Learning SQL, Spreadsheets & Tableau: A Beginner’s Guide to Data Analysis & Visualization

Data is Everywhere.

From Spotify’s music recommendations to TikTok’s trending videos, data shapes the world around us. The same principles that power these platforms — processing, analyzing and sharing data — drive decisions in business and government. But for many beginners, learning how to work with data feels overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be.

Learning SQL, Spreadsheets & Tableau: A Beginner’s Guide to Data Analysis & Visualization makes data approachable, practical, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to strengthen your skills, this beginner-friendly guide breaks complex concepts into simple, actionable steps you can apply right away.

What You'll Learn

Inside, you’ll follow a clear learning roadmap that mirrors the full data analysis process: from exploring and preparing data, to analyzing and sharing it. This way, you always know where you are on your journey — and what comes next.

Along the way, you’ll discover how to:

• Understand key theoretical frameworks in data analysis, including the data lifecycle, problem-solving techniques, and the role of structured data in decision-making
• Write and understand SQL queries faster with a unique SQL Syntax Color Guide
• Work confidently in Excel & Google Sheets to clean, transform, analyze, and present data
• Create compelling dashboards and reports in Tableau that tell a clear story
• Manage and query large-scale datasets with BigQuery
• Practice your skills with 28 real-world case studies, each explained step by step with screenshots

Explore the sections below to get a preview of what’s inside the guide.

Theoretical Frameworks

Before diving into hands-on practice, the guide introduces a few core concepts that shape how we approach data analysis. These simple frameworks help you understand the role of data, how to frame problems, and how to think analytically before working with tools.

Preview | SMART Questions

Preview | Pre-Attentive Attributes

Your Step-by-Step Data Journey

You’ll move through the complete data analysis lifecycle: from understanding and exploring data, to preparing, processing, analyzing and finally sharing it. Real-world case studies and a one-page visual roadmap guide you through every stage so you always know where you are and what’s next.

Preview | The Data Journey

SQL Syntax Color Guide

This guide is designed to help you master database queries using a unique SQL Syntax Color Guide that visually highlights query components for faster learning.

Preview | SQL Syntax Color Guide

SQL Case Studies

Learn by doing with practical SQL examples. You’ll practice your skills through carefully crafted SQL case studies that break down each query step by step, making it easy to follow, understand and apply on your own.

Preview | Case Study 14: SQL Code

Preview | Case Study 14: Query Breakdown

SQL Cheat Sheet

To make things even simpler, a handy SQL Cheat Sheet gives you a quick reference to all the commands and clauses covered in the guide.

Preview | SQL Cheat Sheet

Working with Spreadsheets

From cleaning and transforming data to building charts and pivot tables, spreadsheets remain a powerful tool for analysis. You’ll practice both Excel and Google Sheets to handle everyday data tasks with confidence.

Preview | Case Study 15: Google Sheets Visualization

Preview | Case Study 27: Filtering and Customizing Charts

Data Visualization with Tableau

Transform data into insights that people can actually see and understand. With Tableau, you’ll create clear, interactive dashboards and reports that tell a story.

Preview | Case Study 23: Tableau Dashboard with Multiple Visualizations

Preview | Case Study 24: Map View in Tableau

Preview | Case Study 28: Timeline Dashboard in Tableau

BigQuery & Large-Scale Data

When datasets outgrow spreadsheets, BigQuery makes analysis simple and scalable. You’ll learn how to query, join and aggregate large datasets with ease.

Preview | Case Study 4: SQL Code and Query Results

28 Real-World Case Studies

Put your skills into practice with 28 hands-on case studies spanning SQL, Spreadsheets and Tableau. Each case study follows a clear structure: starting with the scenario, then guiding you step by step with screenshots and detailed explanations. This consistent format makes it easy to follow along and replicate the process on your own.

Preview | List of Case Studies

Preview | Case Study 12: Scenario Section

Start your data journey today!

I wrote this book as the resource I wish I had when starting my own data journey. With clear explanations, visual guides and hands-on exercises, it gives you the skills to tackle SQL, spreadsheets, Tableau and BigQuery so you can put your data skills into action.

Enjoy!