Microsoft Excel 365 Business Essentials

Name: Microsoft Excel 365 Business Essentials
Rating: 4.5 (22 reviews)

Get Started with the Basics for Business

Created byDonna Hanson

Last updated 9/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Identify the Microsoft Excel foundational spreadsheet skills that are needed in business
How to utilize Excel tools to simplify common tasks and activities in spreadsheets
How to format cells depending on needs and content - ie numbers and text as well as troubleshooting
How to set up and create simple graphs
Simple formulas needed in everyday business.
Clarity of features and tools in Excel required in a day to day business context

Course content

8 sections • 42 lectures • 1h 34m total length

Introduction1:54
Download the course reference booklet and exercise file to practice topics covered in the course.

Spreadsheet Basics - Introduction and Set Up1:57
Explore spreadsheet basics in Microsoft Excel, from opening a workbook and using exercise files to renaming and coloring worksheets, copying and pasting data, and duplicating sheets, plus a quick quiz.
Understanding Excel's Mouse Pointers2:15
Understanding How Excel treats data2:11
Explore how Microsoft Excel treats data in a spreadsheet, enabling calculations and analysis, highlighting left alignment for text and right alignment for numbers, and how formatting options adjust these.
Selection Techniques in Excel2:31
Renaming & Coloring Worksheet tabs2:51
Copying & Pasting Options3:10
Duplicate a Worksheet1:23
Display a List of all Worksheets0:50
Page Break Preview1:52
Spreadsheet Basics Quiz

Formatting Basics - Introduction & Set Up1:36
Master formatting basics in Excel to keep your data consistent and professional. Apply shortcuts, master printing, and manage dates and numbers while taking notes in your workbook.
Format Painter1:16
Formatting Cells, Changing Fonts & Alignment3:09
Formatting Numbers in Excel5:22
Explore how to format numbers in Excel using the format cells dialog, covering number, currency, accounting, date, time, percentage, fraction, scientific, text, special, and custom formats.
Date Formats2:08
How to insert and widen rows and columns1:39
Learn how to insert rows and columns in Excel and resize columns to fit content, including auto-fitting with double-click, selecting multiple columns, and inserting or deleting rows.
Converting Numbers displayed as Dates0:58
Print Titles3:00
Formatting Basics Quiz

Graph/Chart Basics - Introduction & Set Up0:56
Explore different types of charts in Excel and learn how to modify and edit graphs to present data visually, enabling clear comparisons and insights.
Understanding Graphs1:52
Understand how Excel charts reflect your data by selecting the correct range and labels. Clean up visuals by avoiding blank rows or columns and excluding totals.
Different Graph Types4:05
Explore the range of Microsoft Excel charts, from column and line charts to tree map, waterfall, and pie charts, with live previews and editing options.
Creating a Basic Graph2:10
Highlight the data to create a chart with the F11 shortcut on desktop, then use insert tab to choose recommended charts or two dimensional columns and add a chart title.
Modifying and Editing Graphs/Charts4:22
Edit and customize charts in Excel by adding a chart title, axis labels, and colors. Resize, switch data orientation, apply chart styles.
Graphs/Charts Quiz

Simple Data Analysis Basics - Introduction & Set Up1:18
Master data analysis basics in Excel 365 by importing data from external systems, organizing data lists, and sorting and filtering to unlock business insights.
How to Set Up an Excel Database2:13
Sorting Data0:56
Custom Sort1:22
Filtering Data Using AutoFilters2:19
Filter data in Excel using auto filters to show a specific salesperson, an order date period, or an order amount, and apply number filters such as greater than 1500.
Freezing Panes2:44
Simple Data Analysis Quiz

Microsoft Excel 365 - Intro to CoPilot2:31
Copilot became part of the Microsoft 365 suite in 2025.
In some organisations it may be switched off. You will know it is if you cannot see the icon or it is greyed out.
In the video I show how to simply use copilot to analyze your data.
Of course, beware that copilot can make errors so the onus is on you to check the accuracy of the information!!

Take a look at this bonus video and download the quick tip sheet for step by step instructions.
Microsoft Excel - Automate Tab1:31
Microsoft makes changes to the 365 suite regularly. One day you close down Excel and the next day you open it something new appears!
In this video I share how to use a Script in the Microsoft Scripts Gallery on the new Automate tab to quickly remove any hidden columns and rows in a spreadsheet.
The Office Scripts area is new and worth testing out on some sample files.
Take a look at this bonus video and download the quick tip sheet for step by step instructions.
Microsoft Excel 365 - How to insert a PDF into Excel1:39
Knowing how to insert a PDF of data such as a budget into Excel can be a game changer. It saves the stress and frustration of retyping data in and risking errors.
Take a look at this bonus video and download the quick tip sheet for step by step instructions.

Requirements

Students will ideally have opened and used Excel at a basic, introductory or beginner level.

Description

Unlock the power of Excel in your everyday tasks with this comprehensive business focused, beginner-friendly course.

Tailored specifically for those new to Excel or those who have never had formal training, this program provides a solid foundation along with step by step guidance through a range of essential tools, tips, features and functions to navigate and utilize spreadsheets effectively in a business environment.

You will begin by exploring how Excel treats data, as well as understanding the various mouse pointers and their timesaving features. As you progress you will deep dive into essential formatting tools, tips and techniques to produce professional looking spreadsheets every time.

You will also learn how to organize data, create common functions, and produce basic charts to boost your productivity and confidence in the workplace.

The course is structured to provide you with practical insights with each lesson exploring real-world examples. There is also a downloadable exercise file to practice on to reinforce the concepts taught, ensuring you can immediately apply what you've learned to your job.

By the end of the program, you will have gained the skills and confidence you need to use Excel as a part of your everyday tool kit for business activities helping improve your productivity, confidence and efficiency.

Regardless of your role in finance, logistics, administration or any role that involves data management, this program is the first step towards mastering Excel in the workplace.

BONUS Content added covering simple use of copilot, a Script in the Microsoft Scripts Gallery and how to insert a PDF into an Excel worksheet!

Who this course is for:

This course is written for users of Excel who have had little to no training or are looking to fill their Excel knowledge or skill gaps
For example, users new to administrative roles who are looking for practical insights applicable to a work environment rather than generic how to topics.

Microsoft Excel 365 Business Essentials

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 2min

Spreadsheet Basics9 lectures • 19min

Formatting Basics - Introduction & Set Up8 lectures • 19min

Graph/Chart Basics5 lectures • 13min

Formula & Function Basics9 lectures • 23min

Data Analysis Basics6 lectures • 11min

Bonus Content3 lectures • 6min

What now?1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: