Step-by-step Spreadsheets for Absolute Beginners

Are you mystified by Microsoft Excel? Feeling intimidated by spreadsheets? Want to really learn how to use a spreadsheet properly, but have no idea where to start?

In this fun and friendly course, suitable for absolute beginners, we'll use a real-world example to practice spreadsheet navigation, data entry tips and tricks, calculations, formulas, and more.

We'll focus on WHY and HOW things work in spreadsheets –– so you can develop an intuitive understanding of how to use ANY spreadsheet software.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to use Microsoft Excel or any other spreadsheet software application with confidence!

Spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel have replaced paper-based systems throughout the business world. Initially developed for accounting and bookkeeping tasks, they're also used extensively to organize and store tabular lists.

In these tutorials, I'll demonstrate each step using LibreOffice, a free and open-source office productivity suite. You can apply these skills in your preferred spreadsheet application program, such as Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice, or OpenOffice.

COURSE GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

• In this course, we'll use a real-world example to practice spreadsheet navigation, data entry tips and tricks, calculations, formulas, and more
• We'll focus on WHY and HOW things work in spreadsheets –– so you can develop an intuitive understanding of how to use ANY spreadsheet software
• By the end of this course, you'll be able to use spreadsheet software with confidence!

INTENDED AUDIENCE

• Beginner-level users with little or no experience using Microsoft Excel (or any spreadsheet software)
• Students seeking to strengthen their data management skills
• Learners of all ages who want to REALLY understand how to use spreadsheets –– not just memorize a series of steps!

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• A computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
• Rudimentary computer skills (using a mouse, opening and saving files)
• Any spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice, or OpenOffice
• Basic grade-school level math comprehension
• A desire to learn!

• Welcome
• Why are spreadsheets so awesome
• What you need to get started
• Choose your weapon Free alternatives to Microsoft Excel
• Project overview 5 song CD recording budget
• Meet your spreadsheet
• Data entry tips and tricks
• Thinking ahead Building a flexible template
• Calculations Don't do the math
• Formulas Magic recipes
• Tips and tricks for writing formulas
• Functions Uber formulas
• Subtraction in action Are we going to break even
• Playing with numbers Tweaking our budget
• Bonus round Splitting the proceeds
• Choosing the right spreadsheet file format
• Hooked on spreadsheets What's next