How do I map two data sets in Excel?

Mapping Data Sets in Excel: A Comprehensive Guide

Excel is a powerful tool for data analysis and management, and one of its key features is the ability to link and map data from different tables. This can be particularly useful when you have two sets of data that share a common attribute, and you want to combine or compare them.

Step 1: Identify Matching Columns

The first step in mapping data sets is to identify a column that is common to both tables. This column will serve as the key that links the two sets of data. For example, if you have a table of customer names and addresses, and a separate table of customer orders, you could use the “Customer ID” column as the matching column.

Step 2: Create a New Column in the Target Table

Once you have identified the matching column, you need to create a new column in the target table that will contain the mapped data from the source table. The target table is the table that will receive the new data.

Step 3: Use a Formula to Reference the Source Table

In the new column that you created in the target table, enter a formula that references the corresponding column in the source table. The formula should be keyed by the shared column that you identified in Step 1.

For example, if the matching column is “Customer ID,” and the source table is named “CustomerData,” the formula in the target table would be:

=VLOOKUP(A2, CustomerData!A:B, 2, FALSE)

This formula will look up the value in cell A2 of the target table (which should contain the matching Customer ID) in the range A:B of the CustomerData table. It will then return the value in the second column (column B) of the source table, which is the customer’s address.

Step 4: Test the Mapping

Once you have entered the formula, you should test the mapping to make sure that it is working correctly. Check a few rows in the target table to verify that the mapped data is correct.

Conclusion

Mapping data sets in Excel is a valuable technique for combining and comparing data from different sources. By following these steps, you can easily create mappings that will allow you to extract meaningful insights from your data.