Data Analysis with ChatGPT
ChatGPT can help you understand, analyze, and communicate data insights - even if you're not a data scientist. From interpreting charts to explaining trends, ChatGPT makes data accessible.
How ChatGPT Helps With Data
- Interprets data and explains what it means
- Identifies patterns and trends
- Suggests analyses you should perform
- Explains statistics in plain language
- Creates narratives from numbers
- Recommends visualizations for your data
Note: For hands-on data manipulation, ChatGPT Plus with Code Interpreter (now called Advanced Data Analysis) can actually process your files. This lesson focuses on using ChatGPT to think about data.
Describing Data for Analysis
When sharing data with ChatGPT, provide:
- Context - What does this data represent?
- Structure - What are the columns/fields?
- Size - How much data is there?
- Goal - What question are you trying to answer?
Example: Understanding Sales Data
Interpreting Results
Understanding Statistical Output
Explaining What Charts Mean
Common Analysis Types
Trend Analysis
Comparison Analysis
Cohort Analysis Interpretation
Asking Good Data Questions
Explore What to Analyze
Identify Missing Data
Spot Potential Issues
Communicating Data Insights
Writing Data Summaries
Creating Executive Bullet Points
Recommending Actions
Visualization Guidance
Choosing the Right Chart
Making Charts Better
Dashboard Design
Working With Formulas
Excel/Sheets Help
Understanding Complex Formulas
Limitations to Remember
ChatGPT (without Code Interpreter) cannot:
- Open or read your actual files
- Perform calculations on raw data
- Create actual charts
- Run statistical tests on your data
But it CAN:
- Explain what you should do with your data
- Interpret results you share (as text)
- Suggest approaches and methodologies
- Help you understand what outputs mean
- Write narratives around your findings
Best Practices
1. Share Data as Text
Copy key numbers into your prompt rather than referring to files:
"My data shows: Jan: 100, Feb: 120, Mar: 115"
2. Be Clear About Your Goal
Are you exploring, validating, or communicating?
3. Check the Math
ChatGPT can make calculation errors. Verify any math it does.
4. Ask "What Am I Missing?"
ChatGPT can spot blind spots in your analysis.
5. Use It for the Story
Numbers inform, but stories persuade. Let ChatGPT help craft the narrative.
Exercise: Analyze Your Data
Try this with data you're working with:
Key Takeaways
- Describe data clearly - Context, structure, size, and goals
- Ask for interpretation - ChatGPT explains what data means
- Get analysis suggestions - Learn what to look for
- Craft narratives - Turn numbers into stories
- Choose visualizations - Get chart recommendations
- Verify calculations - Double-check any math
Even without advanced data tools, ChatGPT transforms how you think about and communicate data. Use it as your data interpretation partner.