Comprehensive Guide to Basic Excel Training Online for Free

Microsoft Excel is an indispensable tool for data analysis, budgeting, project management, and more. Mastering Excel can significantly enhance your productivity and open up numerous professional opportunities. Fortunately, there are numerous high-quality, free online Excel courses available to help you get started. Here’s a detailed guide to the best free resources for learning basic Excel:

1. Excel for Marketers Course by GoSkills and HubSpot Academy

This course is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to brush up on their Excel skills quickly. It covers essential formulas, functions, and shortcuts that can be applied universally, making it perfect for marketers, business owners, and other professionals. The course is designed to be completed in under two hours, making it ideal for busy individuals.

2. Excel Efficiency Essentials by Financial Edge Training

This course is designed to boost your efficiency in Excel by teaching essential shortcuts, tips, and tricks. It’s perfect for both beginners and intermediate users looking to streamline their workflow and improve their productivity in handling spreadsheets. The course is self-paced, making it flexible for those with varying schedules.

3. Excel Skills for Business: Essentials by Macquarie University

This course is part of a broader Excel Skills for Business specialization offered by Macquarie University on Coursera. It starts with the basics, covering essential functions and features of Excel, and gradually builds up to more complex tasks. You’ll learn how to create and format spreadsheets, use basic formulas, and manage data effectively. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone new to Excel.

4. LinkedIn Learning: Master Microsoft Excel

LinkedIn Learning offers a comprehensive course on Mastering Microsoft Excel. With 12 hours and 50 minutes of content, this course covers everything from basic to intermediate skills. It’s an excellent resource for those who want a structured learning experience.

5. Udemy: Useful Excel for Beginners

This course is specifically designed for beginners and is very easy to follow. The files are available for download, allowing you to practice along with the videos. It’s a great resource for those who need a straightforward guide to get started with Excel.

6. Excel Fundamentals for Data Analysis by IBM

Offered by IBM on Coursera, this course provides a solid foundation in using Excel for data analysis. It covers essential skills such as data manipulation, basic functions and formulas, and introductory data visualization. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the fundamental skills needed to perform basic data analysis tasks in Excel.

Additional Tips for Learning Excel

• Practice Files:
  • Excel in a Hurry Practice File: This practice file is available for download and can be used to practice the skills learned in the “Excel Express Tutorial for Beginners” video. It includes exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned.
• YouTube Tutorials:
  • Excel for Beginners – The Complete Course: This YouTube video provides a comprehensive introduction to Excel, covering spreadsheet terminology, creating and saving workbooks, entering values, formulas, functions, formatting, and more. It’s an excellent resource for those who prefer video tutorials.
• HubSpot Excel Resources:
  • HubSpot offers a wealth of free resources, including 100+ Excel functions with examples and videos, Excel tips to boost productivity, and Excel VBA tips to automate repetitive tasks. Additionally, they provide free courses on topics like Excel Power Query, VBA, and dashboards.
• Downloadable Exercise Files:
  • The “Excel Tutorial Beginner to Advanced” course on YouTube provides downloadable exercise files to help you follow along. These files are essential for mastering Excel and can be downloaded from the course website.

Conclusion

Learning Microsoft Excel doesn’t have to be expensive. With these free online resources, you can enhance your skills and become proficient in Excel without spending a penny. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, these courses and tutorials will guide you through the basics and beyond, helping you to master the power of Excel for your projects.

By following these steps and utilizing these resources, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Excel expert. Remember to practice regularly and take advantage of the downloadable exercise files and practice files to reinforce your learning. Happy learning!

Support our mission at Excel Foundations by donating or purchasing our ebook.

Next Steps

1. Enroll in a Free Course: Start your journey by enrolling in the Excel for Marketers Course or the Excel Skills for Business: Essentials to build a solid foundation in Excel.
2. Watch YouTube Tutorials: Check out the Excel for Beginners – The Complete Course on YouTube for a comprehensive introduction to Excel’s features.
3. Download Practice Files: Enhance your learning by downloading practice files from the Excel Tutorial Beginner to Advanced course, allowing you to apply your newfound skills.
4. Explore Additional Resources: Visit the HubSpot Excel Resources for free tutorials, tips, and example functions to further boost your productivity.
5. Practice Regularly: Dedicate time each week to practice the skills you learn through these courses and resources. Consistent practice is key to mastering Excel.