Do I need to learn Excel before SQL?

Short answer: No, you do not (and maybe even should not) need to master Excel to be proficient in SQL. Long Answer: Since both deal with tabular data, people often think Excel and SQL are related. In a way, they are, but while Excel can be (and has been) used for data storage it absolutely shouldn’t.

How long does it take to learn Excel SQL?

It should take an average learner about two to three weeks to master the basic concepts of SQL and start working with SQL databases. But in order to start using them effectively in real-world scenarios, you’ll need to become quite fluent; and that takes time.

Does Excel understand SQL?

Using SQL statements in Excel enables you to connect to an external data source, parse field or table contents and import data – all without having to input the data manually. Once you import external data with SQL statements, you can then sort it, analyze it or perform any calculations that you might need.

Can SQL replace Excel?

SQL can make your life easier, as it’s more efficient and faster than Excel. SQL is replacing Excel in many fields, and data analysis is certainly one of them. If you are still using Excel as a data analyst, you are missing something very valuable.

Is SQL easier than Excel?

SQL is much faster than Excel. It can take minutes in SQL to do what it takes nearly an hour to do in Excel. Excel can technically handle one million rows, but that’s before the pivot tables, multiple tabs, and functions you’re probably using. When using SQL, your data is stored separately from your analysis.

What can SQL do that Excel cant?

Conclusion: SQL and Excel are better together

Excel weaknesses	SQL strengths
Data and analysis are in the same file	Data is separate from the analysis
Can’t handle large datasets.	Built for data (volume and integrity)
Not built with Business Continuity in mind	Range of security, auditing & backup features