Have you ever wanted to calculate a simple statistic in Excel, but couldn’t find the correct tab to do so?  If so, it is possible that you did not have the “Data Analysis” tab activated.  For some reason, Excel defaults the Data Analysis tab as inactive, although it is completely free and pre-installed.  Weird, right!?

To determine whether your Data Analysis tab is activated, open a blank Excel workbook.  Click on the data tab at the top.  Do you see a sub-tab labeled “Analysis” or “Data Analysis”?  If not, then perform the following steps:

• Go to “File” at the top of your screen, and then “Options”.
• On the left-hand side of the new window, click on “Add-Ins.”
• At the bottom of the window, click the drop-down menu beside “Manage:”  Click on “Excel Add-ins.”  Then press “Go…”
• Click the check-box beside of “Analysis ToolPak.”  Then click “OK.”

Now, click on the data tab at the top.  Do you now see a sub-tab labeled “Analysis” or “Data Analysis”?  If not, then your version of Excel may be outdated, and you’ll have to find another solution.  If so, then good work!  You can now calculate most all basic statistics!  As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments by emailing MHoward@SouthAlabama.edu.

Lastly, the steps are different if you are using a Mac.  Click here for information on activating Data Analysis in Excel for Macs.