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.