8 Microsoft Excel 2019 Books That Set Users Apart

Discover Microsoft Excel 2019 books authored by leading experts like Leonard J. Ledger and Bill Jelen, trusted for their practical insights and proven strategies.

Updated on June 29, 2025
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What if you could unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel 2019 in just minutes a day? Despite Excel’s ubiquity in workplaces worldwide, many users only scratch the surface of its powerful features. With the increasing demand for advanced data analysis and automation, mastering Excel 2019 has never been more relevant.

This carefully selected collection features books by authors with decades of experience like Leonard J. Ledger, Bill Jelen, and Wayne Winston. Their works dive into core Excel functions—from pivot tables and formulas to VBA programming and business modeling—delivering practical, in-depth knowledge that can elevate your data skills.

While these books offer proven frameworks and detailed guidance, readers seeking tailored learning paths might consider creating a personalized Microsoft Excel 2019 book designed around your background, skill level, and specific goals. This approach builds on expert insights with customized strategies for your unique needs.

Best for mastering pivot tables and dashboards
Bill Jelen, Excel MVP and host of MrExcel.com, has been a pivotal figure in the Excel community since 1985. His extensive background as a financial analyst and creator of over 2,200 educational Excel videos uniquely positions him to guide you through mastering pivot tables in Excel 2019. This book distills his deep experience, offering you tools and insights to control and analyze data with precision and ease.
Microsoft Excel 2019 Pivot Table Data Crunching (Business Skills) book cover

by Bill Jelen, Michael Alexander··You?

2019·512 pages·Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel 2019, Data Analysis, Business Intelligence, Pivot Tables

Bill Jelen and Michael Alexander bring decades of Excel expertise to this detailed exploration of pivot tables in Excel 2019. You’ll learn how to transform complex datasets into insightful summaries, customize pivot tables dynamically, and leverage new Excel 2019 features like Power Query and 3D Maps for geographic analysis. The book offers practical techniques to build dashboards, automate reports using VBA macros, and master advanced functions like GetPivotData, all illustrated with clear examples that help you avoid common pitfalls. This is ideal if you want to harness pivot tables for business intelligence, whether you’re new to them or looking to deepen your command.

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Best for deep formula and function mastery
Paul McFedries is an Excel expert and prolific technical writer with over 95 books and 4 million copies sold worldwide. Known for his clear, practical style, Paul brings deep experience to this book, aiming to help you get the most from Excel 2019's formulas and functions. His background in lexicography and computing informs his precise explanations, making complex Excel features accessible. This book is a natural extension of his extensive work helping users navigate software tools with confidence.
2019·512 pages·Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel 2019, Spreadsheet, Formulas, Functions

After analyzing countless Excel use cases, Paul McFedries developed this guide to help you harness the true power of formulas and functions in Excel 2019. You learn how to build dynamic spreadsheets using range names, array formulas, and conditional formatting to spot trends or anomalies quickly. The book walks you through creating real projects like timesheets and cash flow projections, showing you how to apply Excel tools to practical problems. Whether you're troubleshooting errors or building complex financial models, this book offers clear instructions that sharpen your problem-solving skills in Excel. It's ideal if you want to deepen your mastery beyond basics but might be dense for casual users.

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Best for personal action plans
This personalized AI book about Microsoft Excel 2019 is created after you share your background, current skill level, and which Excel topics you want to focus on. You also tell us your specific goals, and the book is written to address exactly what you want to learn and achieve. Using AI allows this tailored guide to zero in on your unique needs, avoiding unnecessary information and helping you master Excel efficiently. It’s like having a mentor who knows precisely where you want to go and what you already know.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Excel 2019, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Data Analysis, Pivot Tables

This tailored book explores the full spectrum of Microsoft Excel 2019, crafted to match your background and learning goals. It covers essential concepts such as formulas, functions, and data analysis, then ventures into advanced topics like pivot tables, VBA automation, and business modeling. By focusing on your specific interests, it reveals efficient pathways to master Excel's capabilities, making complex features accessible and relevant. This personalized experience brings clarity to Excel’s rich toolset and fosters confident application in real-world scenarios, all aligned to your pace and aspirations. It bridges expert knowledge with your unique needs, offering a clear, engaging journey through one of the most powerful productivity tools available.

Tailored Guide
Excel Skill Acceleration
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Best for advanced business modeling techniques
Wayne L. Winston, Professor Emeritus at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and recipient of over 40 teaching awards, authored this guide drawing on his extensive experience teaching and consulting for organizations like Microsoft, Cisco, and Morgan Stanley. His deep knowledge of spreadsheet modeling and decision sciences shapes this book’s practical approach to Excel, aiming to elevate your skills in business data analysis and modeling.
2019·880 pages·Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel 2019, Data Modeling, Data Analysis, Business Modeling

Wayne Winston brings decades of academic and practical expertise to this detailed guide on harnessing Microsoft Excel 2019 for business modeling and data analysis. You’ll learn how to integrate multiple data tables effectively and build relational data sources within Excel workbooks, skills vital for turning raw data into actionable business insights. The book’s scenario-focused approach helps you apply Excel’s latest functions in real business contexts, such as forecasting and optimization. If your work demands robust data-driven decision-making, this book provides a thorough toolkit, though it’s best suited for those ready to engage deeply with Excel’s advanced features rather than casual users.

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Best for Excel certification preparation
Paul McFedries, who has authored over 90 books and sold more than 4 million copies worldwide, leverages his extensive technical writing background to craft this expert-level Excel guide. His deep knowledge and experience make this book a focused tool for those aiming to conquer the Microsoft Excel Expert certification, combining practical exercises with clear explanations to help you confidently advance your skills.
2020·192 pages·Microsoft Excel 2019, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Certifications, Advanced Formulas, Macros

Paul McFedries brings over 25 years of technical writing experience to this focused guide designed for Microsoft Excel users aiming to prove their expert-level skills. This book zeroes in on preparing you for the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel Expert certification by covering detailed procedures like managing workbook options, advanced formulas, macros, and chart management. You’ll work through hands-on tasks and ready-made practice files that make abstract concepts concrete, especially in chapters dedicated to data formatting and macro creation. If you want to master Excel’s advanced features for career advancement or certification, this book delivers a precise roadmap without overwhelming with unnecessary filler.

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Best for complete Office 365 and Excel 2019 training
Steven M. Freund, a lead instructor in Microsoft Office and internet technology, brings decades of teaching experience to this comprehensive guide. Having contributed to the Shelly Cashman Series since 2001, Freund draws on his extensive background to craft a detailed resource that covers Microsoft Office 365 and Excel 2019 in depth. His approach emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thought, aiming to equip you with the skills needed to succeed in both academic and professional environments.
2019·976 pages·Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel 2019, Office 365, Excel Formulas

Drawing from Steven M. Freund's extensive experience as a lead instructor in Microsoft Office and related technologies, this book offers a thorough exploration of Microsoft Office 365 and Excel 2019's latest features. The authors use a step-by-step, screen-by-screen method that encourages you to experiment and think critically, fostering a deeper understanding of the software beyond basic usage. With nearly a thousand pages, it covers everything from foundational tools to advanced functionalities, including integration with Office 365, designed to enhance your productivity in both educational and professional settings. While the book suits learners eager to master Microsoft Office comprehensively, it might be overwhelming if you seek quick tips or shortcuts alone.

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Best for custom action plans
This personalized AI book about Microsoft Excel 2019 is created after you share your experience level and which Excel features you want to focus on. By combining your goals with a tailored learning path, this AI-created book offers a clear, practical way to improve your Excel skills efficiently. Instead of generic coverage, it zeroes in on the topics and techniques that matter most to you, making your 30-day learning journey both focused and effective.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Excel 2019, Excel Fundamentals, Formulas, Data Analysis, Pivot Tables

This tailored book offers a focused 30-day journey to rapidly enhance your Microsoft Excel 2019 skills. It explores essential functions, formulas, data analysis tools, and automation techniques customized to match your current background and learning goals. The content covers core Excel features such as pivot tables, VBA basics, and advanced formula construction, emphasizing practical application aligned with your specific interests. By presenting a personalized progression, this book bridges expert knowledge with your unique needs, enabling a targeted and efficient learning experience. Each chapter is crafted to build your proficiency steadily while addressing your objectives in mastering Excel's powerful capabilities.

Tailored Guide
Excel Skill Building
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Best for beginner to advanced Excel learners
Greg Harvey, PhD, is a veteran computer educator dating back to the era of DOS and Lotus 1-2-3. With extensive teaching experience at Golden Gate University and a prolific author of For Dummies books, Harvey brings authoritative insight into Excel. His deep familiarity with spreadsheet management drives this all-in-one guide, designed to help you harness Excel 2019's full capabilities from basic tasks to advanced data analysis and automation.
2018·816 pages·Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel 2019, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Formula Creation

Drawing from decades of experience teaching spreadsheet and database management, Greg Harvey developed this exhaustive guide to Microsoft Excel 2019. You'll explore everything from worksheet design and formula creation to advanced tasks like macro programming with VBA and integrating Excel with Power BI for data visualization. The book walks you through importing data, setting up pivot tables, and auditing worksheets, making it suitable whether you're just starting or aiming to deepen your Excel skills. If you're looking for a single resource that spans beginner to advanced Excel functions in a clear and accessible manner, this is a fitting choice.

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Best for mastering Excel VBA programming
Michael Alexander is a Microsoft Certified Application Developer with multiple books on Excel and Access, running a popular tutorial site. Alongside Dick Kusleika, who has over twenty-five years helping Office users through blogs, forums, and conferences, they bring authoritative expertise to Excel 2019 VBA programming. Their combined experience ensures this book delivers practical insights and techniques that empower you to leverage Excel's full programming potential.
Excel 2019 Power Programming with VBA book cover

by Michael Alexander, Dick Kusleika··You?

2019·784 pages·Microsoft Excel 2019, VBA, Microsoft Excel, Application Development, Automation

Michael Alexander's decades of experience as a Microsoft Certified Application Developer, combined with Dick Kusleika's extensive background assisting Office users, shaped this detailed guide to Excel 2019 VBA programming. You’ll learn to harness VBA to build and enhance Excel applications, covering everything from interface navigation and file formats to integration with other Office tools. The book’s chapters include practical templates and example code that help you apply concepts immediately, making it ideal for those aiming to advance beyond basic Excel skills. If you’re looking to deepen your programming capabilities within Excel and automate complex tasks, this book offers a thorough and pragmatic approach.

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Best for quick daily Excel skill-building
Leonard J. Ledger, a Computer Science graduate from MIT and longtime professor at Oakridge University, brings his deep-rooted passion for technology to this guide. Recognizing gaps in beginner resources for Excel, he crafted this book to help novices gain confidence and practical skills. His academic background and teaching experience shape a clear, accessible approach to mastering Microsoft Excel 2019 efficiently.
2023·146 pages·Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel 2019, Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization, Formulas

Leonard J. Ledger combines his academic expertise and passion for technology to craft an approachable guide designed for anyone intimidated by spreadsheets. The book breaks down complex Excel features—from pivot tables to VBA automation—into manageable, bite-sized lessons you can master in under seven minutes a day. You’ll find clear walkthroughs of formulas, shortcuts, and data visualization techniques that aim to boost your productivity and confidence with Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills for workplace efficiency, this book offers practical, progressive learning without overwhelming jargon.

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Conclusion

These eight books collectively emphasize three key themes: mastering core Excel features, applying practical business modeling, and leveraging automation through VBA. Whether you're new to Excel or aiming to certify your skills, they provide structured learning paths and actionable techniques.

If your challenge is to quickly build foundational skills, starting with Leonard J. Ledger’s approachable "Excel" or Greg Harvey’s "Excel 2019 All-in-One For Dummies" will set a strong base. For deeper dives into pivot tables, formulas, or VBA programming, Bill Jelen’s and Michael Alexander’s works offer detailed expertise. Those focused on certification should turn to Paul McFedries’ MOS Study Guide for targeted preparation.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Microsoft Excel 2019 book to bridge general principles with your specific context. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and unlock Excel’s full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with Leonard J. Ledger's "Excel" for quick, manageable lessons if you're new. It breaks down Excel 2019 basics clearly before you dive into more advanced topics like pivot tables or VBA.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Microsoft Excel 2019?

Not at all. Titles like "Excel 2019 All-in-One For Dummies" cater to beginners and progressively cover advanced topics, making them suitable as you grow your skills.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like Leonard J. Ledger’s and Greg Harvey’s books. Then explore specialized topics such as pivot tables, formulas, and VBA with Bill Jelen and Michael Alexander’s works.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals: certification seekers should focus on the MOS Study Guide, while those interested in automation might prioritize the VBA programming book.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Wayne Winston’s "Data Analysis and Business Modeling" leans more on applying Excel in real business scenarios, while Paul McFedries’ books mix practical exercises with theory for certification.

Can personalized Microsoft Excel 2019 books complement these expert titles?

Yes! While these expert books provide solid foundations, personalized books tailor content to your unique skills and goals, bridging expert knowledge with your specific needs. Explore options here.

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