7 Microsoft Office Books Every Beginner Should Read to Build Confidence

Microsoft Office Books endorsed by experts Jordan Goldmeier, Bille Jelen, and Library Journal for beginner-friendly learning

Updated on June 28, 2025
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Every expert in Microsoft Office started exactly where you are now: facing a vast suite of tools that can seem overwhelming at first glance. The beauty of Microsoft Office is its accessibility—anyone can learn to harness its power with the right guidance and patience. Whether it’s Excel formulas, PowerPoint presentations, or Word documents, building these skills opens doors to countless professional and personal opportunities.

Experts like Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP specializing in Excel, and Bille Jelen, bestselling author of over 20 Excel books, have helped thousands advance their Office capabilities. Jordan found books like "101 Most Popular Excel Formulas" invaluable for breaking down complex functions into manageable steps, while Bille praises the practical examples that make learning engaging and effective. Meanwhile, Library Journal highlights guides tailored for visual learners that remove barriers for newcomers.

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 Office book that meets them exactly where they are. This approach can complement expert recommendations and help you build confidence without overwhelm.

Best for mastering entire Office suite
James Holler has been an IT consultant for over a decade, witnessing firsthand how many users rely on only a fraction of Microsoft Office’s capabilities. Fueled by his passion for teaching and simplifying complex software, he crafted this guide to empower those who use Office programs daily but feel overwhelmed or under-skilled. His straightforward approach helps you unlock the full potential of each application, turning daunting tasks into manageable, even enjoyable, workflows.
2024·348 pages·Microsoft Office, Software, PC, Excel, Word

James Holler's extensive experience as an IT consultant shines through in this all-in-one guide designed to demystify Microsoft Office 365 for newcomers. You’ll discover how to navigate and utilize key programs like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as lesser-known but essential tools such as OneNote, Teams, and Access. The book breaks down complex features into simple language, highlighting useful shortcuts and functions that often go unnoticed but can save you significant time. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to fill gaps in your knowledge, this guide offers clear explanations tailored to help you work smarter, not harder, across the entire Office suite.

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Best for learning Excel formulas clearly
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP recognized for his expertise in Excel, recommends this book for beginners eager to grasp formulas quickly. He appreciates the book’s concise approach, saying, "This is a great book. Short and to the point. Filled with the Excel formulas you need to know!" His endorsement carries weight because of his deep involvement in Excel education and community support. This book helped him confirm that newcomers can learn essential formulas without getting lost in complexity. Similarly, Bille Jelen, bestselling author of numerous Excel titles, highlights the authors’ thoughtful coverage of common functions and creative workarounds, reinforcing why this book is a solid start for anyone new to Excel formulas.

Recommended by Jordan Goldmeier

Microsoft MVP

This is a great book. Short and to the point. Filled with the Excel formulas you need to know! (from Amazon)

101 Most Popular Excel Formulas (101 Excel Series) book cover

by John Michaloudis, Bryan Hong··You?

2022·378 pages·Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Data Analysis, Functions

Drawing from John Michaloudis's extensive experience as a Microsoft MVP and founder of MyExcelOnline.com, this book clears the fog around Excel formulas for newcomers. You’ll find 101 formulas laid out with clear syntax explanations and practical examples, including workarounds like how to simulate a BETWEEN function using existing formulas. The step-by-step screenshots and downloadable practice workbooks help you build confidence applying functions like VLOOKUP, IF, and SUMPRODUCT. This resource suits beginners aiming to master Excel formulas efficiently without feeling overwhelmed, especially those working in data analysis, finance, or project management who want to save time and improve accuracy.

Microsoft MVP Award 2020
Author of #1 Amazon Bestselling Excel Books
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Best for personal learning pace
This AI-created book on Microsoft Office basics is crafted around your background and skill level. You share which Office components you want to focus on, your current comfort with the software, and your learning goals. Then the book is tailored to walk you through essential features at a pace that suits you, easing the learning curve and helping you build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Office, Office Basics, Word Processing, Spreadsheet Skills, Presentation Design

This personalized book provides a tailored introduction to Microsoft Office essentials designed especially for newcomers. It explores foundational tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with step-by-step guidance that matches your current skill level and learning pace. By focusing on your interests and specific goals, it removes overwhelm and builds confidence through clear, approachable explanations and targeted practice. The tailored content helps you grasp key functions and features progressively, ensuring a smooth and comfortable learning experience. With this book, you gain a customized roadmap that aligns perfectly with your background, making it easier and more enjoyable to master the basics of Microsoft Office.

Tailored Guide
Foundational Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for starting with Excel automation
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP recognized for his expertise in Excel, recommends this book as an excellent starting point for anyone new to VBA macros. He discovered it while seeking tools to quickly build useful macros during his workflow and found the clear, ready-to-use code a major time saver. 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." His experience highlights how this guide can demystify automation for newcomers and help you become more efficient with Excel tasks.

Recommended by Jordan Goldmeier

Microsoft MVP and Excel expert

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. (from Amazon)

101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros (101 Excel Series) book cover

by John Michaloudis, Bryan Hong··You?

2022·361 pages·Office Automation, VBA, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Workbook Automation

The breakthrough moment came when John Michaloudis, leveraging his experience as the founder of MyExcelOnline.com and Microsoft MVP, crafted a resource that removes the intimidation from learning Excel macros. This book delivers 101 ready-to-use VBA macros you can literally copy and paste into your workbooks, helping you save hours daily. You'll learn how to automate tasks like chart creation, pivot tables, and emailing reports, guided by clear screenshots and downloadable practice files. If you want to boost your Excel efficiency without getting lost in complex coding, this book offers a straightforward entry point to mastering automation techniques.

Microsoft MVP Author
Author of multiple Excel bestsellers
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Best for building solid Office 365 basics
Scott Burnett is a full-stack web application developer based in Boston, MA, with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. His passion for simplifying technology shines through this guide, which aims to help beginners overcome the intimidation of Microsoft Office 365. Drawing from his expertise, he breaks down complex software into approachable lessons, making this book a practical starting point for anyone seeking to build essential Office skills.
2022·548 pages·Microsoft Office, Productivity, Software Skills, Excel, Word

Scott Burnett, a seasoned full-stack developer with a strong computer science background, wrote this extensive guide to demystify Microsoft Office 365 for beginners. You’ll find clear explanations and stepwise instructions covering essential functions across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, designed to help you build confidence and efficiency from the ground up. The book also digs into advanced tips and troubleshooting techniques, making it useful even if you already know the basics but want to deepen your skills. If you’re looking to reduce work-related stress by mastering practical Office tools, this book delivers a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon or shortcuts.

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Best for boosting Excel efficiency fast
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP with deep expertise in Excel, praises this book for its broad coverage and accessibility. He found it especially helpful during times when mastering Excel efficiency was critical, noting, "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." His experience underlines why this book is an excellent choice for newcomers seeking to quickly gain practical skills and save time with Microsoft Office tools.

Recommended by Jordan Goldmeier

Microsoft MVP specializing in Excel

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. (from Amazon)

101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks (101 Excel Series) book cover

by John Michaloudis, Bryan Hong··You?

2022·538 pages·Microsoft Excel, Office Automation, Microsoft Office, Formulas, Macros

John Michaloudis, a Microsoft MVP and founder of MyExcelOnline.com, channels his extensive experience helping professionals master Excel into this detailed guide. The book delivers 101 tips and tricks covering formulas, macros, pivot tables, and formatting, designed to boost your efficiency and ease data analysis. It explains advanced concepts in a way that even beginners can grasp, supported by step-by-step instructions and downloadable practice files. If you're looking to improve your Excel skills without getting overwhelmed, this book offers direct, practical insights you can apply right away. However, those seeking deep theoretical knowledge might find it more focused on practical application than on Excel’s underlying principles.

Microsoft MVP Award for Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Excel Series
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Best for custom learning pace
This AI-created book on Excel formulas is tailored to your specific skill level and learning goals. By sharing what you want to focus on and your current experience, you receive a guide that matches your pace and interests. This approach helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed while building solid, practical formula skills that improve your daily Excel use. It's designed to make learning formulas accessible and enjoyable, focusing on what matters most to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Office, Excel Basics, Formula Fundamentals, Function Types, Cell References

This tailored book explores the fundamentals and nuances of Excel formulas and functions with a focus on your individual learning pace and background. It carefully introduces essential formulas in a way that builds confidence and reduces overwhelm, making complex concepts approachable for beginners. The content is designed to match your interests and goals, ensuring a smooth progression from foundational skills to practical application. Each section is crafted to help you grasp how formulas can streamline your workflow and enhance your data handling capabilities. By focusing on your comfort and skill level, this personalized guide reveals the power of Excel formulas in a clear, engaging manner.

AI-Tailored
Formula Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for visual learners new to Office
Library Journal, a leading publication on books and media, recommends this guide as a solid choice for average computer users stepping into Microsoft Office for the first time. Their review calls it "a highly relevant, reasonably priced, and authoritative work; an essential purchase for average computer users and a likely boon to those who want to learn." Their endorsement reflects how this book helped them see Microsoft Office as more accessible and manageable, especially for newcomers who might feel intimidated by complex software. This makes it clear why you should consider this book if you're looking for a practical, beginner-friendly introduction to Microsoft Office.

Recommended by Library Journal

A highly relevant, reasonably priced, and authoritative work; an essential purchase for average computer users and a likely boon to those who want to learn. (from Amazon)

2018·473 pages·Microsoft Office, Software, Productivity, Word Processing, Spreadsheet

Unlike most Microsoft Office manuals that assume prior tech knowledge, this book removes barriers for you by starting from the very basics. Kevin Wilson, with over 20 years in the tech industry and a master’s in software engineering, guides you through everything from installing Office 365 to mastering Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with clear illustrations and straightforward instructions. You’ll learn practical skills like creating graphs and pivot tables in Excel, adding animations in PowerPoint, and managing calendars in Outlook, making it suitable whether you're a student, senior citizen, or busy home user. This book works best if you want a paced, visual approach rather than a technical deep dive, helping you gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

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Best for step-by-step Excel beginners
Leonard Webb, a seasoned programmer with over 26 years of experience, wrote this book to fill a gap he noticed in clear, accessible software guides. His passion for technology and programming shines through as he breaks down Excel into manageable daily lessons, making it especially easy for newcomers to grasp essential skills. This guide reflects his dedication to helping beginners navigate Excel confidently and efficiently.
2023·131 pages·Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Data Entry, Spreadsheet Basics, Formulas

After years immersed in programming and technology, Leonard Webb developed this guide to make Excel approachable for absolute beginners. You’ll learn to build your first spreadsheet, manage and organize data, and create charts through clear explanations supported by over 200 illustrations and more than 100 exercises. The book walks you through daily lessons covering everything from basic functions to advanced formulas, culminating in professional-level skills that save time and reduce errors. This is ideal if you want a structured, visual path to mastering Excel without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon or scattered tutorials.

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Beginner-Friendly Microsoft Office, Tailored

Build your skills with personalized guidance, no overwhelm involved.

Personalized learning plan
Focused topic coverage
Boosted confidence fast

Many successful professionals began with these foundations

Office Starter Blueprint
Excel Formula Secrets
VBA Macro System
Presentation Mastery Code

Conclusion

This collection of seven Microsoft Office books shares a clear theme: approachable, stepwise learning designed with beginners in mind. If you’re completely new, starting with "Microsoft Office 365 for Beginners" or "Essential Office 365 Third Edition" offers a broad yet gentle introduction to the suite’s core tools. For those eager to deepen Excel skills, progressing through "Excel" by Leonard Webb, then moving to formula and macro guides by John Michaloudis recommended by Jordan Goldmeier provides a practical path.

Each book emphasizes practical application, helping you build real-world skills without jargon or shortcuts. This scaffolding of knowledge ensures your early efforts set a strong foundation, saving time and frustration later. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Microsoft Office book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey.

Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success. These books provide the tools and guidance to help you confidently navigate Microsoft Office and unlock its full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Microsoft Office 365 for Beginners" or "Essential Office 365 Third Edition". Both offer clear, gentle introductions covering the whole Office suite without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Microsoft Office?

No, these books are specifically designed for beginners. For example, Leonard Webb’s "Excel" breaks down concepts into daily lessons with clear illustrations, making complex ideas accessible.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with general Office guides, then move to Excel-focused books. For instance, start with "Microsoft Office 365 for Beginners," then explore "101 Most Popular Excel Formulas" followed by macro and tips books for deeper skills.

Will these books be too simple if I already know a little about Microsoft Office?

These guides offer value even if you have some experience. Books like "101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks" provide practical ways to boost your efficiency and uncover features you might not know yet.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can definitely skip around. Many of these books are designed with standalone chapters and clear exercises, so you can focus on topics most relevant to your needs and pace.

How can I tailor my Microsoft Office learning to my specific goals and experience level?

Great question! While the expert books offer solid foundations, creating a personalized Microsoft Office book can tailor content to your pace and goals. This helps you focus on what matters most. Check out custom Microsoft Office books for a tailored learning path.

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