Best Online Excel Courses for Beginners in 2025
Learning Microsoft Excel is an essential skill for anyone looking to improve productivity and analytical capabilities. With numerous online courses available, it can be daunting to choose the right one. Here are the top online Excel courses for beginners, categorized by their strengths and features:
1. Excel Skills for Business Specialization (Macquarie University on Coursera)
- Best Overall:
- Level: Beginner
- Workload: 26 hours
- Enrollments: 934K
- Rating: 4.9/5.0 (48K)
- Certificate: Paid
This course is highly recommended for beginners, offering a comprehensive and well-organized curriculum focused on business applications. It covers the fundamentals of Excel, including data entry, formatting, and basic data analysis. The course is part of the Excel Skills for Data Analytics and Visualization Specialization, making it an excellent starting point for those interested in data analysis and visualization.
2. Everyday Excel (University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera)
- Engaging and Practical:
- Level: Beginner
- Workload: 25 hours
- Enrollments: 263K
- Rating: 4.7/5.0 (3.3K)
- Certificate: Paid
This course stands out for its charismatic teaching approach, using simple and practical examples to make learning Excel enjoyable. It covers foundational concepts like saving and navigating Excel files, cell referencing, and data management techniques. The course includes unique evaluation methods, such as in-application assignments that offer hands-on problem-solving.
3. Excel for Everyone: Core Foundations (University of British Columbia on edX)
- Business Data Analysis Focus:
- Level: Beginner
- Workload: 24 – 36 hours
- Enrollments: 185K
- Rating: 4.6/5.0 (43)
- Certificate: Paid
This course is ideal for those interested in business data analysis, particularly finance. It covers the core tools of Excel, from basic operations to data visualization and print-ready worksheet creation. The course is structured into bite-sized, interactive videos with real-world problems and practice challenges.
4. Excel Basics for Data Analysis (IBM on Coursera)
- Hands-on Learning:
- Level: Beginner
- Workload: 12 hours
- Enrollments: 361K
- Rating: 4.8/5.0 (8.1K)
- Certificate: Paid
This course offers a concise and clear approach to learning Excel basics. It includes hands-on labs where students engage in real-world Excel scenarios, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer practical learning. The course covers foundational aspects of Excel, including spreadsheet basics and advanced topics like data quality and addressing inconsistencies.
Tips for Learning Microsoft Excel
- Start with the Basics: Begin with courses that cover the fundamental skills of Excel, such as data entry, formatting, and basic data analysis.
- Practice Regularly: Practice is key to mastering Excel. Use the practice exercises and assignments provided in the courses to reinforce your learning.
- Focus on Business Applications: If you’re interested in business data analysis, courses like “Excel Skills for Business Specialization” and “Excel for Everyone: Core Foundations” are excellent choices.
- Engage with Interactive Content: Look for courses that include interactive videos, quizzes, and hands-on labs. These formats can make learning more engaging and effective.
- Consider Specializations: Specializations like the “Excel Skills for Data Analytics and Visualization Specialization” can provide a comprehensive learning experience, covering both foundational and advanced topics.
- Seek Real-world Examples: Courses that use real-world examples, such as “Everyday Excel,” can make the learning process more relatable and interesting.
- Join a Community: Many online courses offer communities or forums where you can ask questions and get feedback from instructors and peers. This can be a valuable resource for ongoing support.
By following these tips and choosing one of the recommended courses, you’ll be well on your way to becoming proficient in Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, there’s a course on this list that can meet your needs and help you achieve your goals in the Microsoft Excel niche.
Get Additional Resources
For a more comprehensive understanding of Excel, check out our guides on how to use Microsoft Excel and our top picks for advanced courses on advanced Excel skills.
Next Steps
- Enroll in a Course: Choose one of the recommended courses from our article and start learning. If you need further guidance on selecting a course, visit this resource for a broader comparison of Excel courses.
- Practice Your Skills: Regular practice is essential. Make use of the assignments and exercises offered within your chosen course to build confidence and competence in Excel.
- Explore Additional Resources: For a deeper understanding of Excel, refer to our guides on using Microsoft Excel and enhancing your skills with advanced Excel courses.
- Join a Learning Community: Engage with online forums and communities associated with your course. This can be a valuable way to receive feedback, ask questions, and share experiences with fellow learners.
- Track Your Progress: Set specific learning goals and track your progress throughout your course. Consider maintaining a learning journal or a checklist to keep yourself accountable.