We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Excel for Beginners

Introduction to Spreadsheets

Edward Falzon

This 1-hour, project-based course is an introduction to spreadsheets. 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:

- Basic data entry, formatting and calculations

- Relative and absolute cell references

- Formulae and basic functions: sum, average, min, max

- Conditional formatting

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

- Basic data entry, formatting and calculations

- Relative and absolute cell references

- Formulae and basic functions: sum, average, min, max

- Conditional formatting

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

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until July 14

Coursera Plus Annual

Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops basic data entry, formatting, and calculations, which are core skills for workplace documentation

Teaches relative and absolute cell references, which are critical for working efficiently with spreadsheets

Examines formulae and basic functions such as sum, average, min, and max, foundational to spreadsheet calculations

Introduces conditional formatting, which helps learners build readable and visually appealing spreadsheets

Uses Excel on the Web, available for free from Microsoft, lowering barriers to entry

Course duration of only 1 hour, making it an accessible introduction for novice learners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Foundational excel for absolute beginners

According to students, "Excel for Beginners: Introduction to Spreadsheets" is a largely positive and highly effective starting point for anyone completely new to spreadsheets. Learners consistently praise its clear explanations, hands-on, project-based approach, and how quickly it helps build fundamental skills. While it's noted as perfect for true beginners and those needing a quick introduction, some indicate it lacks depth for intermediate users or those seeking advanced formulae or extensive real-world applications. The use of free Excel on the Web is a frequently appreciated aspect, making it accessible.

Leverages a free version of Excel, making it accessible.

"I really appreciated learning how to use basic formulas in the free Excel on the Web."

"The focus on Excel on the Web was useful for me as I don't have the desktop version."

"It's great that the course utilizes a free tool, removing barriers for new learners."

Instructor's teaching style is clear and easy to follow.

"The instructor explained everything clearly..."

"The instructor was very patient and made complex topics seem simple."

"I found the instruction straightforward and easy to digest."

Delivers core skills effectively within a short timeframe.

"In just an hour, I feel much more confident using spreadsheets."

"Perfect for a quick start! I needed to learn Excel for a new job, and this course fit perfectly."

"A solid introduction... perfect for a quick overview and practical start."

Specifically designed for those with no prior spreadsheet experience.

"This course was exactly what I needed to get started with spreadsheets... Highly recommend for anyone truly new to Excel!"

"Fantastic course! In just an hour, I feel much more confident... Great for someone like me who has never touched Excel before."

"Good for absolute beginners; it gave me the fundamental skills without overwhelming me."

Excellent for understanding basic spreadsheet concepts.

"The instructor explained everything clearly, and the hands-on project made it easy to follow along."

"The explanations were simple and easy to grasp. Great for someone who has never touched Excel before."

"The project-based approach is brilliant and really helped me grasp the concepts quickly."

Not suitable for learners seeking in-depth or complex Excel skills.

"Good for absolute beginners, but I was hoping for a bit more depth."

"It's very much for beginners, so if you have any prior experience, you might find it moves a bit slowly."

"Don't expect to become an Excel expert from this one course; it's strictly foundational."

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: Introduction to Spreadsheets with these activities:

Read 'Excel for Beginners'

Show steps

Provide a foundational understanding of Excel concepts and terminology

View Office 2013 Library: Excel 2013 Bible, Access... on Amazon

Show steps

Skim the table of contents
Read chapters 1-3
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter

Complete Excel practice exercises

Show steps

Reinforce Excel skills and build proficiency

Browse courses on Excel

Show steps

Access the practice exercises provided by the course instructor
Complete at least 10 exercises

Join a study group or online forum for Excel users

Show steps

Connect with other learners, share knowledge, and troubleshoot challenges

Browse courses on Excel

Show steps

Search for online forums or study groups dedicated to Excel
Join a group and participate in discussions

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a spreadsheet to track personal expenses

Show steps

Apply Excel skills to a real-world scenario and develop problem-solving abilities

Browse courses on Excel

Show steps

Open Excel and create a new workbook
Design a table with columns for expenses, dates, and amounts
Enter sample expense data into the spreadsheet
Apply formatting and calculations to the data

Watch online tutorials on Excel advanced features

Show steps

Extend Excel knowledge and explore advanced techniques

Browse courses on Excel

Show steps

Search for online tutorials on specific Excel features
Watch at least 2 tutorials

Participate in an Excel competition or challenge

Show steps

Test Excel skills in a competitive environment and gain valuable feedback

Browse courses on Excel

Show steps

Research upcoming Excel competitions or challenges
Register and participate in the competition

Contribute to an open-source Excel project

Show steps

Gain practical experience and contribute to the Excel community

Browse courses on Excel

Show steps

Find an open-source Excel project that aligns with interests
Contact the project maintainers and express interest in contributing
Review the project documentation and contribute code or documentation

Career center

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

Spreadsheet Developer

A Spreadsheet Developer creates and modifies spreadsheets to meet the needs of a business. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in spreadsheets, including data entry, formatting, calculations, formulas, and functions. You will also learn how to use conditional formatting to create dynamic spreadsheets. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Spreadsheet Developer role, where you will need to be able to create and modify spreadsheets to automate tasks and improve efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spreadsheet Developer

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher conducts research to help businesses understand their customers and make informed decisions. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for market research. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Market Researcher role, where you will need to be able to analyze data and make recommendations for marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Operations Manager

An Operations Manager plans and oversees the daily operations of a business. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for operations management. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in an Operations Manager role, where you will need to be able to track and manage data to improve efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst helps businesses make informed financial decisions. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for financial analysis. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Financial Analyst role, where you will need to be able to analyze financial data and make recommendations for investment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst helps businesses improve their performance by analyzing their operations and identifying areas for improvement. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for business analysis. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Business Analyst role, where you will need to be able to analyze data and make recommendations for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, cleans, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for data analysis. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Data Analyst role, where you will need to be able to handle large amounts of data and extract meaningful insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects to achieve specific goals. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for project management. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Project Manager role, where you will need to be able to track and manage data to ensure project success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Executive Assistant

An Executive Assistant provides executive support to a senior executive or board of directors. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for executive work. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in an Executive Assistant role, where you will need to be able to create and manage spreadsheets for a variety of executive tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Assistant

Financial Assistant

A Financial Assistant provides financial support to a financial manager or department. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for financial work. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Financial Assistant role, where you will need to be able to create and manage spreadsheets for a variety of financial tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Assistant

Data Entry Clerk

A Data Entry Clerk enters data into a computer system. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for data entry. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Data Entry Clerk role, where you will need to be able to enter data accurately and efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Entry Clerk

Office Administrator

An Office Administrator provides administrative support to a business. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for office administration. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in an Office Administrator role, where you will need to be able to create and manage spreadsheets for a variety of tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Office Administrator

Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative provides customer service to customers. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for customer service. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Customer Service Representative role, where you will need to be able to track and manage customer data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

A Sales Representative sells products or services to customers. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for sales. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Sales Representative role, where you will need to be able to track and manage sales data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Representative

Marketing Assistant

A Marketing Assistant provides marketing support to a business. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for marketing. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in a Marketing Assistant role, where you will need to be able to create and manage spreadsheets for a variety of marketing tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Assistant

Administrative Assistant

An Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to an executive or department. This course provides a foundation in spreadsheets, which are essential for administrative work. You will learn how to enter, format, and calculate data, as well as use formulas and basic functions. This knowledge will help you succeed in an Administrative Assistant role, where you will need to be able to create and manage spreadsheets for a variety of tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Administrative Assistant

Reading list

We've selected seven 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: Introduction to Spreadsheets.

Power Pivot and Power Bi: The Excel User's Guide to...

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to Power Pivot and Power BI, two powerful tools for data modeling and business intelligence in Excel. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to take their Excel skills to the next level.

Power Pivot and Power BI: The Excel User's Guide to...

Paperback

Power Pivot and Power BI: The Excel User's Guide to...

Kindle Edition

Excel VBA Programming For Dummies

Save

Provides a comprehensive reference to Excel functions and formulas. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs to use Excel for data analysis or modeling.

Excel VBA Programming For Dummies 5th Edition (For...

Paperback

Excel 365 Bible

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to Excel 2019, covering everything from basic to advanced features. It valuable reference for both new and experienced users.

Microsoft Excel 365 Bible

Paperback

Microsoft Excel 365 Bible

Kindle Edition

Excel 2019 Bible

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to creating charts and graphs in Excel. It great resource for anyone who needs to communicate data visually.

Excel Scientific and Engineering Cookbook

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to using Excel for scientific and engineering applications. It valuable resource for anyone who needs to use Excel for data analysis or modeling in these fields.

Excel Scientific and Engineering Cookbook: Adding...

Paperback

Excel Scientific and Engineering Cookbook: Adding...

Kindle Edition