Getting into data analytics doesn’t mean you have to learn Python overnight or pretend to understand what a “pivot table” is. If you’re a beginner, it’s about starting with tools that actually help you learn—not scare you off. That’s where our top five beginner data analytics tools come in.
They’re simple. They’re widely used. And they give you a real feel for what working in data is like. Whether you’re testing the waters with a free class or going all-in on a data analytics bootcamp, these tools will help you build skills that stick.
Keep reading for the breakdown: What they are, why they matter, and how to get started.
1. Excel: The original (and still essential) analytics tool
We know—it’s not flashy. But Excel is still (40 years later) one of the most powerful and widely used data tools on the planet. If you’re a total beginner, it’s the perfect tool to start with.
Excel is great for:
- Organizing and cleaning messy data
- Using formulas to analyze trends
- Building simple charts
In our Excel 足球竞彩网amentals Workshop—designed specifically for beginners—you’ll get hands-on, practical skills and skip the boring theory. (Okay, there is some theory, but only the necessary stuff. No fluff.) Because no one wants to sit through an excessive lecture on VLOOKUP for no good reason.
2. Google Sheets: Like Excel’s cool, collaborative cousin
Google Sheets does most of what Excel does—but online and in real time with others (plus, it’s free with a Google account). That makes it great for teamwork, quick data experiments, and practicing formulas without needing to install software.
If you’re just starting to play with data sets, Google Sheets gives you space to experiment without feeling overwhelmed. And if you’re already comfortable in Excel, transitioning to Sheets will be a breeze—it’s easier than going from Apple to Android.
Start by playing around with a grocery list, a to-do list, or a daily schedule. Practice formatting cells, adding up totals, or sorting items alphabetically (don’t be afraid to do a quick Google search to find a formula or function). You’ll get a feel for navigating a spreadsheet and using formulas and functions without getting overwhelmed.
Want some guidance getting started? We use Google Sheets in our free, two-hour data analytics class where you’ll get hands-on practice with a real-world dataset—all taught live by an industry pro.
3. Tableau: The tool that turns your insights into impact
Once you’re comfortable reading and manipulating data, the next step is knowing how to show it. That’s where Tableau comes in. It’s a drag-and-drop data visualization tool that turns raw info into dashboards that even your boss can understand.
We cover this in our beginner-friendly Tableau 足球竞彩网amentals Workshop, where you’ll learn how to connect data sources, build charts, and create dashboards that tell a story. You’ll walk away knowing how to visualize trends, highlight insights, and present your analysis in a way that actually makes sense to your audience.
Even if you’ve never touched a data tool before, Tableau makes it possible to create visuals that are clean, clear, and compelling. Bonus: it’s a major resume booster and has a thriving community of data minded individuals.
4. SQL: When you’re ready to graduate from spreadsheets
SQL (pronounced “sequel”) stands for Structured Query Language, and it’s how analysts talk to databases. You don’t need to be fluent from day one, but learning the basics will give you a huge leg up.
Once you understand how to pull the right data using simple queries, you’ll feel like a data detective. And trust us—there’s something deeply satisfying about typing out a few lines and watching rows of relevant info magically appear.
In both our Data Analytics Short Course and our Data Analytics Bootcamp, you’ll learn SQL step-by-step, from “what’s a query” to “build your own database pull.”
5. Python: Your not-so-scary gateway to coding
If you’ve ever thought learning to code was only for developers—think again. Python is one of the most beginner-friendly programming languages out there. Analysts use Python for everything from cleaning messy datasets to building visualizations and running statistical analysis. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for data work—versatile, approachable, and seriously useful.
Even if you’ve never written a line of code, Python makes it easy to start experimenting. You can use it to automate boring tasks, run basic data analysis, or build small projects that show off your new skills.
We offer a range of Python learning options depending on how deep you want to go:
- Start small with our free class, Hands-On Coding Basics: Python
- Go a bit deeper (but still beginner-friendly) in our Programming with Python 足球竞彩网amentals Workshop
- Or build a solid foundation that showcases your skills to employers in our Python Programming Short Course
You don’t need to become a software engineer. But knowing a little Python? It’ll give you a major edge in your data journey.
Want to try these beginner data analytics tools for yourself?
The best way to learn data is to actually do data. That’s why all of our free data classes, beginner-friendly workshops, and short courses are built around real tools and real projects.
Whether you’re building dashboards in Tableau, running your first SQL query, or organizing survey results in Sheets, you’ll gain hands-on practice with the tools that matter.
And if you’re ready for a full career shift? Our Data Analytics Bootcamp can take you from beginner to job-ready analyst in just a few months.
Final thoughts for future data pros
Choosing the right beginner data analytics tools can make or break your learning experience. So don’t get overwhelmed by all the options—just start small and build up. Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau, SQL, and Python will give you a solid foundation (and then some).
Whether you’re learning on your lunch break or getting serious about a career pivot, we’ve got tools, instructors, and trainings that align with your goals.
Try a free class. Take a workshop. Enroll in a short course or bootcamp. Whatever path you choose, you’ll be learning with tools that translate directly to real-world success.
Because data doesn’t have to be intimidating—it just has to be approachable. And a little fun.