What Makes Us Different?

✔️ We explain ideas in a way that actually makes sense
✔️ We focus on what matters, not showing off skills
✔️ We make it feel like a conversation, not a lecture
✔️ We care more about confidence than perfection

A Letter for the Curious Analyst

You didn’t land here by accident.Something led you here.
Maybe it was a random post. A saved video. A quiet thought you had last night.
“Maybe I could try data.”
If that thought brought you here, I’m glad.You don’t need to know where this journey will take you.
You just need to be curious enough to explore it.There’s no single way to learn.
Some people start with Excel.
Some with Python.
Some with questions they want answers to.Whatever your entry point, it counts.This is a place for learners who think deeply and grow slowly.
It’s not about rushing.
It’s not about knowing everything.
It’s about learning to explain what you see.Some days will click. Some won’t.
Keep showing up anyway.

You belong in this space.
Even if you’re unsure.
Especially if you’re unsure.This is your sign.
Try.

- Isaac
Founder of Explain the Data

Explain the Data is a calm, beginner-friendly space that helps you do one thing really well: make sense of your data.We know that data can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. That's why everything we do is focused on clarity, confidence, and real understanding. No buzzwords. No tech bro energy. Just thoughtful content that helps you grow.

What We Do

We create resources, challenges, and prompts that help people:
- Understand what their data is really saying
- Communicate insights clearly
- Build confidence in projects and presentations
- Practice explaining their work, not just doing itWhether you're:
- Teaching yourself data on nights and weekends
- Switching careers into data analysis
- Leading a team that needs clearer dashboards
- Or just curious about the numbers behind a problemYou're welcome here.

How We're Different

This isn’t a course. It’s not a bootcamp. It’s not a funnel.We don’t focus on "learning every tool." We focus on helping you:
- Get clear on the problem
- Clean your dataset
- Ask good questions
- And explain the answer in a way that actually makes senseYou’ll find original datasets, write-up prompts, helpful templates, and a community mindset.We believe that data isn’t just a skill. It’s a language. And when you learn to speak it clearly, doors open.

Why It Matters

In a world full of dashboards and charts, the ability to explain what the data means is rare.
We’re here to make it common.Welcome to Explain the Data.
Let’s make the numbers make sense.

Each project on this page is designed to help you understand and explain data in a clear way. You will find project write ups, documentation, and links to explore the data yourself.These aren’t just random datasets. Every single one here was collected and shared by Explain the Data. They were created to help you practice real skills.But here’s the part that makes it different: we don’t just want answers. We want your explanation.Clean the data. Explore it. Then tell us what you did. You can write a post, an article, share screenshots, or even record a quick video.That’s the skill we care about here. Can you make sense of the numbers? Can you explain them clearly?When you share your work, tag @Explain the Data on LinkedIn so we can cheer you on and learn from your perspective too.

• Want to submit your project?

Need Help Explaining Your Project?Start here if you’re not sure how to explain your analysis. These guides will help you structure your thoughts, highlight key insights, and walk us through your process like a pro.

• Project Write-Up Template
• Video Walkthrough Script Template

Analyze Global Freelance Projects

This dataset gives you a peek into real freelance jobs posted online. You’ll find job titles, price ranges, required skills, and client info. It’s a great way to explore trends in freelance work and practice breaking down project details.

• Get the Dataset
• View Documentation

Try Answering These
• What is the average freelance rate in different countries?
• Which skills or tags show up the most in high-paying jobs?
• Are highly-rated clients paying more for projects?Find more detailed steps and questions in the project documentation linked above.

Analyze Public Projects on GitHub

GitHub is full of projects. This dataset gives you a look at 14,000+ public GitHub repos. You can explore stats like stars, forks, languages, and activity. It’s a great way to practice data cleaning, trend analysis, or storytelling with real-world tech data.

• Get the Dataset
• View Documentation

Try Answering These:
• What are the most starred repos in this dataset?
• Do repos with a README get more stars?
• Can you spot any repos that seem “hidden gems” (low stars but high health)?Find more detailed steps and questions in the project documentation linked above.

Analyze UK Property Sales

This dataset gives you a chance to explore real UK property sales. You’ll see how house prices changed over time, which types of homes sold the most, and how often people moved. You’ll practice joining tables, sorting by dates, and exploring how prices changed over time.

• Get the Dataset
• View Documentation

Try Answering These:
• Which homes had the biggest price increase between sales?
• How often are properties being sold and resold?
• What’s the average sale price for different property types?Find more detailed steps and questions in the project documentation linked above.

These tools and templates are here to make your learning journey smoother. Everything here is free, simple, and made to help you explain your data more clearly.We collect and share resources that make data feel less scary. Suggest one you love!

• Add to the Library

Data Cleaning Checklist

This checklist shows every step from raw file to clean file. Follow it to spot errors and make data ready for study.

• Check It Out

Project Write-Up Template

This guide helps you explain what you did, how you did it, and what it means.

• Check It Out

Dashboard Review Checklist

Before you hit share, run this list. It catches slow pages, hidden labels, and weak color choices.

• Check It Out

Tool Picker Guide for Beginners

Answer a few quick questions and the guide points you to Excel, SQL, Tableau, or Python. Choosing a start tool becomes easy.

• Check It Out

Portfolio Page Template

A simple map for your story. It helps recruiters see value without digging.

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Final Data Analysis Checklist

Run these checks on data, code, visuals, and docs. They make sure the project is solid before share.

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Video Walkthrough Script Template

Use the guide to tell why the project matters, what the data says, and what comes next. Viewers will stay with you.

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LinkedIn Profile Checklist

Tick each item to tune your profile for search and human eyes. Recruiters will see value fast.

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Data Dictionary Template

This sheet stores every column name, type, and meaning. It stops guess work for anyone who reads the data.

• Check It Out