Microsoft Excel is an essential tool in the modern workplace, used for everything from data analysis to financial modeling and project management. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to master advanced Excel techniques, there are countless online resources to help you learn Excel at your own pace. In this article, we’ve compiled the top 10 places to learn Excel online, offering both free and paid courses that cater to different learning styles and needs. These platforms are renowned for their credibility, expert instruction, and comprehensive course offerings.
1. LinkedIn Learning (Paid, Free Trial Available)
Best for: Comprehensive, structured courses from industry experts
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, offers a vast library of Excel courses, from beginner to advanced levels. With expert instructors covering everything from basic functions to complex formulas, data analysis, and pivot tables, LinkedIn Learning provides high-quality video tutorials and courses. Courses are well-structured, with quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning.
Why it’s great: LinkedIn Learning offers industry-leading courses with real-world applications, and it also provides a free one-month trial for new users.
Free Version: One-month free trial, after which subscription fees apply.
Paid Version: Subscription costs around $39.99 per month, or $299.88 annually.
2. Coursera (Free & Paid)
Best for: University-level Excel courses and certifications
Coursera offers Excel courses from top universities like the University of Michigan and Duke University. These courses are perfect for learners who want a more academic approach to mastering Excel. Coursera provides both free courses and paid options that include certificates upon completion. The courses range from Excel basics to data visualization and analysis.
Why it’s great: Coursera’s courses are often taught by renowned professors, and learners can earn certificates from prestigious institutions.
Free Version: Audit courses for free (no certificate).
Paid Version: Subscription fee of approximately $39 per month or a one-time fee for certification.
3. Udemy (Paid)
Best for: Affordable and diverse Excel courses
Udemy is one of the most popular platforms for learning Excel, offering thousands of courses on various topics. Whether you want to learn Excel for business, finance, or personal productivity, Udemy has a course for you. Most courses are reasonably priced and often go on sale, making it an affordable option for learners.
Why it’s great: Udemy offers lifetime access to the courses you purchase, and many of the courses include downloadable resources, practice files, and quizzes to enhance learning.
Free Version: Limited free courses are available.
Paid Version: Courses range from $10 to $200, depending on the course and instructor.
4. Excel Easy (Free)
Best for: Beginners and self-paced learners
Excel Easy is a free resource that offers beginner-friendly lessons and tutorials. The site covers Excel basics, formulas, functions, charts, and more. It’s designed for learners who prefer to go at their own pace without the pressure of completing assignments or quizzes.
Why it’s great: Excel Easy provides a clear and simple breakdown of essential Excel skills, with no sign-up or subscription required.
Free Version: 100% free with no hidden fees.
Paid Version: None.
5. Excel Jet (Paid, Free Resources Available)
Best for: Mastering Excel functions and formulas
Excel Jet is an excellent platform for learners who want to focus on Excel formulas and functions. The website offers concise and easy-to-follow tutorials that explain how to use specific Excel functions effectively. Excel Jet also provides a collection of helpful keyboard shortcuts, tips, and tricks to improve your efficiency.
Why it’s great: Excel Jet’s content is focused on Excel’s core functions, helping learners gain mastery over formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
Free Version: Access to free resources like formulas, tips, and keyboard shortcuts.
Paid Version: Premium plans start at $50 per year for full access to courses, cheat sheets, and additional content.
6. Microsoft Learn (Free)
Best for: Official Microsoft tutorials
Microsoft Learn is a free platform that provides official Microsoft tutorials on Excel. The platform offers in-depth, step-by-step lessons on everything from basic Excel functions to more advanced tools like Power Query, Power Pivot, and data analysis. These lessons are created and endorsed by Microsoft, ensuring the content is up-to-date and highly relevant.
Why it’s great: Microsoft Learn offers detailed and structured courses directly from the creators of Excel, so the content is always accurate and trustworthy.
Free Version: 100% free with access to a wide range of tutorials and resources.
Paid Version: None.
7. Skillshare (Paid, Free Trial Available)
Best for: Interactive learning and project-based courses
Skillshare is a creative learning platform that offers a variety of Excel courses with a hands-on approach. Skillshare’s Excel courses are focused on specific applications, such as using Excel for business analysis, financial modeling, and data visualization. Many courses on Skillshare are project-based, allowing you to learn by doing.
Why it’s great: Skillshare is great for learners who prefer project-based learning and offers a wide variety of Excel courses for different skill levels.
Free Version: 7-day free trial, after which a subscription fee is required.
Paid Version: $32 per month or $168 annually for full access to courses.
8. Khan Academy (Free)
Best for: Beginner to intermediate learners
Khan Academy provides a range of free Excel tutorials aimed at beginner and intermediate users. The platform focuses on helping users understand fundamental concepts like formulas, graphs, and data organization. The interactive lessons are easy to follow and allow learners to practice directly within the course interface.
Why it’s great: Khan Academy is a free, ad-free platform with a wealth of learning materials in various subjects, including Excel.
Free Version: 100% free.
Paid Version: None.
9. Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) (Paid, Free Trial Available)
Best for: Structured learning with certification
Lynda.com, now part of LinkedIn Learning, offers high-quality, structured Excel courses. You can access beginner, intermediate, and advanced Excel tutorials, all created by industry professionals. Courses include quizzes, assignments, and exercises to help reinforce what you’ve learned.
Why it’s great: LinkedIn Learning offers certifications that can be shared with your professional network, providing added value for career advancement.
Free Version: 1-month free trial.
Paid Version: Subscription costs around $39.99 per month.
10. The Excel Academy (Paid)
Best for: In-depth Excel training with personalized support
The Excel Academy offers a comprehensive, self-paced Excel training program. It covers everything from Excel basics to advanced topics, including VBA and macros. This program is ideal for learners who want a more structured learning path with personalized support. The Excel Academy also offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the course.
Why it’s great: The Excel Academy offers an in-depth curriculum with lifetime access and one-on-one support to help you master Excel.
Free Version: Free resources like blogs and articles available.
Paid Version: Courses start at $197 for lifetime access to training materials.
Conclusion
With the increasing reliance on data and analytics across industries, Excel remains one of the most valuable skills you can learn. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced user, there’s a platform that suits your learning style and goals. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy offer extensive courses with certifications, while websites like Excel Easy and Khan Academy provide free, no-fuss tutorials. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, structured approach with personalized support, platforms like The Excel Academy might be the right choice. Whatever your learning needs, the resources listed above provide ample opportunities to master Excel and enhance your career prospects.