Using AI for Excel Data Set Generation

Introduction

• Presenter: Deb Ashby, Microsoft MVP
• Purpose: Making Excel work easier and faster using AI
• Focus: Generating sample datasets using ChatGPT

Scenario

• Need for datasets in projects without starting from scratch
• Avoid browsing for free datasets in the public domain
• Use ChatGPT to generate sample datasets
  • Useful for practicing Excel skills
  • Frequently asked for datasets in tutorials and videos

Steps to Generate a Data Set in ChatGPT

1. Accessing ChatGPT
   • Open browser and visit chatgpt.com
   • Using ChatGPT 4.0 (free version)
2. Interface Overview
   • Simple interface with suggestions in the center
   • Type prompts at the bottom
3. Constructing a Prompt
   • Provide context, e.g., "I work in HR"
   • Specific prompt: request columns like Employee Name, Job Title, etc.
   • Specify tabular format to avoid delimited data
4. Modify Prompt for Improved Data
   • Increase rows to 200
   • Ensure job titles match departments

Download and Clean the Data

• Use download button for CSV file
• Open CSV and tidy up in Excel
  • Adjust column width, convert to Excel table
  • Format columns (e.g., salary)

Generating Data for Pivot Tables

1. New Chat and Context
   • Clear chat for new task
   • Context: Data analyst, practice pivot tables
2. Prompt for Coffee Shop Sales Data
   • Request 1000 rows, allow ChatGPT to decide columns
3. Review Data Set
   • Columns: Date, Store, Coffee Type, etc.
   • Modify store names if needed (e.g., Jarbucks)

Download and Use Pivot Table Data

• Download as CSV and open in Excel
• Tidy up columns, separate date and time if necessary
• Convert to Excel table and summarize with pivot table

Conclusion

• ChatGPT is a powerful tool for generating practice datasets
• Flexibility in customization of data sets
• Encouragement to try ChatGPT and provide feedback

Call to Action

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• Comment experiences with ChatGPT