0.5123 0.47 low
2.5757 0.43 low
0.6336 0.64 medium
2.4451 0.49 low
0.7224 0.56 medium
7.8154 0.46 low
0.5148 0.44 low
0.5785 0.65 medium
0.3417 0.51 medium
0.4081 0.53 medium
0.3649 0.41 low
1.074 0.6 medium
1.0647 0.63 medium
0.5412 0.44 low
0.715 0.65 medium
0.4558 0.53 medium
2.412 0.67 high
0.5088 0.53 medium
2.9172 0.68 high
1.1948 0.58 medium
0.33 0.6 medium
0.6084 0.52 medium
2.2491 0.63 medium
0.7808 0.64 medium
0.8712 0.66 high
0.6832 0.61 medium
0.87 0.5 low
0.3819 0.57 medium
0.1836 0.68 high
0.095 0.5 low
0.1296 0.54 medium
0.108 0.4 low
0.3657 0.53 medium
0.3525 0.47 low
0.2736 0.48 low
0.4485 0.65 medium
1.1481 0.43 low
0.9504 0.66 high
1.914 0.58 medium
1.6403 0.47 low
1.2857 0.43 low
1.7864 0.58 medium
0.1677 0.43 low
1.3727 0.53 medium
0.0384 0.48 low
ht want to join data from multiple sources. It's common to see an Excel sheet
you bring in data from a second sheet. This is often referred to as a "lookup",
re VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP (for Vertical Lookup and Horizontal Lookup). The
e that shows information about each product —could be referred to as a lookup
food sales data. Skip to the next worksheet to see how this is executed in Excel
taset shows grocery information, the same patterns exist elsewhere. For
zon Prime users and we could be joining it onto a list of all transactions made
transaction_id time product_id product_name product_type price/unit
1 2016-01-08T17: 3 orange produce 1.02
1 2016-01-08T17: 61 grapefruits produce 0.55
2 2016-01-07T14: 23 pine_nuts dry_goods 0.91
4 2016-01-06T17: 52 cranberry_infus dairy 1.79
4 2016-01-06T17: 4 clementines produce 1.19
4 2016-01-06T17: 76 cheddar_whales snacks 0.69
5 2016-01-07T14: 45 butter_chicken frozen 1.29
7 2016-01-07T12: 17 bottled_organic_other 2.67
7 2016-01-07T12: 31 almond_nut_thinsnacks 0.61
7 2016-01-07T12: 21 buttermilk_pancsnacks 2.59
7 2016-01-07T12: 47 paneer dairy 1.17
7 2016-01-07T12: 44 frozen_clams frozen 4.99
8 2016-01-07T09: 8 pluot produce 3.99
8 2016-01-07T09: 60 satsuma_orangeproduce 2.06
8 2016-01-07T09: 38 pork_gyoza frozen 1.19
8 2016-01-07T09: 64 white_onions produce 1.22
9 2016-01-03T09: 12 vegan_egg_substdairy 1.15
9 2016-01-03T09: 14 falafel_chips snacks 0.53
9 2016-01-03T09: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
9 2016-01-03T09: 10 pomello produce 0.96
10 2016-01-04T08: 18 chia_seeds dry_goods 0.67
11 2016-01-08T11: 77 sugar_snap_peasproduce 2.67
11 2016-01-08T11: 25 smoked_salmon meat 39.99
11 2016-01-08T11: 47 paneer dairy 1.17
11 2016-01-08T11: 36 olive_tapanade canned_jarred_ 1.12
12 2016-01-04T17: 66 yellow_onions produce 1.12
15 2016-01-05T09: 42 porchini_mushr produce 5.99
15 2016-01-05T09: 56 organic_glazed_ dry_goods 0.86
15 2016-01-05T09: 29 asiago_cheese dairy 0.63
16 2016-01-05T14: 41 frozen_tamales frozen 1.09
16 2016-01-05T14: 22 smoked_trout meat 19.59
17 2016-01-07T18: 73 cheddar_corn_stsnacks 0.69
19 2016-01-04T12: 71 autumn_pilaf dry_goods 0.24
20 2016-01-04T10: 6 blood_lime produce 1.69
21 2016-01-05T09: 47 paneer dairy 1.17
21 2016-01-05T09: 68 salmonberries produce 0.67
22 2016-01-06T14: 27 celery_foam other 6
23 2016-01-07T09: 67 barberries dry_goods 1.74
23 2016-01-07T09: 13 asparagus_waterbeverages 0.38
23 2016-01-07T09: 55 parmigiano_reggdairy 1.1
23 2016-01-07T09: 69 wholewheat_coudry_goods 0.27
24 2016-01-03T10: 54 aged_gouda dairy 1.23
24 2016-01-03T10: 3 orange produce 1.02
25 2016-01-06T19: 83 soy_ginger_trail snacks 0.39
26 2016-01-06T08: 26 green_juice beverages 0.25
26 2016-01-06T08: 5 blood_orange produce 3.86
26 2016-01-06T08: 32 arugula produce 2.99
26 2016-01-06T08: 47 paneer dairy 1.17
27 2016-01-07T17: 51 english_cheddardairy 0.89
27 2016-01-07T17: 40 vegetable_gyozafrozen 1.17
27 2016-01-07T17: 48 organic_mung_bdry_goods 0.89
29 2016-01-07T12: 28 protein_powder dry_goods 0.69
31 2016-01-05T13: 3 orange produce 1.02
32 2016-01-04T19: 65 purple_onions produce 1.32
32 2016-01-04T19: 7 tayberry produce 2.54
32 2016-01-04T19: 3 orange produce 1.02
33 2016-01-03T11: 72 wild_rice dry_goods 0.27
34 2016-01-08T12: 84 buckwheat_flourdry_goods 2.59
36 2016-01-07T16: 59 medjool_dates produce 4.29
36 2016-01-07T16: 63 organic_garlic produce 3.57
37 2016-01-06T15: 19 all_natural_cheesnacks 0.41
37 2016-01-06T15: 8 pluot produce 3.99
39 2016-01-08T16: 24 dried_apricots dry_goods 0.56
40 2016-01-03T10: 1 strawberry produce 3.28
41 2016-01-05T14: 62 goji_berries dry_goods 1.17
43 2016-01-03T19: 2 apple_fuji produce 1.44
44 2016-01-06T17: 75 rice_crackers snacks 0.57
45 2016-01-07T08: 39 table_wafers snacks 0.59
46 2016-01-03T09: 43 garlic_naan bread 0.99
48 2016-01-08T15: 30 camembert_cheedairy 0.91
48 2016-01-08T15: 20 sriracha_popcor snacks 1.11
49 2016-01-07T17: 53 black_pepper_godairy 1.69
50 2016-01-06T14: 80 rooibos_tea dry_goods 3.49
52 2016-01-05T15: 50 white_cheddar dairy 0.77
53 2016-01-06T11: 33 white_bean_andcanned_jarred_ 0.97
54 2016-01-03T08: 79 darjeeling_black dry_goods 3.3
55 2016-01-05T19: 8 pluot produce 3.99
56 2016-01-03T12: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
57 2016-01-07T19: 81 irish_breakfast_ dry_goods 2.99
57 2016-01-07T19: 11 pineberry produce 4.89
58 2016-01-08T09: 37 chocolate_ganacfrozen 3.52
60 2016-01-03T13: 78 garam_masala dry_goods 1.44
61 2016-01-03T09: 46 frozen_salmon frozen 16.99
63 2016-01-06T18: 16 arugula_crisps snacks 2.43
64 2016-01-06T18: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
65 2016-01-07T16: 50 white_cheddar dairy 0.77
65 2016-01-07T16: 58 pumpkin_spice_ dry_goods 0.96
67 2016-01-04T19: 49 silken_tofu dairy 0.67
69 2016-01-05T09: 82 mango_black_tedry_goods 3.08
71 2016-01-04T11: 74 poppy_onion_sessnacks 0.75
76 2016-01-06T12: 57 Kumatos produce 3.6
79 2016-01-05T19: 9 tangelo produce 0.96
91 2016-01-07T12: 35 eggplant_caponafrozen 1.39
95 2016-01-08T14: 15 sweet_potato_h snacks 0.43
106 2016-01-03T09: 34 edamame_hummcanned_jarred_ 0.95
110 2016-01-08T10: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
118 2016-01-06T14: 8 pluot produce 3.99
157 2016-01-04T14: 8 pluot produce 3.99
157 2016-01-04T14: 8 pluot produce 3.99
158 2016-01-08T12: 47 paneer dairy 1.17
163 2016-01-03T10: 3 orange produce 1.02
166 2016-01-04T18: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
207 2016-01-03T19: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
213 2016-01-04T08: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
224 2016-01-06T17: 8 pluot produce 3.99
229 2016-01-06T13: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
232 2016-01-06T16: 8 pluot produce 3.99
237 2016-01-04T19: 47 paneer dairy 1.17
244 2016-01-07T17: 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
246 2016-01-07T19: 8 pluot produce 3.99
254 2016-01-04T13: 3 orange produce 1.02
product_type_partial
produce VLOOKUP:
produce The VLOOKUP function in column D shows how Excel joins data from one table to another.
this, but typically cell D2 refers to an identifier that is also in row 2 (in this case, it's 'produ
used to look up data in another table (from the first VLOOKUP tab) and pull the appropriat
This is a little complicated, so if you don't know how it works and want more info, we sugg
produce https://support.office.com/en-us/article/VLOOKUP-function-0bbc8083-26fe-4963-8ab8-93
VLOOKUP accomplishes the goal of taking data from one dataset and joining it onto the ne
Consider this scenario:
Imagine there were two rows in the lookup table for which the 'product_id' was equal to 3
particular dataset, but there are many instances in which you might perform a "many to m
D2 in this worksheet. The formula in that cell takes the product_id (in this case, 3), looks it
returns the product name. If there are two products with the same ID, which name should
produce the first value, but that may not always be correct. And when that's not the behavior you'd
you much of an alternative.
produce
There are other ways to merge data from two tables in Excel. HLOOKUP is very similar to V
combination of INDEX and MATCH (see here: http://fiveminutelessons.com/learn-microso
produce match-instead-vlookup). Unfortunately, neither of these address the underlying problem t
logically create new rows.
The lookup functions also slow down Excel a lot. If you're working with hundreds of thousa
downright unusable.
produce Joins in SQL:

Joins in SQL are much more robust. This one of the places where SQL really shines above E
produce For starters, SQL can do 1:1, 1:many, and many:many joins. Moreover, SQL is smart enough
matter what, while Excel might give you misleading information. In the example above, Ex
with the same ID. SQL knows that there are two values with the same ID, so it creates an e
values—without any change in the code you write. In other words, SQL much more gracef
underlying data.
produce In order to get more robust with VLOOKUP, you have to add more functions into the mix (l
produce mentioned above), which complicates things and doesn't solve a lot of the problems inher
is hard to read and can get very messy quickly.
produce In this worksheet, we're using a simple example for which the correct results can be obtain
with a table containing transactions and we're joining two columns from another table: 'pr
'product_type'. Each row only has one 'product_id', so VLOOKUP will correctly find the ent
that 'product_id'. Fortunately, 'product_id' is unique in the other table —no two products
joining logic makes sense. In other words, this is a join that is actually possible in Excel. Th
joins that are possible (even easy) in SQL that are impossible to do in Excel without VBA pr
this easy one to compare how the two applications work on the same problem.
Here's how this join looks in SQL: https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/6f71eb9a89
SQL can also incorporate conditional statements into joins, so that only a portion of either
Excel can do this too, but it requires at least one IF statement, and a few extra VLOOKUPs,
even more and are really tough to reason about. In SQL, it's really, really easy. To illustrate
produce 'product_type_partial' column that only joins the product type if the value should be "pro
produce attached SQL query that this is much easier in SQL.
Here's how to create this particular type of join in SQL:

https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/d0a4cedc4807/queries/70371e75873e
Compare the output in the "Report" section here to that in the above query and check out
particularly powerful feature of SQL.
SQL School lessons on JOIN start here:

https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/intermediate/join-intro/
SQL can also incorporate conditional statements into joins, so that only a portion of either
Excel can do this too, but it requires at least one IF statement, and a few extra VLOOKUPs,
even more and are really tough to reason about. In SQL, it's really, really easy. To illustrate
'product_type_partial' column that only joins the product type if the value should be "pro
attached SQL query that this is much easier in SQL.
Here's how to create this particular type of join in SQL:

produce https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/d0a4cedc4807/queries/70371e75873e
Compare the output in the "Report" section here to that in the above query and check out
produce particularly powerful feature of SQL.
SQL School lessons on JOIN start here:
https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/intermediate/join-intro/
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rom one table to another. There's a bit of flexibility in
2 (in this case, it's 'product_id'). That identifier is then
b) and pull the appropriate value.
d want more info, we suggest you check it out here:

bc8083-26fe-4963-8ab8-93a18ad188a1
and joining it onto the next, but it has a few problems.
product_id' was equal to 3. It's not the case with this

ght perform a "many to many" join. Now consider cell
id (in this case, 3), looks it up in the other table, and
me ID, which name should it return? Excel defaults to
at's not the behavior you'd like, Excel doesn't really give
OOKUP is very similar to VLOOKUP. You can also use a

essons.com/learn-microsoft-excel/how-use-index-
the underlying problem that sometimes joins should
g with hundreds of thousands of rows, it can become
SQL really shines above Excel.
eover, SQL is smart enough to join them correctly no

In the example above, Excel only returns the first value
same ID, so it creates an extra row and joins both
ds, SQL much more gracefully handles changes to the
e functions into the mix (like INDEX/MATCH as

lot of the problems inherent in VLOOKUPs. The syntax
rrect results can be obtained in Excel. We're starting

mns from another table: 'product_name' and
P will correctly find the entry from the other table with
r table —no two products have the same ID—so this
ually possible in Excel. There are many other types of
do in Excel without VBA programming. We're just doing
same problem.
torial/reports/6f71eb9a898b/queries/4e331243df46
at only a portion of either table is included in the join.

nd a few extra VLOOKUPs, which slow down the file
y, really easy. To illustrate this, we've added a
the value should be "produce." You can see in the
ries/70371e75873e
bove query and check out the difference. This is a
at only a portion of either table is included in the join.
nd a few extra VLOOKUPs, which slow down the file
y, really easy. To illustrate this, we've added a
the value should be "produce." You can see in the
ries/70371e75873e
bove query and check out the difference. This is a

transaction_id time product_id product_name product_type price/unit
1 2016-01-08T1 3 orange produce 1.02
1 2016-01-08T1 61 grapefruits produce 0.55
2 2016-01-07T1 23 pine_nuts dry_goods 0.91
4 2016-01-06T1 52 cranberry_infus dairy 1.79
4 2016-01-06T1 4 clementines produce 1.19
4 2016-01-06T1 76 cheddar_whales snacks 0.69
5 2016-01-07T1 45 butter_chicken frozen 1.29
7 2016-01-07T1 17 bottled_organic_other 2.67
7 2016-01-07T1 31 almond_nut_thinsnacks 0.61
7 2016-01-07T1 21 buttermilk_pancsnacks 2.59
7 2016-01-07T1 47 paneer dairy 1.17
7 2016-01-07T1 44 frozen_clams frozen 4.99
8 2016-01-07T0 8 pluot produce 3.99
8 2016-01-07T0 60 satsuma_orangeproduce 2.06
8 2016-01-07T0 38 pork_gyoza frozen 1.19
8 2016-01-07T0 64 white_onions produce 1.22
9 2016-01-03T0 12 vegan_egg_substdairy 1.15
9 2016-01-03T0 14 falafel_chips snacks 0.53
9 2016-01-03T0 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
9 2016-01-03T0 10 pomello produce 0.96
10 2016-01-04T0 18 chia_seeds dry_goods 0.67
11 2016-01-08T1 77 sugar_snap_peasproduce 2.67
11 2016-01-08T1 25 smoked_salmon meat 39.99
11 2016-01-08T1 47 paneer dairy 1.17
11 2016-01-08T1 36 olive_tapanade canned_jarred_ 1.12
12 2016-01-04T1 66 yellow_onions produce 1.12
15 2016-01-05T0 42 porchini_mushr produce 5.99
15 2016-01-05T0 56 organic_glazed_ dry_goods 0.86
15 2016-01-05T0 29 asiago_cheese dairy 0.63
16 2016-01-05T1 41 frozen_tamales frozen 1.09
16 2016-01-05T1 22 smoked_trout meat 19.59
17 2016-01-07T1 73 cheddar_corn_stsnacks 0.69
19 2016-01-04T1 71 autumn_pilaf dry_goods 0.24
20 2016-01-04T1 6 blood_lime produce 1.69
21 2016-01-05T0 47 paneer dairy 1.17
21 2016-01-05T0 68 salmonberries produce 0.67
22 2016-01-06T1 27 celery_foam other 6
23 2016-01-07T0 67 barberries dry_goods 1.74
23 2016-01-07T0 13 asparagus_waterbeverages 0.38
23 2016-01-07T0 55 parmigiano_reggdairy 1.1
23 2016-01-07T0 69 wholewheat_coudry_goods 0.27
24 2016-01-03T1 54 aged_gouda dairy 1.23
24 2016-01-03T1 3 orange produce 1.02
25 2016-01-06T1 83 soy_ginger_trail snacks 0.39
26 2016-01-06T0 26 green_juice beverages 0.25
26 2016-01-06T0 5 blood_orange produce 3.86
26 2016-01-06T0 32 arugula produce 2.99
26 2016-01-06T0 47 paneer dairy 1.17
27 2016-01-07T1 51 english_cheddardairy 0.89
27 2016-01-07T1 40 vegetable_gyozafrozen 1.17
27 2016-01-07T1 48 organic_mung_bdry_goods 0.89
29 2016-01-07T1 28 protein_powder dry_goods 0.69
31 2016-01-05T1 3 orange produce 1.02
32 2016-01-04T1 65 purple_onions produce 1.32
32 2016-01-04T1 7 tayberry produce 2.54
32 2016-01-04T1 3 orange produce 1.02
33 2016-01-03T1 72 wild_rice dry_goods 0.27
34 2016-01-08T1 84 buckwheat_flourdry_goods 2.59
36 2016-01-07T1 59 medjool_dates produce 4.29
36 2016-01-07T1 63 organic_garlic produce 3.57
37 2016-01-06T1 19 all_natural_cheesnacks 0.41
37 2016-01-06T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
39 2016-01-08T1 24 dried_apricots dry_goods 0.56
40 2016-01-03T1 1 strawberry produce 3.28
41 2016-01-05T1 62 goji_berries dry_goods 1.17
43 2016-01-03T1 2 apple_fuji produce 1.44
44 2016-01-06T1 75 rice_crackers snacks 0.57
45 2016-01-07T0 39 table_wafers snacks 0.59
46 2016-01-03T0 43 garlic_naan bread 0.99
48 2016-01-08T1 30 camembert_cheedairy 0.91
48 2016-01-08T1 20 sriracha_popcor snacks 1.11
49 2016-01-07T1 53 black_pepper_godairy 1.69
50 2016-01-06T1 80 rooibos_tea dry_goods 3.49
52 2016-01-05T1 50 white_cheddar dairy 0.77
53 2016-01-06T1 33 white_bean_andcanned_jarred_ 0.97
54 2016-01-03T0 79 darjeeling_black dry_goods 3.3
55 2016-01-05T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
56 2016-01-03T1 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
57 2016-01-07T1 81 irish_breakfast_ dry_goods 2.99
57 2016-01-07T1 11 pineberry produce 4.89
58 2016-01-08T0 37 chocolate_ganacfrozen 3.52
60 2016-01-03T1 78 garam_masala dry_goods 1.44
61 2016-01-03T0 46 frozen_salmon frozen 16.99
63 2016-01-06T1 16 arugula_crisps snacks 2.43
64 2016-01-06T1 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
65 2016-01-07T1 50 white_cheddar dairy 0.77
65 2016-01-07T1 58 pumpkin_spice_ dry_goods 0.96
67 2016-01-04T1 49 silken_tofu dairy 0.67
69 2016-01-05T0 82 mango_black_tedry_goods 3.08
71 2016-01-04T1 74 poppy_onion_sessnacks 0.75
76 2016-01-06T1 57 Kumatos produce 3.6
79 2016-01-05T1 9 tangelo produce 0.96
91 2016-01-07T1 35 eggplant_caponafrozen 1.39
95 2016-01-08T1 15 sweet_potato_hsnacks 0.43
106 2016-01-03T0 34 edamame_hummcanned_jarred_ 0.95
110 2016-01-08T1 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
118 2016-01-06T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
157 2016-01-04T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
157 2016-01-04T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
158 2016-01-08T1 47 paneer dairy 1.17
163 2016-01-03T1 3 orange produce 1.02
166 2016-01-04T1 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
207 2016-01-03T1 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
213 2016-01-04T0 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
224 2016-01-06T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
229 2016-01-06T1 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
232 2016-01-06T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
237 2016-01-04T1 47 paneer dairy 1.17
244 2016-01-07T1 70 orzo dry_goods 0.19
246 2016-01-07T1 8 pluot produce 3.99
254 2016-01-04T1 3 orange produce 1.02
product_type_partial rows transactions total_amount average_amount
produce 594 234 1,473.94 2.48
produce
Aggregation:
It's tough to crown a given function as the most valuable in data analysis, but SUM and COUNT a
produce certainly in the running. Aggregation allows us to understand potentially huge volumes of data v
quickly. One of Excel's most popular features, pivot tables, highlights the value of exploring data
aggregations. More on those later. For now, here's a breakdown of Excel's standard aggregation
functionality.
Excel Aggregations:
You can see the magic in cells I2:L2. You've probably seen this magic before, but you might not h
noticed a few things:
You can put the aggregations anywhere in the sheet that you want. For everyday Excel users, thi
feel like a big deal—you can put anything in any cell. As mentioned in earlier worksheets, this fle
produce can lead to tricky situations. In this case, though, it's quite handy. As you can see, we have the e
produce dataset over on the left and the summary directly above this text box. The flexibility of the layou
excellent for making work easy to consume. SQL is much more rigid —if you want this exact layo
need to run two queries and then drop the data into Excel and format it.
produce
These functions are limited, though. They get more complicated when you want to aggregate on
that fits certain conditions. You have to use different functions if you want to segment, and ther
enough of them that it's hard to remember the differences (COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, COUNT
COUNTBLANK...). Once you've written those functions, they're annoying to update and tough to
Pivot tables help solve this problem, but have their own issues.
produce One of the biggest problems with aggregating in Excel is that it's a challenge to count unique val
at cell J2—it's a smaller number than cell I2 because there are multiple rows per transaction. Th
produce sense, as one trip to the cash register might be to purchase multiple items. If you look at the for
you'll notice it's an unintuitive workaround (found here: https://exceljet.net/formula/count-uniq
in-a-range-with-countif).
SQL does aggregations, too:

SQL's strengths in aggregation are really more of what we've already covered. SQL can handle a
produce data. In fact, aggregating in SQL is often necessary to get data to a size at which it can be manag
produce Excel.
SQL also doesn't break when the underlying data changes. You'll notice that the aggregation fun
produce above specify row numbers from row 2 to 595. If you were to add more data, you'd have to rem
update all those formulas.
What's new here is that it's much more intuitive to find distinct values in SQL. All you need to do
word "distinct." For some applications, this alone is worth switching the bulk of your work to SQ
Check out how this same set of aggregations happens in SQL:
https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/2d65f139ceda/queries/8da2b54d038c
Learn more about how to perform aggregations in SQL:

https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/intermediate/aggregation-functions/
produce
produce
https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/intermediate/aggregation-functions/
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analysis, but SUM and COUNT are
tentially huge volumes of data very
ghts the value of exploring data through
of Excel's standard aggregation
agic before, but you might not have
nt. For everyday Excel users, this doesn't

ed in earlier worksheets, this flexibility
. As you can see, we have the entire
t box. The flexibility of the layout is
gid —if you want this exact layout, you'll
rmat it.
when you want to aggregate only data

you want to segment, and there are
NT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, COUNTIFS,
nnoying to update and tough to read.
a challenge to count unique values. Look

ultiple rows per transaction. This makes
ple items. If you look at the formula,
exceljet.net/formula/count-unique-values-
ady covered. SQL can handle a lot more

a size at which it can be managed in
notice that the aggregation functions

d more data, you'd have to remember to
alues in SQL. All you need to do is add the

ing the bulk of your work to SQL.
ies/8da2b54d038c
functions/
functions/
product_type Average - Data Grouped Aggregations:
beverages In the previous worksheet we mentioned pivot tables and grouped ag
there's an example pivot table. It does some of the things that regula
bread can't do well—it makes it easy to add conditional statements to aggre
canned_jarred_goods changes in the type of aggregation, and it can find distinct values (sor
dairy
If you haven't used pivot tables before, we suggest you learn about th
dry_goods powerful. Here's a great resource: http://www.excel-easy.com/data-a
frozen
meat But pivot tables aren't perfect. They're not very responsive when new
you add data, you have to refresh the pivot table, and if you add mor
other that you've done so. In most cases, people just make new pivot table
produce big problems. Viewers typically assume that pivot tables are up to dat
snacks Pivot tables don't have Excel's biggest strength: flexibility. They can't
Total Result functions in cells. It's not easy to link them to cells outside the pivot t
pivot table, it can break the links.
Aggregations and GROUP BY in SQL:

Grouping in SQL is pretty similar to pivot tables. There isn't a graphic
slower until you've had a little practice. There are advantages, though
Groupings are scripted, which means that they can easily be transferr
another, unlike in Excel where pivot tables have to be set up from scr
Here's an example that will produce the same results you see in this p
https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/d13dfea938c2/queries/2
In SQL, once you have made an aggregation, you can filter on that agg
HAVING clause) or build upon it easily (using an outer query).
Learn more about grouped aggregations in SQL here:

https://sqlschool.modeanalytics.com/intermediate/grouped-aggrega
ed pivot tables and grouped aggregation. To the left,
ome of the things that regular aggregation functions
onditional statements to aggregations, it allows quick
it can find distinct values (sort of).
we suggest you learn about them, as they are incredibly

//www.excel-easy.com/data-analysis/pivot-tables.html
not very responsive when new datasets are introduced. If

ivot table, and if you add more rows, you need to specify
ple just make new pivot tables. These issues can lead to
that pivot tables are up to date, even when they're not.
trength: flexibility. They can't be formatted as freely as

em to cells outside the pivot table. If you change the
t tables. There isn't a graphic UI, so making changes is

There are advantages, though:
at they can easily be transferred from one query to

les have to be set up from scratch each time.
e same results you see in this pivot table:

ports/d13dfea938c2/queries/2cffb6728d78
tion, you can filter on that aggregation (using the

using an outer query).
s in SQL here:
ntermediate/grouped-aggregations/

The Excel User's Quick Start Guide To SQL

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The Excel User's Quick Start Guide To SQL

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Welcome!

ation of the function(s)

to right. Here's a quick

tics platform used by

SQL and basic database

ly. While this is a list of foods, it could just as easily be a list

Excel is simple arithmetic. Most of this dataset is static, but

e about Excel, but it's also Excel's Achilles' heel. Because

in SQL using the same operators as in Excel: +, -, *, /. They

tructure. In SQL, calculations are applied to all values in a

ore complete explanation, check out the SQL School lesson:

1. It's much easier to read.

le learn in Excel. Here it's used to create the 'category' column.

n Excel is: IF(logical_test, value_if_true, [value_if_false])

<display this value> OTHERWISE <display a different value>

shown as [value_if_false], is optional.

e three categories, and that requires an IF statement nested inside another IF

to read a really long line of functions.

n you need to categorize data on a granular level.

to the semantic example above.

met> THEN <display this value> OTHERWISE <display a different value>

THEN <display value 1>

tion of this worksheet here:

doing it this way (as opposed to in Excel):

on multiple lines, which is conducive to adding complex conditions.

the SQL School lesson on CASE/WHEN:

on multiple lines, which is conducive to adding complex conditions.

the SQL School lesson on CASE/WHEN:

0.6336 0.64 medium

dded to this worksheet. If you want to add filters to another

u can see results as soon as you turn on a filter, so you can

ers you have applied to a dataset at a given time.

ng together sets of conditions similar to how you would use AND

s are SQL's strengths. Because the filters you've applied are

to filter data out of very large datasets. It's handy to be able to

to do this in the SQL School lesson:

produce Joins in SQL:

Here's how this join looks in SQL: https://modeanalytics.com/tutorial/reports/6f71eb9a89

Here's how to create this particular type of join in SQL:

SQL School lessons on JOIN start here:

Here's how to create this particular type of join in SQL:

d want more info, we suggest you check it out here:

and joining it onto the next, but it has a few problems.

product_id' was equal to 3. It's not the case with this

OOKUP is very similar to VLOOKUP. You can also use a

g with hundreds of thousands of rows, it can become

SQL really shines above Excel.

eover, SQL is smart enough to join them correctly no

e functions into the mix (like INDEX/MATCH as

rrect results can be obtained in Excel. We're starting

at only a portion of either table is included in the join.

bove query and check out the difference. This is a

SQL does aggregations, too:

Learn more about how to perform aggregations in SQL:

agic before, but you might not have

nt. For everyday Excel users, this doesn't

when you want to aggregate only data

a challenge to count unique values. Look

ady covered. SQL can handle a lot more

notice that the aggregation functions

alues in SQL. All you need to do is add the

Aggregations and GROUP BY in SQL:

Learn more about grouped aggregations in SQL here: