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I need to learn Excel fast, any ideas?

18 replies

DumpedByText · 14/03/2025 21:26

I have an interview next week that has a basic Excel test.

I've never really been able to get on with Excel other than a very basic spreadsheet.

I'm worried it will involve formulas, which I haven't a clue how to set them up.

Can anyone suggest a free course please that will teach me the basics.

OP posts:
Ineedanotherholidaynow · 14/03/2025 21:34

You Tube is good - I’ve taught myself a few things from videos on there

MangeTrout · 14/03/2025 21:39

Ask chat gpt! Ask it to teach you the basics, then ask it again to simplify the steps. I have used this strategy to set up some fairly complex spreadsheets at work, as a complete novice

BelgianBeers · 14/03/2025 21:40

Also ChatGPT can generate your formulas. I am much fancier than I used to be!

fiorentina · 14/03/2025 21:41

Lots of instagram tips and tricks accounts.
Once you know the basics you can ask excel help a lot and it shows you/does it. Or ask ChatGPT for specific formulas.

HappiestSleeping · 14/03/2025 21:43

Most formula work is just a set of logic tests. If this, then do that. You can nest them to add conditions.

Youtube is your friend but stick to basic stuff.

Mmmkaay · 14/03/2025 21:46

Basic excel probably doesn't require formulas (and basic formulas are easy.) you need to be able to 'sum' a column of figures, add filters so you can sort your columns into A-Z or smallest to largest, and insert or delete rows. That would be my go to wishlist for a new hire.

Warmautumnbreeze · 14/03/2025 21:46

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmHVyfmcRKyx1KSoobwukzf1Nf-Y97Rw0&si=tMmZLt_Ypu--AQQI

She has some great lessons

NeverDropYourMooncup · 14/03/2025 21:50

You'll probably need very little more than to add up a column and maybe change the numbers to show 2 decimal places.

Go to the cell you want the total in, type =SUM(

Click the first cell with numbers in, drag down to the last cell, type ) and enter.

This will create something along the lines of =SUM(C4:C12) You can type it direct if you get flustered.

To change the number of decimal places, highlight the cells you want to change and either on the menu bar, pick the .00 button and adjust until you get the right ones - or highlight, right click and select format cells-number and tick the little box for 2 decimal places.

The other thing you might need to do is sort alphabetically - highlight all of the rows you want to sort, including the header, top bar menu - DATA - Sort A-Z . You might need to tick the right hand of the box saying the columns have headers, then pick the name of the column you need to sort by.

Sometimes they're interested in seeing if you can spot two very similar names or an error. If that's the case, you might need to select two rows for sort - by surname and then by first name, for example.

Basic Excel is really quick to learn once you're looking at it.

Oh2beatsea · 14/03/2025 21:53

Great question OP & good suggestions.

mumda · 14/03/2025 22:04

There's Microsoft lessons for excel.

Verdansk84 · 14/03/2025 22:05

these days a combination of youtube and chatgpt for me

MangeTrout · 14/03/2025 22:10

I personally, would also be quite honest about only having a basic knowledge, but a willingness and ability to Google/find the solution and learn as needed - much better in my opinion than pretending you're a wizz and falling flat on your face! xx

WimbyAce · 14/03/2025 22:10

What is ChatGpt?

stayathomer · 14/03/2025 22:11

Best of luck op, similar boat x

Verdansk84 · 14/03/2025 22:14

WimbyAce · 14/03/2025 22:10

What is ChatGpt?

you know the person that at school people would go to to write their essays ?
basically its that, but yes you do have to watch how you word your requests as sometimes it does make mistakes but overall with the right questions its pritty good

https://chatgpt.com/

WimbyAce · 14/03/2025 22:19

Verdansk84 · 14/03/2025 22:14

you know the person that at school people would go to to write their essays ?
basically its that, but yes you do have to watch how you word your requests as sometimes it does make mistakes but overall with the right questions its pritty good

https://chatgpt.com/

Ha no not in my time 🙈

CaveMum · 15/03/2025 08:04

There are loads of good videos on YouTube. I found Alex the Analyst to be very good - I’m trying to teach myself the basics of data analytics before I pay for a course - but he probably doesn’t go in-depth enough to the basics for what you need.

This video gets lots of good comments - V

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=MxKihPJztCv832tV&v=Vl0H-qTclOg&feature=youtu.be

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