Best Free Online Excel Courses for Learning Microsoft Excel

Mastering Microsoft Excel is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your productivity and open up numerous professional opportunities. Fortunately, there are many high-quality, free online Excel courses available from reputable institutions. Here are some of the best free online Excel courses to help you learn Microsoft Excel:

1. Excel Efficiency Essentials by Financial Edge Training

Provider: Financial Edge Training
Duration: Self-paced
Level: Beginner to Intermediate

This course is designed to boost your efficiency in Excel by covering 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.

2. Excel Skills for Business: Essentials by Macquarie University

Provider: Coursera (Macquarie University)
Duration: 6 weeks, 2-4 hours per week
Level: Beginner

This course from Macquarie University is part of a broader Excel Skills for Business specialization. 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.

3. LinkedIn Learning: Master Microsoft Excel

Provider: LinkedIn
Duration: 12h 50m of content
Level: Beginner to Intermediate

This comprehensive course covers a wide range of topics, from basic functions to advanced data analysis and visualization. It’s ideal for those who want to improve their Excel skills across various levels.

4. Useful Excel for Beginners

Provider: Udemy
Duration: 9hr 38min
Level: Beginner

This beginner-focused course is designed to be easy to follow, with downloadable files and video tutorials. It’s perfect for those who need a refresher in Excel fundamentals or are new to the application.

5. Excel Fundamentals for Data Analysis by IBM

Provider: Coursera (IBM)
Duration: 4 weeks, 2-4 hours per week
Level: Beginner

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 Resources

GoSkills & HubSpot Academy Excel for Marketers Course

Provider: GoSkills and HubSpot Academy
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Level: Beginner

This course is designed for marketers and busy professionals who need to quickly get up to speed with Excel’s most common formulas, functions, and shortcuts. It’s perfect for those who need a refresher in Excel fundamentals and offers a certificate of achievement upon completion.

Microsoft’s Excel for Windows Training

Provider: Microsoft
Duration: Varies (short topics and modules)
Level: Beginner to Advanced

Microsoft provides a comprehensive resource hub for all Microsoft Office applications, including Excel. The training includes free tutorials that cover the latest version of Excel, organized into functional learning modules. The videos are broken down into short topics and modules that are practical, straightforward, and easy to understand.

The Spreadsheet Page

Provider: The Spreadsheet Page
Duration: Varies (multiple resources)
Level: Beginner to Advanced

The Spreadsheet Page offers a wide range of free resources, including:

• 100+ Excel functions with examples and videos
• Excel tips you can apply instantly to boost productivity
• Excel VBA tips to automate repetitive tasks
• Excel charting tips
• Excel dashboards, including detailed tutorials, examples, and download files
• Excel templates for every situation
• Best Excel books to make you an Excel pro

Additionally, they provide free courses on topics like Excel Power Query, VBA, Dashboard, and a comprehensive Excel training made up of 12+ hours of basic and advanced videos.

Introduction to MS Excel by Simplilearn

Provider: Simplilearn
Duration: 7 hours of self-paced video lessons
Level: Beginner

This free course from Simplilearn is designed for beginners and covers essential spreadsheet features, how to automate activities, analyze data, create reports, and use Excel for real-world tasks. It’s great for those who have never used Excel before and offers a shareable certificate upon completion.

Conclusion

Mastering Microsoft Excel is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your productivity and open up numerous professional opportunities. These free online Excel courses offer excellent learning opportunities from reputable institutions, covering everything from basic functions to advanced data analysis and visualization. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your intermediate skills, there’s a course here for you. Dive into these courses and take your Excel skills to the next level without spending a penny.

Tips for Learning Microsoft Excel

• Start with the Basics: Begin with courses that cover the fundamentals of Excel, such as the Excel Skills for Business: Essentials course by Macquarie University.
• Practice Regularly: Use free practice spreadsheets from resources like Vertex42.com and Spreadsheeto’s Daily 10-Minute Email Course to reinforce your learning.
• Focus on Efficiency: Use courses like “Excel Efficiency Essentials” by Financial Edge Training to learn shortcuts and tips that can boost your productivity.
• Explore Advanced Topics: Once you have a solid foundation, move on to more advanced topics with courses like “Excel Fundamentals for Data Analysis” by IBM.
• Utilize Microsoft Resources: Take advantage of Microsoft’s free training resources, which include tutorials and modules that cover the latest version of Excel.
• Get Certified: Consider taking courses that offer certification, such as the “Excel for Marketers” course by GoSkills and HubSpot Academy, to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

By following these tips and utilizing the best free online Excel courses, you can quickly and effectively improve your Microsoft Excel skills and enhance your professional toolkit.

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Next Steps

1. Enroll in a Free Course: Choose a course from the list provided in the article, such as the Excel Skills for Business: Essentials by Macquarie University to build a strong foundation.
2. Practice Regularly: Enhance your skills by regularly practicing with tools and exercises from Vertex42, which offers free downloadable templates and practice spreadsheets.
3. Explore Additional Resources: Check out Five Free Excel Courses 2024 for more learning opportunities and stay updated on the latest offerings.
4. Utilize Microsoft’s Resources: Visit Microsoft’s official Excel training for free tutorials and tips tailored to your skill level, from beginner to advanced.
5. Consider Certification: If you’re aiming to showcase your skills to employers, look into obtaining a certificate from the Excel for Marketers course offered by GoSkills and HubSpot Academy.