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Excel for Beginners

Beginner Functions

This 1-hour, project-based course introduces learners to basic spreadsheet functions. We’ll be using Excel on the Web in this project, which is the free spreadsheet program offered by Microsoft. However, all of the concepts that you will learn in this project will be applicable to other spreadsheet programs, such as LibreOffice Calc and Google Sheets.

We will cover the following concepts in a hands-on manner:

- Review basic functions: sum, min, max, average

- Introduction to date-based functions: today, year, month, day, datedif

We will cover the following concepts in a hands-on manner:

- Review basic functions: sum, min, max, average

- Introduction to date-based functions: today, year, month, day, datedif

- Trying out conditional functions: if, iferror, countif, sumif

- Applying string-manipulation functions: find, replace, proper, concat, textjoin

Please Note: If you don't have a free Microsoft account, you will need to create one to be able to complete the content.

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Builds a foundation for participants who want to develop their understanding of core spreadsheet functions

Employs hands-on, interactive exercises, making it suitable for various learning styles and levels of experience

Covers a range of basic to intermediate spreadsheet functions, addressing a need for both beginners and those seeking to enhance their skills

Uses Excel on the Web, which is a free and widely accessible software

Applicable to different spreadsheet programs, such as LibreOffice Calc and Google Sheets, enhancing its versatility for learners

Requires a free Microsoft account, which may be a minor barrier for some learners

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Reviews summary

Foundational excel functions for novices

According to students, "Excel for Beginners: Beginner Functions" is a highly effective introduction to core spreadsheet functionalities. Learners appreciate its clear explanations and hands-on, project-based approach, which helps solidify understanding. The course's concise, 1-hour format is frequently praised as ideal for busy schedules, making it a quick and practical skill-builder. While exceptionally well-suited for absolute beginners, some reviews indicate that those with even minimal prior spreadsheet experience might find it too elementary. The use of free Excel on the Web enhances accessibility.

Uses free Excel on the Web, making it easy to follow along without purchases.

"Using Excel on the Web made it accessible without needing to buy software."

"I appreciated that I didn't need to purchase any special software for this course."

"The fact that it uses Excel on the Web makes it incredibly convenient for everyone."

Short duration makes it easy to complete and quickly acquire skills.

"I especially appreciated the bite-sized lessons, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule."

"Excellent quick course for beginners!"

"The course is short, which is a pro and a con - great for a quick overview, but don't expect deep dives."

Perfectly designed for those with no prior spreadsheet experience.

"This course was exactly what I needed to get started with Excel."

"Good for absolute novices, perhaps."

"It feels like it's designed for people who have never opened a spreadsheet."

Practical, hands-on exercises enhance immediate application of skills.

"The hands-on exercises really solidified my understanding."

"A good introductory course. It covers the basics well and the project-based approach is effective."

"The project format helped me apply what I learned immediately. I feel much more confident using these functions now."

Instructor provides concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.

"The instructor was very clear and the hands-on exercises really solidified my understanding."

"The explanations were straightforward, and using Excel on the Web made it accessible without needing to buy software."

"The instructor broke down complex ideas into simple steps. The examples were relevant."

May be too slow or elementary for those with some prior experience.

"If you have any prior experience with spreadsheets, this might be too slow for you."

"Too elementary. I found most of this content available easily online for free."

"I was hoping for a bit more depth even for 'beginner' functions, but it stuck strictly to the fundamentals."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Excel for Beginners: Beginner Functions with these activities:

Review Basic Math Operations

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Strengthen your foundational math skills to enhance your understanding of spreadsheet formulas.

Browse courses on Arithmetic

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Review basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Practice solving simple math problems

Organize Your Course Materials

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Enhance your learning experience by organizing your notes, assignments, and other course materials.

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Create a dedicated folder for the course
File your notes and assignments in separate folders
Use a note-taking app to organize your notes

Revisit Previous Spreadsheet Experience

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Recall and refresh your existing spreadsheet knowledge to build a stronger foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Spreadsheet Basics

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Reflect on your past spreadsheet experiences
Review basic spreadsheet concepts and terminology

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Attend a Spreadsheet User Group Meetup

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Connect with other spreadsheet users and learn about the latest trends and best practices.

Browse courses on Networking

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Find a user group meetup in your area
Attend the meetup
Introduce yourself and participate in discussions

Practice Worksheet 1

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Familiarize yourself with basic spreadsheet functions using a worksheet.

Browse courses on Excel on the Web

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Download the worksheet
Complete the exercises
Check your answers

Practice Worksheet 2

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Reinforce your spreadsheet skills by completing a more challenging worksheet.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Download the worksheet
Complete the exercises
Check your answers

Learn about Conditional Functions

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Enhance your spreadsheet skills by exploring conditional functions and their applications.

Browse courses on Conditional Functions

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Find a tutorial on conditional functions
Follow the tutorial and complete the examples
Create your own spreadsheet using conditional functions

Create a Spreadsheet for Personal Finance

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Apply your spreadsheet skills to create a practical tool for managing your personal finances.

Browse courses on Spreadsheet Applications

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Identify your financial goals
Design a spreadsheet layout
Enter your financial data
Use formulas to calculate totals and balances
Analyze your data and adjust your financial plan

Contribute to an Open Source Spreadsheet Project

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Deepen your understanding of spreadsheet applications and contribute to the open source community.

Browse courses on Spreadsheets

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Find an open source spreadsheet project
Identify an area to contribute
Fork the project and make your changes
Submit a pull request
Collaborate with other contributors

Career center

Learners who complete Excel for Beginners: Beginner Functions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts play a vital role in the financial world. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on investments. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Financial Analyst by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for analyzing financial data and making informed investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use spreadsheet functions to clean, analyze, and visualize data. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Data Analyst by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for cleaning, analyzing, and visualizing data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Accountant

Accountants are responsible for managing the financial records of businesses and organizations. They use spreadsheet functions to track income and expenses, prepare financial statements, and analyze financial data. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Accountant by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for managing financial records and preparing financial statements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining the financial records of businesses and organizations to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. They use spreadsheet functions to analyze financial data and identify any discrepancies or errors. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Auditor by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for analyzing financial data and identifying any discrepancies or errors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use spreadsheet functions to analyze business data and make recommendations on how to improve business processes. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Business Analyst by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for analyzing business data and making recommendations on how to improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers use spreadsheet functions to manage supply chains, track inventory, and optimize logistics. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Supply Chain Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for managing supply chains, tracking inventory, and optimizing logistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers use spreadsheet functions to track project progress, manage budgets, and communicate with stakeholders. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Project Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for tracking project progress, managing budgets, and communicating with stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers use spreadsheet functions to manage operations, track inventory, and improve efficiency. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Operations Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for managing operations, tracking inventory, and improving efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers use spreadsheet functions to manage logistics, track shipments, and optimize delivery routes. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Logistics Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for managing logistics, tracking shipments, and optimizing delivery routes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers use spreadsheet functions to track marketing campaigns, analyze customer data, and measure ROI. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Marketing Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for tracking marketing campaigns, analyzing customer data, and measuring ROI.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers use spreadsheet functions to track sales, manage customer relationships, and forecast revenue. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Sales Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for tracking sales, managing customer relationships, and forecasting revenue.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers use spreadsheet functions to manage employee data, track payroll, and administer benefits. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Human Resources Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for managing employee data, tracking payroll, and administering benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Office Manager

Office Managers use spreadsheet functions to manage office operations, track budgets, and order supplies. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Office Manager by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for managing office operations, tracking budgets, and ordering supplies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Office Manager

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistants use spreadsheet functions to manage schedules, track expenses, and prepare presentations. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Administrative Assistant by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for managing schedules, tracking expenses, and preparing presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Administrative Assistant

Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representatives use spreadsheet functions to track customer interactions, manage customer accounts, and resolve customer issues. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Customer Service Representative by providing learners with a strong understanding of basic spreadsheet functions. These functions are essential for tracking customer interactions, managing customer accounts, and resolving customer issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Excel for Beginners: Beginner Functions.

Excel VBA Programming For Dummies

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Comprehensive guide to using VBA for Excel. It covers everything from the basics of VBA to more advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and error handling.

Excel for Beginners

Beginner Functions

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational excel functions for novices

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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