Keeping a close watch on money is an essential skill for all businesses. From a small one-man business to a larger company, you need to watch your income, expenses, cash flow, assets and liabilities (debts) and other areas of your finances. Spreadsheets make this easy to do. Learning how to use spreadsheets is not that difficult and we look at where to learn this important skill for free.
You do not have to be an expert to keep track of the important financial information in your business. Even a beginner can read and understand spreadsheets and create spreadsheets. They are powerful so learning more will allow you to make use of the tools they offer.
Microsoft Excel
There are a number of spreadsheet programs available but by a long way, Microsoft Excel is the main one used. It is part of the Microsoft Office package and has a big share of the market. What is great is that if you learn Excel, you can work on any other spreadsheet. Most others follow a similar format and work the same way!
It is recommended that you learn Excel and this will allow you to work on pretty much any spreadsheet package. Some shortcuts and commands might be different but the basic principles will most likely be the same.
In this article, we will refer mostly to Excel training as they are the spreadsheet you are most likely to use. Other free software, such as OpenOffice Calc, work in the same way.
The best way to learn spreadsheets for free
There are several options to learn Excel or spreadsheets for free. Most will need an internet connection but there are some alternatives.
- Local business groups or colleges
Many business chambers or local community centers offer free training including spreadsheet training for free. You need to look around and speak to them to find out if this is available in your area. Look in your local newspaper, college, library, or online. Ask around, speak to students, friends, and neighbours.
- Learn on Excel
Microsoft is one of the largest companies in the world and Excel is one of their main products. Part of their job is to provide support for users and this includes training.
If you go on to the Microsoft Excel Help Center they will guide you, teach you, and help you learn how to use the program.
They offer many lessons and give you help and guidance when needed. The information available covers all aspects of Excel from the very basic needs to more advanced use.
If you are stuck with a certain problem there is a search option to find the answer to your question. They also offer many videos that will help you master the program.
This will allow you to learn as you go and do what it is you need to do on Excel.
- YouTube
This is such a valuable option that many people forget. YouTube has a range of videos that will guide you step-by-step through any process on Excel, from the most basic to the most advanced.
All you need to do is go onto YouTube and search for the process you are needing to learn. There are many great videos that will help you.
It is all free and easy to watch. There are options for any Excel problem you are stuck with. Many of the videos are great quality and will help you learn a new function in a few minutes.
- Udemy
https://www.udemy.com/topic/excel/free/
Udemy is one of the largest online learning platforms. They offer mostly paid courses but also have a few free training options. When it comes to Excel they have a few options.
The first is a range of short training videos that cover specific things you might want to do on Excel. These range from instructions for beginners to advanced users. They are in the form of short video clips, much like YouTube.
They also offer a free course on Excel. It consists of more than 11 hours of video instruction and many articles and other information you can download – all for free. One great aspect of this free training course is that it gives you a certificate at the end.
The course is highly rated and very popular. It is easy to access from any device and is easy to use.
- TrumpEXCEL
Another quality free Excel training course is from TrumpEXCEL. This is a detailed training guide that will take you through learning Excel from a beginner to a good middle level. You should be able to master most functions you need to run your business after completing this free course.
They offer more than 12 hours of video instruction and 26 helpful lessons in Excel. There are no charges, you simply need to sign up. The courses are perfect for any learner, from beginner to a more experienced person.
- Excel Exposure – Free Online Excel Training
This site offers expert training that is free. Excel Exposure is a popular and highly rated Excel training platform. These courses are details and good for anyone wanting to learn spreadsheets for free.
The lessons are well organised and you can start at what ever level you want to. There is no need to sit through beginner lessons if you are more advanced but they are there if you need them.
- GCF Global
If you want free online training in Excel then GCF Global is a great option to consider. They will take you through all the steps need to learn Excel from beginner to intermediate level. They make it easy to learn and it is a user-friendly platform.
Final thoughts
Training and learning are so important to business success. Many people and companies offer training. While many of these courses are valuable, it is possible to learn many things for free, Mastering Excel or spreadsheets is a great example.