Best Excel Functions for Data Analysis in 2026 : FILTER, XLOOKUP, LET
Microsoft Excel remains a cornerstone for data analysts, offering a wide array of functions to streamline workflows and enhance data accuracy. In this deep dive, Mo Chen highlights ten essential Excel functions that every data analyst should know, including the Filter function, which allows users to extract relevant subsets of data based on specific criteria. For instance, filtering sales data by region or product category can help analysts focus on actionable insights without sifting through unnecessary information. These functions are not just about simplifying tasks, they also play a critical role in making sure clarity and precision when working with complex datasets. In this breakdown, you’ll explore how to use the Unique function to identify distinct values and eliminate redundancies, as well as the XLOOKUP function for retrieving data with greater flexibility than its predecessors. Additionally, you’ll learn how to apply conditional calculations using SUMIFS and COUNTIFS to analyze trends and patterns across multiple variables. By mastering these techniques, you can improve your ability to organize, analyze and present data effectively, regardless of the complexity …

