Online Training for Excel: Free Resources for Learning Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is a versatile tool that is essential for data entry, storage, budgeting, data analysis, project management, reporting, and inventory management. Whether you’re a marketer, freelancer, entrepreneur, or business owner, having Excel skills can significantly enhance your productivity and decision-making capabilities. Here are some top-notch free online resources to help you learn Microsoft Excel:
1. Simon Sez IT – Excel 2021 Beginner to Advanced Course
This comprehensive 12-hour course covers everything from the basics of Excel to intermediate and advanced skills. The course includes topics like logical IF functions, Excel lookup functions, formatting, statistical functions, and more. It also covers how to launch Excel, explore the interface, use ribbons, tabs, and menus, and utilize the Quick Access Toolbar. The course is structured into 85 bite-sized lessons, each lasting between 5 to 15 minutes, making it easy to follow along. You can download the free exercise files to practice what you’ve learned.
2. HubSpot Academy x GoSkills Excel for Marketers Course
This free course is designed specifically for marketers but is beneficial for anyone looking to improve their Excel skills. It covers essential topics such as creating PivotTables, entering formulas, conducting VLOOKUPs, running accounting functions, and more. The course is part of HubSpot’s extensive library of free marketing resources and is a great starting point for beginners.
3. Contextures
Contextures is a treasure trove of free Excel resources, including training videos, tutorials, a monthly newsletter, and sample workbooks. Debra Dalgleish, the founder, is a Microsoft Excel Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award recipient. The site offers step-by-step instructions on performing data validation, adding filters and conditional formatting, designing charts, creating PivotTables, and running functions. This is an excellent resource for those looking to dive deeper into Excel’s capabilities.
4. Chandoo.org
Chandoo.org is another fantastic resource for learning Excel. Founded by Purna “Chandoo” Duggirala, the site aims to make users “awesome at Excel and Power BI.” It offers a variety of tutorials, tips, and tricks to help you master Excel, including guided templates, GIF demonstrations, and graph generators.
5. Alison – Free Online Excel Courses
Alison offers a wide range of free online Excel courses suitable for both beginners and intermediate users. These courses provide clear and concise explanations of Excel’s many features and functions. By completing these courses, you can earn a CPD-accredited certificate that can be added to your resume, helping you stand out in the job market.
6. RDA Presentations – Excel Resources
The Research Design & Analysis (RDA) website provides a variety of online tutorial videos on using Excel. These tutorials cover essential topics such as formulas, formatting, sorting, filtering, PivotTables, and creating charts. Additionally, there are text resources available that cover data management in Excel, including how to collect and compile data using Office 365 and Excel.
Tips for Learning Excel
- Start with the Basics: Begin with beginner courses to understand the fundamentals of Excel.
- Practice Regularly: Use the downloadable exercise files from courses like Simon Sez IT to practice what you’ve learned.
- Focus on Specific Skills: If you’re looking to improve a particular skill, such as data validation or creating PivotTables, use resources like Contextures or Chandoo.org.
- Watch Tutorials: Visual learning is effective; watch tutorial videos on YouTube channels like ExcelIsFun and MrExcel.
- Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums and communities where you can ask questions and learn from others.
By leveraging these free online resources, you can significantly enhance your Microsoft Excel skills and become proficient in using this powerful tool for various applications. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, there is something for everyone in these comprehensive training programs.
Conclusion
Learning Microsoft Excel is a continuous process that requires dedication and practice. The resources mentioned above provide a solid foundation for beginners and advanced learners alike. By following these tips and utilizing these free online training resources, you can master the skills needed to efficiently manage data, create complex spreadsheets, and perform advanced analyses. Whether you’re looking to improve your professional skills or enhance your personal productivity, these resources are essential for anyone aiming to become proficient in Microsoft Excel.
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Next Steps
- Enroll in a Free Course: Start learning Excel by enrolling in the Simon Sez IT Excel Course that offers a comprehensive guide from beginner to advanced skills.
- Enhance Marketing Skills: If you’re a marketer, consider taking the HubSpot Academy x GoSkills Excel for Marketers Course to learn how to leverage Excel effectively for marketing tasks.
- Explore Contextures: Visit Contextures for a rich set of tutorials, videos, and resources that can deepen your understanding of Excel’s functionalities.
- Practice with Real Scenarios: Download sample data files from Contextures to practice the skills you learn in your courses.
- Watch Learning Videos: Check out this YouTube tutorial to visualize Excel functions and features in action, enhancing your learning experience.
- Join Excel Communities: Participate in online Excel forums and communities to ask questions, share insights, and learn from others’ experiences.