A structured, self-paced path from beginner to advanced, built entirely from free resources.
Module 1: Getting Started with Excel
1.1 The Excel Interface — Ribbon, Tabs, and Workbook Basics
A tour of the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, worksheet tabs, and the difference between a workbook, a worksheet, and a cell.
1.2 Entering, Editing, and Navigating Data
Typing data into cells, using AutoFill and Flash Fill, keyboard shortcuts for navigation, and undo/redo basics.
Module 2: Formatting Worksheets
2.1 Cell Formatting — Fonts, Borders, and Number Formats
Applying fonts, colors, borders, and number formats (currency, percentage, date) so data is readable and professional.
2.2 Conditional Formatting
Highlighting cells automatically based on rules — color scales, data bars, icon sets, and custom formulas.
Module 3: Core Formulas and Functions
3.1 Formula Basics — References, Operators, and Order of Operations
How formulas work, relative vs. absolute references (the $ sign), and common arithmetic and comparison operators.
3.2 SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, and Logical Functions (IF, AND, OR)
The most-used everyday functions for totals, averages, counts, and simple decision logic with IF statements.
Module 4: Lookup and Reference Functions
4.1 VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP
Looking up values in a table by row or column, understanding exact vs. approximate match, and common VLOOKUP errors.
4.2 INDEX/MATCH and the Modern XLOOKUP
Why INDEX/MATCH is more flexible than VLOOKUP, and how the newer XLOOKUP function simplifies lookups further.
Module 5: Data Organization and Cleanup
5.1 Sorting and Filtering Data
Sorting by one or more columns, using AutoFilter, and applying custom filter criteria to focus on relevant rows.
5.2 Text Functions and Cleaning Messy Data
Using TRIM, LEFT/RIGHT/MID, CONCATENATE/TEXTJOIN, and Find & Replace to clean up inconsistent or messy data.
5.3 Removing Duplicates and Data Validation
Removing duplicate rows and setting up dropdown lists and input rules with Data Validation to keep data entry consistent.
Module 6: Tables and PivotTables
6.1 Excel Tables — Structured Ranges
Converting a range into an official Excel Table for auto-expanding formulas, structured references, and easier formatting.
6.2 Building PivotTables
Creating a PivotTable from raw data, dragging fields into Rows/Columns/Values, and summarizing large datasets in seconds.
6.3 Pivot Charts and Slicers
Visualizing PivotTable data with Pivot Charts and adding slicers/timelines for interactive, clickable filtering.
Module 7: Charts and Data Visualization
7.1 Creating and Formatting Charts
Building common charts (column, line, pie) from a data range and formatting titles, axes, and legends for clarity.
7.2 Dashboards in Excel
Combining charts, slicers, and KPIs on a single sheet to build an interactive one-page dashboard.
Module 8: Power Query — Getting and Transforming Data
8.1 Introduction to Power Query in Excel
Importing data from files, folders, or the web using Get & Transform, and understanding the Applied Steps pane.
8.2 Combining and Cleaning Data with Power Query
Merging and appending queries, splitting/renaming columns, and automating repetitive cleanup steps that update on refresh.
Module 9: Advanced Formulas
9.1 Array Formulas and Dynamic Arrays (SORT, FILTER, UNIQUE)
Using modern dynamic array functions to filter, sort, and de-duplicate data directly with formulas that spill across cells.
Module 10: Automating with Macros and VBA
10.1 Recording Your First Macro
Using the Macro Recorder to automate a repetitive task without writing code, then running it with a button or shortcut.
10.2 Introduction to VBA
Opening the VBA editor, understanding subs and variables, and writing a simple custom macro from scratch.
