How to Get Microsoft Excel for Free

Microsoft Excel is an essential tool for data management and analysis, widely used in both personal and professional settings. If you’re looking to access this powerful spreadsheet software without spending a dime, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore several options for obtaining Microsoft Excel for free, as well as tips for learning and mastering the software.

Getting Microsoft Excel for Free

Option 1: Using Microsoft 365 Free Apps

One of the best ways to access Excel without any cost is through the free versions offered by Microsoft. With Microsoft 365 Free Apps, you can use Excel online via a web browser or download mobile apps available for both iOS and Android. This option provides 5 GB of cloud storage on OneDrive and access to other Microsoft applications, such as Word and PowerPoint.

Option 2: Using Microsoft Rewards

If you enjoy using the Bing search engine, you can earn Microsoft Rewards points simply by searching the web. Once you gather enough points, redeem them for a gift card to purchase Office products, including Excel. However, this method requires time and consistent use of Bing, and it may not be available in all regions. For more information, visit the Microsoft Rewards website.

Option 3: Educational Versions

Another route to get Excel for free is through educational institutions. If you’re a student, teacher, or staff member at an accredited school, you may qualify for a free version of Microsoft Office, which includes Excel. Check the Microsoft Education website for details on eligibility and registration.

Learning Microsoft Excel

Once you’ve accessed Excel, it’s time to enhance your skills. Here are some free online courses that can help you learn how to use Excel effectively:

Free Online Courses

• GoSkills & HubSpot Academy Excel for Marketers Course – This course is designed for marketers but applicable to anyone. It covers essential formulas, functions, and shortcuts and can be completed in under two hours. You’ll receive a certificate of achievement upon completion.
• Microsoft’s Excel for Windows Training – Comprehensive free tutorials provided directly by Microsoft, organized into functional learning modules covering the latest version of Excel. Visit Microsoft Training for more information.
• The Spreadsheet Page – Offers professionally designed Excel templates you can download and customize, alongside various tutorials and guides. Check it out at The Spreadsheet Page.
• Trump Excel – A resource that offers a wealth of free Excel tutorials, videos on functions, productivity tips, and a free 51 Excel tips ebook.
• Introduction to MS Excel by Simplilearn – This beginner-friendly course includes seven hours of self-paced video lessons covering essential spreadsheet features. A shareable certificate is available upon completion. Explore it at Simplilearn.

Additional Resources

• Free Excel Spreadsheets to Practice – Websites such as Vertex42 offer free downloadable templates to practice your Excel skills.
• Email Courses from Spreadsheeto – Receive daily 10-minute email courses to help beginners learn Excel quickly.
• LinkedIn Learning – Provides a 30-day free trial of their Excel courses. Visit LinkedIn Learning for more details.
• Excel Macros and Automation – Resources such as Wellsr.com offer collections of macros to automate repetitive tasks in Excel.

Conclusion

Unlocking Microsoft Excel for free is feasible via various methods, such as utilizing the free web and mobile versions from Microsoft 365, earning Microsoft Rewards, or accessing educational versions. Moreover, a plethora of online courses and resources exists to support your Excel learning journey. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen advanced skills, with these tips, you can successfully navigate the world of Excel.

Tips for Learning Microsoft Excel

• Start with the Basics – Familiarize yourself with creating spreadsheets, entering formulas, and basic functions.
• Practice Regularly – Regular practice with free downloadable templates can enhance your skills.
• Use Online Courses – Consider online courses mentioned above for structured learning.
• Explore Advanced Features – Once you’re comfortable, delve into advanced features like VLOOKUP and PivotTables.
• Join Online Communities – Engage in forums where you can ask questions and interact with other Excel users.
• Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts – Speed up your workflow by mastering essential keyboard shortcuts.
• Create Dashboards – Learn how to create dashboards for effective data management.
• Practice Data Analysis – Use tools like charts and conditional formatting to analyze data visually.
• Automate Tasks – Learn how to automate repetitive tasks using macros and VBA for improved efficiency.
• Stay Updated – Keep yourself informed about the latest Excel features and updates through Microsoft’s resources.

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Next Steps

1. Access Microsoft 365 Free Apps: Start by signing up for Microsoft 365 Free Apps to use Excel online or through mobile apps. This is a great way to get immediate access to Excel without any cost.
2. Earn Microsoft Rewards: Explore the Microsoft Rewards program to accumulate points by using Bing, which you can later redeem for Microsoft Office products.
3. Check Educational Resources: If you are a student or a teacher, visit the Microsoft Education website to find out if you are eligible for a free version of Excel through your school.
4. Enroll in Free Excel Courses: Consider enrolling in free online courses, such as Introduction to MS Excel by Simplilearn or GoSkills Excel for Marketers Course, to build your Excel skills.
5. Practice with Templates: Download and use free Excel templates from Vertex42 to practice your skills regularly and apply what you’ve learned.
6. Join Online Communities: Engage with online communities and forums to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with other Excel users.