What is the purpose of the Excel 'Data Table' feature?

The 'Data Table' feature in Excel is specifically designed for sensitivity analysis, allowing users to examine how changes in input values can influence the output of formulas. This function is especially useful in scenarios where a user wants to evaluate the impact of different variable scenarios on a single formula. By setting up a data table, you can display multiple outcomes based on varying inputs, making it easier to visualize trends and make informed decisions based on data analysis.

For instance, if you are assessing how changes in interest rates affect loan payments, a data table can show various payment amounts corresponding to different rates. This feature streamlines the process of analyzing multiple scenarios without the need to manually adjust inputs and recalculate results, thereby saving time and reducing the chance of errors.

The other options focus on tasks that are not the primary function of the Data Table feature. Creating pie charts pertains to data visualization rather than analysis, formatting data speaks to the aesthetic presentation of information instead of the analytical aspect, and importing data from external sources deals with data acquisition rather than the calculation and analysis of values. Thus, the correct understanding of the purpose of the Data Table feature aligns distinctly with analyzing how different values will affect the outcome of formulas.