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Update Analysis

Update Analysis provides a one-click way to add data to an existing analysis. It looks for a logical extension of the existing data and updates the chart with this additional data.

When to Use Update Analysis

Use Update Analysis when:

  • You've added new data to your dataset:
    • If your data is arranged in columns, Update Analysis looks for new rows
    • If your data is arranged in rows, Update Analysis looks for new columns
  • You've removed data from your dataset—the update reflects the data being removed
  • Data values have changed and you want to refresh the results

How It Works

  1. Select the analysis worksheet — Click anywhere on a worksheet that was created by a Quantum XL analysis tool (Pareto, Histogram, Boxplot, etc.)

  2. Click Update Analysis — On the Quantum XL ribbon, click Update Analysis

  3. Results update automatically — Quantum XL looks for a logical extension of your original data range, includes any new data it finds, and re-runs the analysis with the original settings

No User Interface

Update Analysis does not display any dialogs. It adds or removes data that is a logical extension of the original dataset.

How Data Extension Works

When you click Update Analysis, Quantum XL examines the cells immediately adjacent to your original data range. If it finds new data that logically extends your dataset, it automatically includes that data in the updated analysis.

Example: Data in Columns

Step 1: Original data and analysis

You select cells A1:A5 and create a Dot Plot:

A
1 Values
2 12.4
3 15.1
4 13.8
5 14.2

Original data range: A1:A5 (header row + 4 data rows)

Step 2: Add new data

Later, you add three more values to rows 6, 7, and 8:

A
1 Values
2 12.4
3 15.1
4 13.8
5 14.2
6 16.0
7 11.9
8 14.7

Step 3: Click Update Analysis

Quantum XL detects that rows 6-8 contain data that logically extends your original selection. The analysis updates to include all 7 values.

Updated data range: A1:A8 (header row + 7 data rows)

Example: Data in Rows

Step 1: Original data and analysis

You select cells A1:E1 and create a Dot Plot:

A B C D E
1 Values 12.4 15.1 13.8 14.2

Original data range: A1:E1 (header column + 4 data columns)

Step 2: Add new data

Later, you add three more values to columns F, G, and H:

A B C D E F G H
1 Values 12.4 15.1 13.8 14.2 16.0 11.9 14.7

Step 3: Click Update Analysis

Quantum XL detects that columns F-H contain data that logically extends your original selection. The analysis updates to include all 7 values.

Updated data range: A1:H1 (header column + 7 data columns)

What counts as a logical extension?

Quantum XL looks for continuous data in the same columns (or rows) immediately following your original range. Empty cells stop the extension—see Gap Detection below.

Data Range Detection Summary

Change Type What Happens
Data extension New rows or columns added to the end of your data are automatically included
Data contraction If rows or columns have been removed, the analysis adjusts to the smaller range
Value changes Modified values within the original range are reflected in the updated results

Gap Detection

If Update Analysis finds 5 or more consecutive empty rows or columns in the extension area (beyond the original data range), it will display a warning. This helps catch situations where data may have been accidentally placed with gaps, which could affect analysis accuracy.

Limitations

Single Group Data Orientation Not Supported

Update Analysis does not work with analyses that were created using the Single Group Data orientation. For these analyses, use Modify Analysis instead, which allows you to reconfigure the data selection.