Descriptive Statistics

Question

Dear All,

I need to create a descriptive statistics worksheet of a column containing decimal values.

I have confirmed that all the data in this column, except the heading, is numeric by using the TYPE() and ISNUMBER() functions.

The TYPE() function returns 1 for all values in the column. The ISNUMBER f(x) returns TRUE for all the values in the column.

I am using Microsoft 365 and my local setting for the decimal character is a “,” (comma).

When I try to generate the table (see Figure 1 for input criteria), I get an error telling me that the input range contains non-numeric data – See Figure 2 below.

I have tried to create the table with the values unordered as well as ordered descending.

Do I need to supply more information for someone to be able to resolve this problem? I need to create this table as part of an assignment for a short course and I must submit my work by 23:00 on Tuesday 13-Apr South African time (+1GMT)

I have tried the suggestion in another post](https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/excel-input-range-contains-non-numeric-data/95138783-cbb5-430d-aa53-824258652cda) by @[grislobato, but that did not resolve the problem. 

A little later... I think I know what my problem was: I selected the range before I have entered the criteria. When I did not select the range beforehand but in the criteria box, the summary sheet was created. My problem is solved but I am leaving this question here should someone else encounters the same challenge.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,

Phlip Pretorius

Answer 1

Your input range is the whole column, including the TEXT heading ... oops

.

check out the instructions on this page:

https://www.excel-easy.com/examples/descriptive-statistics.html 

.

After you start the Descriptive Stats feature, use the mouse to select the data range, excluding the header

.

Or you could simply define the data as an Excel table, including headers.

Put the insertion point in the desired column.

When you start descriptive stats, it automagically picks up the column range

Another reason for using Excel Tables "all the time".  There is lots of subtle automation you don't even notice happening.

Answer 2

Thank you vary much @rohn007.

Much appreciated

Phlip