This guide will discuss how to perform reverse coding in Excel.
Excel is a popular tool for organizing and analyzing data. Since it has several built-in functions and tools, we can easily perform difficult statistical calculations. More importantly, we can easily analyze and interpret data from a survey using Excel.
A survey is a series of predetermined questions that is usually given to a sample population to describe or draw conclusions from the population from which the sample was drawn.
And a common way to do surveys is to reverse-code the questions. So this means we will rephrase or change the positive questions negatively to ensure that the participants are providing consistent responses. Additionally, these types of questions are called reverse-coded.
Thus, the scoring or analysis of the survey responses should also be reverse-coded to interpret the results correctly. Similarly, we can also reverse the order of a data set using the sort tool and the INDEX function in Excel.
Let’s take a sample scenario wherein we must perform reverse coding in Excel.
Suppose you have a data set containing the results from a survey. You made two reverse-coded questions. So you have to reverse-code the scores as well to get the results correctly. To do this, you used a simple formula to reverse-code the scores.
Before we move on to a real example, let’s learn how to write the functions we will use to perform reverse coding in Excel.
The Anatomy of the INDEX Function
The syntax or the way we write the INDEX function is as follows:
=INDEX(array, row_num, [coloumn_num])
Let’s take apart this formula and understand what each term means:
- = the equal sign is how to begin any function in Excel.
- INDEX() refers to our
INDEXfunction. This function is used to return a value or cell reference at the intersection of a specific row and column in a given range. - array is a required argument. So this refers to the range of cell or array constants we will use.
- row_num is also a required argument. And this will select the row in the array or reference from which we want to return a value. If this argument is omitted, the column_num argument will be required.
- column_num is an optional argument unless the row_num is omitted. And this will also choose the column in the array or reference from which to return a value.
The Anatomy of the ROWS Function
The syntax or the way we write the ROWS function is as follows:
=ROWS(array)
Let’s take apart this formula and understand what each term means:
- = the equal sign is how we start any function in Excel.
- ROWS() is our
ROWSfunction. And this is used to return several rows in a reference or array. - array is the only needed argument. And this refers to an array, array formula, or cell reference for which we want the number of rows to be returned.
Great! Now let’s dive into a real example of performing reverse coding in Excel.
A Real Example of Performing Reverse Coding in Excel
Let’s say we have a data set containing the results from a survey. And two out of the five questions contain reverse-coded questions. So we need to reverse code the scores from those questions. So our initial data set would look like this:
For instance, our survey was designed with 5 questions. The possible responses to each question are strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree.
We assigned a value of 5 to strongly disagree. Disagree is 4, neutral is 3, agree is 2, and strongly agree is 1.
In this case, the reverse-coded questions are questions 1 and 3. So we need to reverse their scores. Thus, the scoring assigned will be reversed such that 1 will become 5, 2 will be 4, 3 will stay 3, 2 will become 4, and 1 will become 5.
To do this, we will add one to the highest possible score, which is 5. Then, we will add 1 to get a value of 6. Next, we will subtract the original scores from 6 to obtain the reverse score value.
Secondly, we can also use a formula to reverse code text string data. And we will be using the INDEX function and the ROWS function. So the INDEX function will get the result from the inputted row number of the specified range. Then, the ROWS function will give the count of the several selected rows.
So our final data set would look like this:
You can make your own copy of the spreadsheet above using the link attached below.
Amazing! Now let’s move on to the steps of how to perform reverse coding in Excel.
How to Perform Reverse Coding in Excel
In this section, we will explain the step-by-step process of how to perform reverse coding in Excel. Additionally, each step has detailed instructions and pictures to guide you through the process.
1. First, let’s try reverse-coding survey scores. So we would need to copy and paste the original data set. To do this, simply select the entire data set and press Ctrl + C. Then, we will right-click and select Paste.
2. Secondly, we will calculate the reverse scores for questions 1 and 3. In this case, we will subtract the original values with 6. To do this, we will input the formula “=6-B2” in the copied data set. Lastly, we will press the Enter key to return the result.
3. Thirdly, we will drag down the Fill Handle tool to copy the formula and apply it to the rest of the column.
4. Next, we will do the same steps to question 3. In this case, we will type in the formula “=6-D2”. Then, we will press the Enter key to return the result.
5. Then, we will drag the Fill Handle tool down to copy the formula.
6. And tada! We have performed reverse coding in Excel.
7. Additionally, let’s try using a formula to perform reverse coding. In this case, we create a new column to input the reverse order. So we will type in the formula “=INDEX($B$16:$B$20, ROWS(B16:$B$20))”. Lastly, we will press the Enter key to return the result.
8. Afterward, we will drag down the Fill Handle tool to copy the formula and get the reverse order.
9. And tada! We have successfully used a formula to perform reverse coding in Excel.
And that’s pretty much it. We have explained how to perform reverse coding in Excel. Now you can apply this method to your work whenever you need to reverse code your data set.
Are you interested in learning more about what Excel can do? You can now use the ROWS function and the various other Microsoft Excel formulas available to create great worksheets that work for you. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about the latest guides and tutorials from us.
