Excel Basics Course: Free Resources for Learning Microsoft Excel

Learning Microsoft Excel can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, with the right resources, anyone can master the basics of Excel and become proficient in using this powerful spreadsheet application. Here are some top free resources to help you learn Excel basics:

1. Useful Excel for Beginners on Udemy

The “Useful Excel for Beginners” course on Udemy is an excellent starting point for those new to Excel. This free course covers the fundamentals of Excel and includes 89 videos that run for 9.5 hours. The course is designed to be easy to follow, using data related to a book store in the exercises. You can download the Table of Contents document from Chapter 1 to see all the topics the course will address. The course requires a copy of Microsoft Excel for Windows, preferably 2007 or later, and is ideal for those who have never used Excel before or are at the beginner level.

2. GoSkills & HubSpot Academy Excel for Marketers Course

This free course from GoSkills and HubSpot Academy is another excellent resource. It covers common Excel formulas, functions, and shortcuts, making it universal and applicable to any context, including marketing. The course is designed for busy professionals and can be completed in just under two hours. You’ll gain time-saving hacks and a shiny certificate of achievement upon completion.

3. Microsoft Excel – Improve Your Skills Quickly on Udemy

Udemy also offers a free Excel tutorial titled “Microsoft Excel – Improve Your Skills Quickly.” This course is taught by Phillip Burton, who has been teaching on Udemy since 2015 and has over 800,000 students. The course covers a wide range of topics, including launching Excel, exploring the interface, using ribbons and tabs, and more. Although this course is not entirely free, it offers a 14-day free trial and various paid subscription options.

4. Excel Tutorial Beginner to Advanced on YouTube

For those who prefer video tutorials, the “Excel Tutorial Beginner to Advanced” course on YouTube is a comprehensive resource. This 12-hour course covers everything from the basics of Excel to intermediate and advanced skills. It includes topics like logical IF functions, Excel lookup functions, formatting, statistical functions, and more. The course also provides downloadable exercise files to help users master Excel.

5. Microsoft Community Hub: Learn Excel Basics

The Microsoft Community Hub offers a wealth of information for beginners. The suggestion to start by thinking of a task that Excel can assist with is particularly useful. This approach helps learners apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. Additionally, the hub suggests using tutorials on Excel Easy for alternative training.

6. Master Excel Basics in NO TIME on YouTube

Jamie’s beginner class on Microsoft Excel is another valuable resource. This video tutorial covers essential topics such as opening Microsoft Excel, creating a blank workbook, basic Excel terminology, and navigating the interface. It also includes tips on saving workbooks, formatting columns and rows, and using cell styles.

Tips for Learning Excel Basics

• Start with a Practical Task: Before diving into the course materials, think of a task you want to accomplish using Excel. This will help you stay motivated and focused on practical applications.
• Use Free Resources: Take advantage of free courses and tutorials available online. These resources can provide a solid foundation in Excel basics without costing you a dime.
• Practice Along: Download exercise files from courses to practice what you’ve learned. This hands-on approach will help you retain the information better.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Begin with basic concepts such as creating a blank workbook, understanding tabs and ribbons, and saving your work. These foundational skills are essential for further learning.
• Explore Different Versions: While the course materials might mention specific versions of Excel, the concepts apply across different versions. This flexibility can help you learn more efficiently.

By leveraging these free resources and following these tips, you can quickly become proficient in using Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re a marketer, freelancer, or business owner, mastering Excel is a valuable skill that can enhance your productivity and data analysis capabilities.

Conclusion

Learning Microsoft Excel doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right resources and a practical approach, anyone can master the basics of Excel. The courses and tutorials mentioned above provide a comprehensive guide to get you started. Remember to practice along with the exercises, focus on practical tasks, and explore different versions of Excel to maximize your learning experience.

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Next Steps

1. Enroll in a Free Course: Start your Excel learning journey by enrolling in the “Useful Excel for Beginners” course on Udemy. This comprehensive course will guide you through the essentials.
2. Watch Video Tutorials: For a visual learning experience, check out the “Excel Tutorial Beginner to Advanced” on YouTube, which covers both introductory and more advanced topics.
3. Visit Excel Easy: Enhance your learning by exploring the tutorials available on Excel Easy for additional practice and theory on Excel basics.
4. Engage with the Community: Join discussions and ask questions in the Microsoft Community Hub to gain insights and tips from other Excel learners and experts.
5. Practice Regularly: Download sample data sets from the courses you take and use them to practice. Hands-on experience is vital for mastering Excel skills.