Excel Interview Questions for Data Analyst – 100+ Questions with Answers

If you are a fresher or experienced, planning to prepare for an interview like Data Analyst, Business Analyst, or Data Entry Jobs roles. Then these 100+ excel interview questions for Data Analyst, Business Analyst, or Data Entry Jobs roles with answers can help you to prepare for your next interview.

What are the different types of data that can be entered into an Excel cell?

Excel cells can contain text, numbers, dates, and formulas.

How do you create a basic formula in Excel?

To create a formula, start with = followed by the expression you want to compute, such as =A1+B1.

What is the difference between relative and absolute cell references?

Relative references (e.g., A1) adjust when copied to other cells, while absolute references (e.g., $A$1) remain fixed.

How do you use the SUM function in Excel?

The SUM function adds up a range of numbers. For example, =SUM(A1:A10) adds all the numbers from cells A1 to A10.

What does the VLOOKUP function do? Can you provide a basic example?

VLOOKUP searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value from another column in the same row. For instance, =VLOOKUP("Apple", A1:B10, 2, FALSE) finds “Apple” in column A and returns the corresponding value from column B.

How do you sort data in Excel?

To sort data, select the range, go to the Data tab, and choose the Sort option

What are filters in Excel, and how are they used?

Filters hide non-relevant data based on specified criteria. You apply them through the Data tab by selecting Filter.

Explain how to use the AVERAGE function.

The AVERAGE function calculates the mean of a range of numbers. For example, =AVERAGE(A1:A10) returns the average value of cells A1 through A10.

What is Conditional Formatting and how is it used?

Conditional Formatting highlights cells based on criteria you define, such as changing cell color for values above a certain threshold. This is found under the Home tab.

How do you create a pivot table?

To create a pivot table, select your data range, go to the Insert tab, and choose PivotTable.

Describe how to use the IF function with an example.

The IF function returns one value if a condition is true and another if it is false. For example, =IF(A1>10, "Yes", "No") will display “Yes” if A1 is greater than 10 and “No” otherwise.

How do you use the CONCATENATE function or the modern equivalent?

CONCATENATE combines text from multiple cells into one. For example, =CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1) merges the contents of A1 and B1 with a space in between. The modern equivalent is =A1 & " " & B1.

What is the purpose of the TEXT function in Excel?

The TEXT function formats numbers as text based on a specified format. For instance, =TEXT(A1, "dd/mm/yyyy") formats a date in A1 as day/month/year.

How do you use Excel’s built-in chart tools?

Excel’s chart tools allow you to create various types of charts, such as bar, line, and pie charts, from the Insert tab.

Explain the difference between a workbook and a worksheet?

A workbook is the entire Excel file, while a worksheet is a single tab within the workbook.

What is a named range, and how do you create one?

A named range assigns a specific name to a cell or range of cells for easier reference. You can create one through the Formulas tab by selecting Name Manager.

How do you use the COUNTIF function?

The COUNTIF function counts the number of cells that meet a specified condition. For example, =COUNTIF(A1:A10, ">10") counts how many cells in A1 to A10 have values greater than 10.

What is the purpose of the MAX and MIN functions?

MAX returns the highest value in a range, and MIN returns the lowest. For instance, =MAX(A1:A10) and =MIN(A1:A10) find the maximum and minimum values in the range A1 through A10, respectively.

How can you protect a worksheet or workbook?

You can protect a worksheet or workbook to prevent unauthorized changes by using the Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook options under the Review tab.

How do you apply and remove cell formatting?

To format cells, use the Home tab to apply styles, fonts, and colors, and to remove formatting as needed.

Intermediate Excel Interview Questions for Data Analyst

What is a pivot chart, and how does it differ from a regular chart?

A pivot chart visualizes data from a pivot table and updates automatically when the pivot table changes.

How do you use the INDEX and MATCH functions together?

Using INDEX and MATCH together allows you to perform lookups with more flexibility than VLOOKUP. For example, =INDEX(B1:B10, MATCH("Apple", A1:A10, 0)) finds “Apple” in A1:A10 and returns the corresponding value from B1:B10.

Explain how to use the HLOOKUP function

HLOOKUP searches for a value in the top row of a range and returns a value from a specified row below it. For example, =HLOOKUP("Apple", A1:D10, 2, FALSE) searches the top row for “Apple” and returns the value from the second row.

How do you handle missing or incomplete data in Excel?

Missing data can be handled using functions like IFERROR, filling in with placeholders, or manual data cleaning methods.

What is data validation, and how is it set up?

Data validation restricts the type of data that can be entered into a cell, such as allowing only numbers or dates. You set it up via the Data tab by selecting Data Validation.

Describe how to use the LEFT, RIGHT, and MID functions.

These functions extract portions of text. LEFT returns characters from the start, RIGHT from the end, and MID from a specified position. For example, =LEFT(A1, 3) extracts the first three characters from A1.

How do you create and use a dynamic named range?

A dynamic named range adjusts automatically as data changes. This can be created using formulas like OFFSET and COUNTA.

What is the purpose of the FIND and SEARCH functions?

FIND and SEARCH locate text within a cell, with FIND being case-sensitive and SEARCH not. For example, =SEARCH("apple", A1) finds “apple” in A1.

How can you use Excel to perform a “What-If” analysis?

This involves using tools like Scenario Manager or Data Tables to explore different outcomes based on varying input values.

Explain how to use the SUMIF and SUMIFS functions

SUMIF adds values based on a single criterion, while SUMIFS allows multiple criteria. For example, =SUMIF(A1:A10, ">10", B1:B10) sums values in B1:B10 where corresponding A1:A10 values are greater than 10.

What is the use of the PMT function in Excel?

The PMT function calculates loan payments based on interest rate, number of periods, and loan amount. For example, =PMT(rate, nper, pv) calculates the payment.

How do you use Excel’s Goal Seek feature?

Goal Seek adjusts the value of a specific cell to achieve a desired result in another cell. Use it via the Data tab under What-If Analysis > Goal Seek.

Describe the process for creating a macro in Excel

Macros are created to automate repetitive tasks. You can record a macro via the Developer tab or write one using the VBA editor.

How can you automate repetitive tasks using Excel?

Tasks can be automated using macros, or by leveraging Excel’s built-in automation features like conditional formatting and data validation.

What are array formulas, and how do you use them?

Array formulas perform calculations on multiple values at once. For example, =SUM(A1:A10 * B1:B10) calculates the sum of products of corresponding values.

How do you use the TRANSPOSE function?

The TRANSPOSE function switches the rows and columns of a range. For example, =TRANSPOSE(A1:B2) converts rows into columns and vice versa.

What is a data table, and how is it created?

A data table is used for sensitivity analysis, showing different results based on varying inputs. Create it via the Data tab under What-If Analysis > Data Table.

Explain how to use the SUBTOTAL function

The SUBTOTAL function performs calculations while excluding hidden rows. For instance, =SUBTOTAL(9, A1:A10) calculates the sum, ignoring any filtered-out rows.

What is Power Query, and how can it be used?

Power Query is a tool for importing and transforming data. It is accessed through the Data tab under Get & Transform.

How do you use the OFFSET function?

OFFSET returns a cell or range of cells that is a specified number of rows and columns from a starting cell. For example, =OFFSET(A1, 2, 3, 4, 5) refers to a range that starts two rows down and three columns over from A1.