Every expert in Microsoft Excel started exactly where you are now—curious, maybe a bit overwhelmed by the grid of endless cells and formulas. The beauty of Excel is how accessible it is: you can begin with simple data entry and gradually unlock powerful tools that shape businesses and decisions worldwide. Whether you're managing a budget or analyzing data, Excel skills open doors.
Microsoft MVP Jordan Goldmeier, known for his deep Excel expertise, often highlights books that cut through complexity and focus on practical, foundational skills. Bille Jelen, a bestselling author with over 20 Excel books, praises resources that demystify formulas and macros in a way beginners can grasp. Their recommendations reflect real-world use and teaching experience, ensuring you start strong.
While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Microsoft Excel book that meets you exactly where you are. This approach complements expert guidance with a learning path made just for you, helping build confidence and skill steadily.
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP recognized for his Excel expertise, recommends this book as an ideal starting point for newcomers seeking to master formulas efficiently. He notes, "This is a great book. Short and to the point. Filled with the Excel formulas you need to know!" Goldmeier found this resource instrumental in cutting through complexity, providing exactly what beginners need without distractions. Alongside him, Bille Jelen, bestselling author of over 20 Excel books, praises the detailed examples and the authors' insight into Excel's missing functions, highlighting how the book addresses real user needs with practical solutions.
John Michaloudis is the Chief Inspirational Officer and founder of MyExcelOnline.com. He has helped 100,000+ corporate professionals, finance analysts, accountants, project managers and Excel enthusiasts over the years, to advance their Excel skills and level FAST as well as SAVE them 100s of hours from their busy workday. John Michaloudis was awarded the prestigious Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award by Microsoft Corporation in 2020 for his technological expertise and is also the author of several #1 Best Selling Amazon books, including 101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks, 101 Most Popular Excel Formulas and 101 Ready To Use Excel Macros. He has written thousands of Microsoft Excel how to tutorials on his blog, interviewed various Excel experts on his podcast and is currently helping 5,000+ professionals advance their Excel level & office efficiency via his flagship Excel 'Academy' Online Course. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 10+ years, two children and his cat.
What happens when deep expertise meets practical Excel training? John Michaloudis and Bryan Hong compile 101 essential formulas that demystify Microsoft Excel functions like VLOOKUP, IF, and INDEX/MATCH. You’ll move beyond basics to mastering formulas that streamline data analysis and reporting, with clear examples and downloadable practice workbooks for hands-on learning. The book’s chapters break down formula categories—from lookup to statistical—making it easier to find what you need without overwhelm. If you’re aiming to gain confidence and speed in Excel formulas, especially as a beginner or intermediate user, this book offers a focused path without unnecessary jargon or fluff.
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP known for his expertise in Excel, recommends this book as an excellent start for newcomers to Excel macros. During his work optimizing Excel workflows, he found that many beginners struggle to find simple, effective macro examples they can use right away. He says, "This book was really well written with macros you could begin using immediately. If you're just getting start with building macros in VBA, this book will help you create productive macros in no time." The clear code examples and practical exercises helped him appreciate how accessible macros can be when presented clearly.
“This book was really well written with macros you could begin using immediately. If you're just getting start with building macros in VBA, this book will help you create productive macros in no time.”
John Michaloudis is the Chief Inspirational Officer and founder of MyExcelOnline.com. He has helped 100,000+ corporate professionals, finance analysts, accountants, project managers and Excel enthusiasts over the years, to advance their Excel skills and level FAST as well as SAVE them 100s of hours from their busy workday. John was awarded the prestigious Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award by Microsoft Corporation in 2020 for his technological expertise and is also the author of several #1 Best Selling Amazon books, including 101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks, 101 Most Popular Excel Formulas & 101 Ready To Use Excel Macros.
John Michaloudis, a Microsoft MVP and founder of MyExcelOnline.com, created this book to break down the intimidating world of Excel macros into approachable, ready-to-use tools. You’ll find 101 macros with straightforward VBA code that you can copy straight into your workbooks, saving you hours daily. The book walks you through a variety of macro types—from chart automation to pivot tables and emailing reports—and includes practice workbooks and step-by-step screenshots to help you apply what you learn. If you’re looking to boost your Excel efficiency without getting lost in complex programming, this book offers a practical pathway tailored especially for beginners to intermediate users.
This AI-created book on Microsoft Excel is designed just for you, based on your current skill level and learning goals. You share your background and which Excel topics you want to focus on, and the book is created to match your pace and comfort zone. This personalized approach helps you build confidence step by step, without feeling overwhelmed by too much information at once. It’s like having a custom tutor who guides you through the essential skills you need to become comfortable and capable in Excel.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This personalized Excel Starter Blueprint offers a tailored introduction to Microsoft Excel designed specifically for beginners. It explores core skills such as data entry, basic formulas, and workflow organization while progressively building your confidence in using the software. The content matches your background and comfort level, removing overwhelm by focusing only on essential concepts that matter to you. By addressing your specific goals, this book creates a focused learning experience that steadily guides you from novice toward becoming a confident Excel user. It emphasizes practical, hands-on learning at a comfortable pace, making foundational Excel accessible and engaging without unnecessary complexity.
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP recognized for his deep Excel expertise, recommends this book as a thorough yet accessible resource. He points out how it spans the full spectrum of Excel skills, including advanced tips made understandable for newcomers. Facing the challenge of making Excel less intimidating, Jordan found this book’s straightforward approach a helpful guide to boost productivity. "This book covers EVERYTHING in Excel. It really has tips across the spectrum - and even the 'advanced' tips are explained so that anyone can grasp them. You can use these tips immediately. Excel is all about efficiency - and this book will provide you awesome tips to save time."
“This book covers EVERYTHING in Excel. It really has tips across the spectrum - and even the 'advanced' tips are explained so that anyone can grasp them. You can use these tips immediately. Excel is all about efficiency - and this book will provide you awesome tips to save time.”
John Michaloudis is the Chief Inspirational Officer and founder of MyExcelOnline.com. He has helped 100,000+ corporate professionals, finance analysts, accountants, project managers and Excel enthusiasts over the years, to advance their Excel skills and level FAST as well as SAVE them 100s of hours from their busy workday. John was awarded the prestigious Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award by Microsoft Corporation in 2020 for his technological expertise and is also the author of several #1 Best Selling Amazon books, including 101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks, 101 Most Popular Excel Formulas & 101 Ready To Use Excel Macros. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 10+ years, two children and his cat.
Unlike most Excel guides that overwhelm with jargon or assume prior knowledge, this book breaks down 101 practical tips and tricks in a way that's approachable for beginners yet valuable for intermediate users. John Michaloudis, a Microsoft MVP with a background in helping thousands of professionals streamline their work, designed it to save you time by mastering formulas, macros, pivot tables, and formatting. For example, chapters on Office 365's newest features offer clear, illustrated steps to boost your data analysis efficiency. If you're seeking a resource that grows with your skills without feeling daunting, this book fits that niche perfectly.
Leonard Webb, a seasoned programmer with over 26 years of experience, crafted this guide to fill a gap he noticed in clear, accessible software instruction. His passion for making complex technology understandable shines through in this book, where he breaks down Microsoft Excel into manageable daily lessons. His teaching approach, enriched by extensive hands-on exercises and visuals, aims to empower anyone, regardless of prior knowledge, to use Excel confidently and efficiently.
Leonard Webb was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1982. His passion for programming began at a young age, when he used his savings to buy one of the first computers of the time. For over 26 years, Leonard has studied many of the technological advances the online world has to offer and spends many of his daily hours learning everything he can to make the best use of computers. He has honed his skills as a computer programmer working for many large companies. Since it is rare to find clear and understandable information online on the use of software, especially basic software, Leonard decided to write a series of books on the most common software, and began writing a clear and comprehensive guide on the use of Excel.
Leonard Webb's decades-long programming experience led him to create an exceptionally beginner-friendly guide to Microsoft Excel, designed to demystify this complex software for absolute newbies. In just seven days, you navigate from basic spreadsheet setup through data management, sorting, and filtering, to mastering functions, tables, and charts, supported by 200 illustrations and over 100 exercises. Notably, the book includes practical tools like 300 ready-to-use templates and a family budget project tutorial, making it ideal for anyone seeking a hands-on, structured introduction. If you're overwhelmed by Excel's reputation but eager to gain confidence quickly, this book offers a clear, paced pathway without overcomplicating concepts.
Vincent Fairmont began his journey with Excel back in the early 2000s. Educated at MIT, he has trained over a thousand professionals and aided numerous businesses in their data-driven trajectories. His deep experience informs a teaching style that demystifies Excel's complexities, making this book a welcoming entry point for beginners eager to build solid skills and confidence.
Vincent Fairmont began his journey with Excel back in the early 2000s. Educated at MIT, he has trained over a thousand professionals and aided numerous businesses in their data-driven trajectories.
After analyzing the demands of modern data work, Vincent Fairmont crafted this guide to clear the fog that often surrounds Excel for newcomers. You’ll find a straightforward path through the essentials—from mastering formulas and tables to handling charts with confidence—coupled with practical exercises that bring concepts to life. Fairmont’s approach includes advanced topics like basic VBA and data management, making this a solid foundation if you want to grow beyond the basics. The included bonuses, especially the extensive formula library and video tutorials, offer tangible tools to deepen your skills. If you're just starting out or feeling stuck in Excel’s complexity, this book gives you a clear, manageable way forward without overwhelming jargon.
This AI-created book on Microsoft Excel formulas is tailored to your specific skill level and goals. By sharing your background and which formula topics you want to focus on, you get a learning experience designed just for you. This personalized approach helps ease the complexity of Excel formulas, making it comfortable to progress at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a focused way to build solid foundational skills with clear, relevant examples.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored book explores essential Microsoft Excel formulas designed specifically for beginners, providing a progressive, clear introduction that matches your background and skill level. It covers fundamental formulas step-by-step, building your confidence with practical examples and a comfortable learning pace. By focusing on your interests and goals, the content removes overwhelm and helps you master the building blocks of Excel formulas effectively. The personalized approach ensures you receive tailored lessons that fit your unique learning style and objectives, making your journey into Excel formulas both engaging and manageable. This focused guide reveals how to unlock Excel's power through formulas that suit your needs and pace.
Kevin Pitch is a renowned authority in digital productivity with over 20 years of experience in the digital workspace. Passionate about making complex concepts accessible, Kevin has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and organizations to harness the full potential of technology. His practical insights and hands-on approach have helped countless professionals streamline their workflows and achieve unparalleled efficiency. This guide reflects his commitment to breaking down intricate Excel techniques into simple, actionable steps, making it an ideal resource for beginners eager to improve their productivity and technical skills.
Kevin Pitch is a renowned authority in digital productivity with over 20 years of experience in the digital workspace. Passionate about making complex concepts accessible, Kevin has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and organizations to harness the full potential of technology. His practical insights and hands-on approach have helped countless professionals streamline their workflows and achieve unparalleled efficiency. Kevin's writing is both captivating and informative, earning him a loyal following among readers who seek to master digital tools and techniques. His ability to break down intricate technical details into simple, actionable steps has made his books essential resources for anyone looking to thrive in the fast-paced digital age. Throughout his career, Kevin has consistently been at the forefront of digital innovation, understanding and addressing the challenges faced by modern professionals. His expertise not only inspires but also equips readers to embrace technological advancements and achieve outstanding results in their personal and professional endeavors. With a commitment to fostering productivity and a deep understanding of the digital landscape, Kevin Pitch continues to lead the way, guiding readers towards remarkable success and efficiency.
2022·173 pages·Microsoft Excel, Productivity, Automation, Data Analysis, Formulas
Kevin Pitch's decades of experience in digital productivity shine through in this accessible guide tailored for Excel beginners. The book demystifies essential formulas, functions, and charting techniques with straightforward explanations and visual aids, making it easier for you to automate tedious tasks and manage both work and personal finances efficiently. You'll discover how to use features like Data Validation, Pivot Tables, and Lookup functions without feeling overwhelmed, turning complex Excel capabilities into practical skills. This book suits anyone looking to improve their workflow and stand out by mastering Excel basics and intermediate tools without prior experience.
Gil B. Dreher is an engineer and app developer who graduated with honors from the California Institute of Technology. Recognizing how essential Excel skills have become in today's workforce, he wrote this guide to help you build your capabilities from the ground up. His background in programming ensures the book's lessons are clear and logically structured, making it a solid entry point for anyone looking to become proficient with Microsoft Excel.
Gil B. Dreher is an engineer, professional programmer, and app developer. Graduated with honors from the California Institute of Technology, he has developed expertise in various software programs, including Excel. Recognizing the importance of Excel skills in today's job market, he authored 'Excel 2023' to help individuals improve their computer skills and master essential software applications.
2023·116 pages·Microsoft Excel, Data Management, Formulas, Automation, Productivity
Gil B. Dreher is an engineer and professional programmer whose background at Caltech shaped his practical, no-nonsense approach to teaching Excel. This book breaks down Microsoft Excel into manageable lessons that take you from the basics of spreadsheet creation to mastering complex formulas and automation within just seven days. You’ll find clear tutorials accompanied by illustrations that demystify tasks like data organization, formula use, and productivity enhancement. If you want a methodical path to Excel proficiency without being overwhelmed, this guide offers a structured learning curve suited for anyone starting fresh or seeking to sharpen their skills.
Harjit Suman is an Excel expert dedicated to making complex concepts accessible to beginners. As founder of Excel Master Consultant and author of multiple best-selling Excel books, his passion for teaching shines through in this guide. He wrote this book to help those who struggle with formulas by providing clear, step-by-step instructions and practical workbooks. His hands-on approach empowers you to quickly grasp 88 essential Excel formulas and functions, setting a solid foundation for your data analysis and automation skills.
Harjit Suman is an Excel expert with a passion for teaching and helping businesses streamline tasks through Excel and VBA. As the founder of the Excel Master Consultant website and author of Amazon best-selling Excel books, Harjit shares his expertise to help others master Excel and boost their productivity. His passion for numbers and problem-solving began at a young age, leading him to discover the power of Excel for data analysis. Harjit has provided consultancy services to various businesses, helping them automate tasks and improve operations. Through his publications, he aims to make complex Excel concepts accessible with clear, step-by-step guidance.
2024·195 pages·Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Formulas, Functions, XLOOKUP
Harjit Suman is an Excel specialist who has crafted this book to demystify Excel formulas for beginners. You’ll find clear explanations of 88 essential functions like XLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, and SUMPRODUCT, supported by practical examples that let you practice directly. The book’s straightforward language and downloadable workbooks make it easy to follow, even if you’re not confident with numbers. Whether you want to boost your efficiency at work or build a solid foundation in Excel, Suman’s teaching approach helps you gain tangible skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Build Excel skills with personalized guidance—no overwhelm, just progress.
Learn at pace
•Master key skills
•Boost productivity
Thousands of professionals started with these foundations
Excel Starter Blueprint
Formula Mastery Code
Macro Automation Secrets
Confidence Building System
Conclusion
This collection of 8 books covers clear, approachable introductions to Microsoft Excel, focusing on formulas, macros, tips, and structured learning paths. They share a common theme: easing beginners into Excel without overwhelming jargon or complexity. If you’re completely new, start with Leonard Webb’s "Excel" for a paced, hands-on introduction. For a step-by-step progression, move to John Michaloudis’s "101 Most Popular Excel Formulas" and "101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks" to deepen your skills.
For those eager to automate tasks, "101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros" offers practical VBA examples that beginners can adapt quickly. To build confidence in formulas, Harjit Suman’s "Excel Formulas and Functions Simplified" presents clear explanations and practice opportunities.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Microsoft Excel book that fits your exact needs and goals, crafting your own learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in this indispensable software.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with Leonard Webb's "Excel," which offers a gentle, step-by-step introduction to Excel basics with plenty of exercises—perfect for absolute beginners to build confidence.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Microsoft Excel?
No, each book was selected for beginner-friendly content. Experts like Jordan Goldmeier recommend them for their clear explanations and approachable lessons suitable for first-time users.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with the foundational "Excel" by Leonard Webb, then progress to formula guides like "101 Most Popular Excel Formulas," and finally explore automation with "101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros."
Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?
Not at all. These books assume no prior Excel experience and gradually introduce concepts so you can learn at your own pace without feeling lost.
Will these books be too simple if I already know a little about Microsoft Excel?
They offer value even if you have basic skills. Books like "101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks" provide practical advice that can sharpen your efficiency and fill knowledge gaps.
Can I get content tailored to my specific Excel learning goals?
Yes! While these expert-recommended books build solid foundations, you can also create a personalized Microsoft Excel book tailored to your pace, focus areas, and goals for a customized learning experience.
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