How to use Power Query in Excel

Power Query is a powerful data connectivity and data transformation tool that is available in Microsoft Excel. It allows you to connect to a wide range of data sources, such as spreadsheets, databases, and cloud services, and to easily manipulate, shape, and transform the data to meet your needs.

In this article, you learn to install and use Power Query in Excel.

Download

It is an extra tool which can installed in the same way we add onther Add-ins. We can download the add_in from the following link (1), and choose a desired language (2), then press download (3).

Power Query download

You will have to choose the version as per your Excel installation (32 bit or 64 bit). Wait for it to download, and then install it.

Open Microsoft Excel, and click File.

Power Query click file

Click Options.

Power Query click options

Click on Add-ins (1), Browse manager to COM Add-ins (2), and then press Go (3).

Power Query com addins

Check the Microsoft Power Query for Excel (1), and then press Ok (2).

Power Query click ok

Get data

Now, click on Power Query (1), then choose any options in the Get External Data (2).

Power Query get external data

Note: This tutorial article uses online search that is also in the Get External Data.

Write something relevant to search (1), and click on search (2).

Power Query online search

Note: You could now click on the result, and choose the kind of data you would like to display. This is just one example of how to use the Power Query, as there are a lot of other ways to use it.

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What is Power Query exactly?

Power Query is a data transformation and connection tool in Excel. It empowers you to access diverse data sources and efficiently shape and modify data to meet your requirements. It’s a dynamic tool for enhancing data-related tasks.

Most important features of Power Query

Power Query’s versatility simplifies data management and enhances productivity in Excel by:

  • Data Connection: Power Query lets you connect to various data sources, from spreadsheets to databases, making data access seamless.
  • Data Transformation: Easily reshape and clean data using Power Query’s transformation capabilities, like filtering, sorting, and merging.
  • Query Folding: Optimizes data retrieval by pushing data processing tasks back to the data source when possible, enhancing performance.
  • Merging and Appending: Combine data from multiple sources into a single query, simplifying complex data integration.
  • Custom Functions: Create your own custom functions to automate repetitive data transformations and ensure consistency.
  • Query Parameters: Implement dynamic and reusable queries by using parameters, streamlining data refreshes.
  • Data Load Options: Choose where and how to load your data, whether into Excel tables, PivotTables, or data models.

How to consolidate tables with Power Query

The most useful feature of Power Query is table consolidation which you may perform in these simple steps:

  • Access Power Query: Click “Power Query” in Excel.
  • Choose Data: Select “From Table/Range” for data to consolidate.
  • Combine Tables: Merge or append tables as needed.
  • Transform Data: Filter or rename for consistency.
  • Load Consolidated Data: Choose where to load (e.g., new worksheet).
  • Refresh When Needed: Keep data updated easily.

Power Query is a versatile and powerful tool that makes it easy to connect to and manipulate data in Excel. Whether you’re working with large data sets or just need to quickly transform your data, Power Query can help you to save time, improve accuracy, and collaborate with others.