Microsoft Excel Basics (2025)

Learn about navigation, data formatting and visualisation. Includes shortcuts and top tips to help you be productive

What you'll learn
Get to grips with the Excel interface, create and navigate spreadsheets, and quickly input data into columns, rows, and cells
Learn how to accurately enter data, format cells for readability, and use data validation to make sure you have data integrity
Make use of basic functions for calculations, update data with edit functions, and manually write formulas
Sort and filter data and adjust sorting and filtering options to organise and analyse information
Create and customise charts and graphs, use live preview to tweak your content, and edit the appearance of your charts
Create and use conditional formatting rules, like data bars, colour scales, and icon sets, to visually represent and categorise your data
Improve your efficiency and simplify tasks by using keyboard shortcuts
Use AutoFill to quickly fill in cells with series and patterns, create and use custom lists, and copy formulas and functions
Use Flash Fill to spot patterns, pull out specific data, and change data formats

Requirements
Access to Microsoft Excel | You should have access to a computer with Microsoft Excel installed (preferably the latest version) to practice and complete assignments
Basic computer skills | You should be familiar with using a computer and being able to handle basic software navigation
Internet connection | You will need a stable internet connection for accessing course materials and doing exercises
Experience with Microsoft Office | It would be great if you had experience using other Microsoft Office applications like Word or PowerPoint. Not essential though…and we have a course for this if you need some help!
Basic maths skills | It would help if you had an understanding of basic maths concepts. Not essential though

Description
Welcome to Excel basics, a course designed to get you started and learning some practical tips that will really make a difference. Whether you're new to Excel or looking to learn more, this course is for you. We'll begin with the basics, helping you navigate Excel's interface, customise the Quick Access Toolbar, and get comfortable with workbooks and worksheets. Next up, you'll learn how to enter and format data so your spreadsheets look professional and are easy to read. Master bold text, cell shading, and borders to make your data pop. Ready to crunch some numbers? We'll cover functions and formulas, like SUM and AVERAGE, making complex calculations a simple. Imagine being able to analyse data with ease and impress your family and colleagues with your new skills.But wait, there's more! You'll also learn to sort, filter, and use conditional formatting to manage large datasets efficiently. Plus, we'll show you how to create stunning charts that turn raw data into visual stories.Throughout the course, we'll share time-saving tips, like keyboard shortcuts and AutoFill, to make your work quicker and more efficient.Imagine managing your finances, analysing business data, or preparing reports like a pro. This course will give you the confidence and skills to excel… pardon the pun! Let's get started.

If you want to learn the Excel basics | Our course is suitable if you're new to Excel and want to build your basic skills. The course starts with basic concepts such as navigating Excel, using the Quick Access Toolbar, and understanding the layout of an Excel worksheet,If you want to learn how to be more productive | Our course includes lessons on shortcuts and efficiency tips, such as using keyboard shortcuts and the autofill feature,If you want to learn more about data formatting | Our course is great if you manage and analyse data effectively. If you want to know more about entering and formatting data, sorting and filtering data, and using functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, and MAX,If you are interested in data visualisation | Our course covers creating and customising charts, which is essential if you have to present data visually for reports or presentations,If you want practical tips and not just the theory | Our course focuses on giving you top tips that you can start using straight away. We show you how to analysis data and tasks and use conditional formatting to highlight important data,If you want to just learn more about Excel | Our course covers a wide range of topics from basic navigation to advanced features like Flash Fill and conditional formatting