Introduction to Power Query Part 2

In this presentation author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, demonstrates how to harness the power of Power Query to automate data cleanup and transformation tasks that would otherwise require complex formulas or repetitive steps. David shows how to transform text files into PivotTable-ready formats, relate data from multiple files by using Merge Queries, and reshape wide reports into filterable lists with the Unpivot command. He also explains how to transform data by using the Column From Example feature, view and edit steps in the Query Settings pane, and leverage the Advanced Editor to view or transfer Power Query settings between workbooks. Along the way, you’ll learn practical techniques for streamlining lookup formulas, extracting data based on conditions, and making your reports refreshable with just a click.

David H. Ringstrom, CPA, has more than 30 years of experience as a spreadsheet and accounting software consultant and speaker. He has presented over 2,500 live webinars and is the author or co-author of ten books, including “Microsoft 365 Excel All-in-One for Dummies”, “Microsoft 365 Excel for Dummies”, “Exploring Microsoft Excel’s Hidden Treasures”, and “QuickBooks Online for Dummies”.

In his webinars, David demonstrates every technique twice: first on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps and then live in Excel for Microsoft 365 for Windows. He highlights any differences in Excel 2024, 2021, or 2019 during the presentation and in his detailed handouts. Attendees also receive an Excel workbook containing most of the examples he uses, making it easy to follow along and apply the techniques later. David additionally supports Excel for Mac users by answering their follow-up questions via email.

Who Should Attend
Professionals seeking to enhance their data management skills, streamline reporting processes, and leverage Power Query for efficient data transformation and integration in Microsoft Excel.

Topics Covered

• Transforming text files into PivotTable ready formats with Power Query
• Transforming data in Power Query by way of the Column From Example feature
• Transforming wide reports into filterable rows using the Unpivot command in Power Query
• Most features and functions work in Excel for Mac as well but expect differences
• Extracting text surrounded by non-breaking spaces from web-based reports via Power Query
• Streamlining lookup formulas by unpivoting multicolumn data sets into fewer columns with Power Query
• Extracting data from rows into columns based upon conditions
• Course Admin
• Stacking two or more queries together with an Append query in Power Query
• Viewing, editing, and restoring steps in the Query Settings pane using the M code formula bar
• Relating data from two or more files or lists together by using Merge Queries
• Using the Advanced Editor in Power Query to view all steps and transfer settings between workbooks

Learning Objectives

• Describe the purpose of the Applied Steps pane in Power Query and how it tracks the sequence of transformations applied to a dataset
• Explain how using null in Power Query Conditional Columns allows you to test for blank or missing values
• Recall and apply the correct syntax for writing formulas in the Custom Column dialog box in Power Query

Level
Intermediate

Instructional Method
Group: Internet-based

NASBA Field of Study
Information Technology (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Introduction to Power Query Part 1 is recommended but not required

Advance Preparation
None