How to Use Sigma Computing

Getting started with Sigma Computing

In this guide, you will learn how to set up Sigma Computing and perform your first data analysis task using its spreadsheet interface. By the end, you’ll be able to manipulate data and generate insights without needing advanced technical skills.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Sigma Computing.
2. Click on the Get Started Free button on the homepage.
3. Enter your email address and create a password to sign up.
4. Confirm your email address through the link sent to your inbox.
5. Log in to your new account and follow the setup prompts to connect to your data warehouse (e.g., Snowflake, BigQuery).

Step 2: Your first data analysis

1. Once logged in, click on New Workbook in the top right corner.
2. Select your connected data source from the list.
3. Drag and drop the fields you want to analyse into the spreadsheet area.
4. Use the Formula Bar at the top to create calculations. For example, type SUM(A1:A10) to sum the values in column A.
5. Click on the Visualisations tab to convert your data into charts or graphs. Choose the type of visualisation you want and drag it to your workbook.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the AI Assistant by clicking on the Ask Sigma button (the question mark icon) in the top right. Type a question like "What are the sales trends over the last year?" to get suggestions for formulas and visualisations.
2. Experiment with different visualisation types to see which best represents your data.
3. Set up filters using the Filter option in the sidebar to narrow down your data analysis.

Pro tip

Use the Templates feature under the New Workbook dropdown to find pre-built analyses. This can save you time and give you ideas on how to structure your own data.

Common mistake to avoid

A common mistake is not refreshing your data after making changes. Always click the Refresh button in the top menu after editing your data connections to ensure you’re working with the most current information.