One Variable Data Table in Excel (Table of Contents)
One Variable Data Table in Excel
One Variable Data Table in Excel allows users to test how one variable or value in a data table affects the result in the created formula. It is only useful when the formula depends on several values that can be used for one variable. For the complete data table, we can test only one single input cell for a series of values on the basis of the What-If analysis option which is available under the Data menu tab.
We can find the “What if Analysis” option under the “Data” tab. Below is the picture for reference.
Now, we know where is “Data table” and now will discuss the purpose of “Data table”. If we keep our cursor on the Data table will get the pop-up to explain the purpose of the data table.
It is clearly stating the purpose of Data table i.e “See the results of multiple inputs at the same time”. We will discuss briefly what that means exactly.
Example
Let’s consider a small example area of the rectangle. We want to find the area of a rectangle for the below values.
As we all know the formula for calculating an area of a rectangle is length x breadth (or) length x width. Here length is 15 and Breadth is 10 so multiple of 15 x 10 = 150.
Now, what is the part of the data table here? Suppose we want to know the area of the rectangle for different lengths or different breadths what will we do? We will change the value of length or breadth and will check the results of “Area of a rectangle”. Now I want to check the area for the length of 5 then area will be 50 again if I want to calculate for length 15. One more time I will change the length value and will check the results. So when we give 15 we cannot see the results for 5 and 10. This is the case where Data table helps where it will display all results for different inputs.
Now I want to check the area for different lengths that are from 5 to 50 with equal intervals of 5 that mean length should be 5, 10, 15 …50.
We want all the results to need to display at the same time as shown in below picture.
This is what exactly the “Data table” performs. Here we are getting an area of the rectangle at the same time for the multiple inputs of length.
If we observe one variable is varying that is in this process that is the length. Hence, we can call this “one variable data table “
Hope you understand what is “Data table” and what is meant by “One variable data table”.
How to Perform One Variable Data Table in Excel?
One Variable Data Table in Excel is very simple and easy to create. Let’s understand the working of One Variable Data Table in Excel by some Examples.
One Variable Data Table in Excel Example #1
Now we will see how to achieve this in excel. First, we will give the input length and breadth of a rectangle and apply the rectangle formula in one cell as shown below.
The Output is:
Later give different inputs which we want to test. We can give it in row or columns as we wish. Here we are taking the inputs in a row.
Now one cell below and prior to our first input cell we need to take the result of an area of the rectangle as shown below.
Then the result will pick under heading length.
Select the entire data of the second table.
Now, Click on the “Data” tab on the top.
Then click on “what-If analysis” then select “Data table”.
A pop up will appear asking for “Row input cell” and “Column input cell”.
Row input cell is used when the multiple inputs in the row that is like the current example.
Column input cell is used when the multiple inputs are available in columns that are as shown in below picture.
As we are using the different inputs in row hence we will use row input. Select “row input” and select the cell from where the length input is taking for finding the area of the rectangle. Here it is cell C48. Click on “OK”.
Then automatically the area of rectangle calculates for all the inputs and displays the results under each input.
Now we have outputs for different inputs at a time. In case if inputs in a column just select “Column input cell” from the pop-up no other changes in the process.
One Variable Data Table in Excel Example #2
Now we will apply this to simple interest calculation. Suppose we deposited Rupees 10000 for a period of 5 years with an interest rate of 6 percent and want to know how much we will receive if we extend the number of years or if we deposit in other banks for different interest rates. So, we need to perform two calculations here one for different interest rates and one for different years.
Apply the Formula here.
The Output is:
First, we will apply for different interest rates.
We need to take the result of interest received.
Then the result will pick under heading length.
Select the table and choose “Data table” from “What-if analysis”.
Select “Row input cell” and Choose the cell years.
Now we will get the interest amount for different years.
Now we will apply the formula for different percentages.
Then the result will pick under heading length.
Click on “what-If analysis” then select “Data table”.Select “Column input cell” and Choose the cell percentage.
Now we have results for a different number of percentages and for different interest rates.
Similarly, we can perform for compound interest, loan installments etc…
We cannot edit the results of any cell as it is an array and it will not allow editing any of the results. If we try to edit, it will throw you the below error message.
If we want to remove the results we need to remove the entire array of results.
Things to Remember About One Variable Data Table in Excel
- A data table is a tool available in “What if analysis” under “Data” tab.
- One variable data table helps to find the results for operation with a varying input at the same time. Similarly, we can do the two-variable data table where it has two varying inputs for the operation.
- One variable data table can apply for both horizontally aligned inputs or vertically aligned inputs.
- The results displayed are in the form of an array. The array is nothing but a group or collection of elements. As the results in the form of an array, we cannot edit or delete any data from one particular cell of results.
- If we want to remove the data, then need to remove the entire array of results.
- The formula and multiple inputs must be on the same sheet. Suppose we have a calculation in sheet 1 and inputs in sheet 2 then it will not allow performing the calculation. Hence make sure they both are in the same sheet.
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This has been a guide to One-Variable Data Table in Excel. Here we discuss its types and how to create One Variable data table examples and downloadable excel templates. You may also look at these useful functions in excel –
