Learn Statistics & Probability using MS Excel
One of the most dreaded courses during my under-graduation is Probability, Statistics & Queuing Theory. We called it PSQT. I struggled to understand the significance and concept of this course as I could barely concentrate in the class. We had a professor, who is probably a genius, but the moment he started the class, I would magically fall in to one of my after-noon naps. When I woke up, we are either in the middle of an elaborate t-test or going thru intricacies of a Markovian queue.
This was all 11 years ago. Later in life, I have embraced the world of probability & statistics. I still fear queues. May be I will get there one day. 😉
A good understanding of statistics & probability theory is necessary if you want to model complex real-life problems using Excel or similar tools. Naturally, Excel has several functions, features & supported add-ins to help you in this area.
Today, I want to share some of this with you. This article is broken down in to 3 parts.
- Learning Statistics & Probability using Excel
- Downloadable Excel Workbooks to understand
- Full blown models & simulations in Excel
Comparing 2 Lists with a Twist
We love to compare. The instinct to compare leaves no one. Even my two year old twins compare their toys with each other (and fight).
It would make Excel hugely popular if Microsoft builds a handy data comparison tool right in to it. Alas, they have customizable ribbon, 3d effects & equation editor…
Since comparison is one of the main uses of Excel, we have written extensively about it here.
But there is always one more interesting comparison problem. Today, I want to share one such problem, based on a comment left by N-Man.
Formula Forensics No. 010 Count How Many Times a List of Values Occurs in a Range
Count How Many Times a List of Values Occurs in a Range
(or How Can I Simplify My Formula)
Today in Formula Forensics we look at how to count how many times a range of values occurs within a Range of cells and in the process simplify a very nasty formula.
Excel’s Auditing Functions [Spreadsheet Risk Management – Part 3 of 4]
This series of articles will give you an overview of how to manage spreadsheet risk. These articles are written by Myles Arnott from Excel Audit Part 1: An Introduction to managing spreadsheet risk Part 2: How companies can manage their spreadsheet risk Part 3: Excel’s auditing functions Part 4: Using external software packages to manage […]
Formula Forensics. 009 – Pradhishnair’s Chainage Problem
A common Forum Post question and one that Chandoo has written about a few times is, Does my data overlap with another range?
This week Formula Forensics examines Pradhishnair’s Overlapping Chaninage Problem where he wants to know if two values overlap with a range of other values
Finding Friday the 13th using Excel (and learning cool formulas along way)
Not that I have friggatriskaidekaphobia or anything. But since today is Friday & 13th, lets put our Excel skills to test and find out when the next Friday the 13th is going to be.
Free Picture Calendar Template – Download and make a personalized calendar today!
Here is something fun, personalized and delicious to start your new year. A Picture Calendar built in Excel!
Using this you can print a 12 month calendar with your own photos. Its fun to use, easy to set up and looks great. Read more to understand how this works & download the template.