7 Microsoft Excel Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Recommended by Microsoft MVPs Jordan Goldmeier, Bille Jelen, and Mike Girvin for mastering Microsoft Excel

Updated on June 25, 2025
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What if a handful of books could transform your grasp of Microsoft Excel, saving you hours and boosting your productivity? Excel remains a foundational skill for professionals across industries, yet mastering its vast features often feels daunting. That's why trusted books are indispensable—they offer guided learning paths tested by experts.

Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP known for his work in Excel automation, frequently refers to books like 101 Most Popular Excel Formulas and 101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros. His experience helping professionals optimize workflows gives his recommendations weight. Likewise, Bille Jelen, bestselling author of over 20 Excel books, praises resources that demystify Excel's gaps. Meanwhile, Mike Girvin, a Microsoft Excel MVP with a YouTube following of thousands, emphasizes mastering Excel 365's analytics capabilities.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific skill level, goals, or industry might consider creating a personalized Microsoft Excel book that builds on these insights, blending expert knowledge with your unique needs.

Best for mastering essential Excel formulas
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP well-known for his expertise in Excel, highlights this book for its concise and focused approach. He shares how, during his work helping professionals optimize their spreadsheets, he found this resource invaluable: "This is a great book. Short and to the point. Filled with the Excel formulas you need to know!" His endorsement underscores the book’s practicality for mastering crucial formulas quickly. Additionally, Bille Jelen, author of over 20 Excel books, praises the detailed examples and the authors' keen insight into Excel’s missing functions, which adds depth to this guide’s usefulness.

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!

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

by John Michaloudis, Bryan Hong··You?

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

John Michaloudis, a recognized Microsoft MVP and founder of MyExcelOnline.com, brings years of hands-on experience helping professionals streamline their Excel skills in this book. You’ll find detailed guidance on 101 key formulas like VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and SUMPRODUCT, each supported by clear syntax explanations and practical examples that reveal how to fill gaps in Excel’s functionality. The book is designed for anyone from beginners to intermediate users aiming to speed up data analysis and reporting by mastering essential formulas. For instance, it cleverly addresses common missing functions by showing how to replicate them with existing ones, making it a straightforward yet insightful resource for improving your Excel fluency.

Microsoft MVP Award 2020
Author of multiple #1 Amazon Excel books
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Best for practical Excel automation with VBA
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP known for his expertise in Excel automation, recommends this book for its straightforward, ready-to-use macros. He appreciates how it helped him and others quickly implement VBA code without getting bogged down in theory. "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 endorsement highlights the book’s value for anyone wanting to jump straight into practical Excel macro use.

Recommended by Jordan Goldmeier

Microsoft MVP and Excel automation 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.

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 Office, Microsoft Excel, Excel Macros

John Michaloudis, a Microsoft MVP and founder of MyExcelOnline.com, created this book to help busy professionals automate repetitive Excel tasks quickly. You’ll find 101 ready-to-use VBA macros that you can copy directly into your workbooks, covering everything from pivot tables to email automation. The clear, step-by-step instructions with screenshots make it accessible for beginners while offering intermediate users practical tools to save hours daily. If you want to boost your Excel efficiency with tangible, hands-on code examples, this book provides exactly that without unnecessary complexity.

Microsoft MVP Award 2020
Author of #1 Amazon Bestselling Excel Books
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Best for custom learning paths
This personalized AI book about Excel formulas and functions is created based on your current skills and the specific Excel topics you want to focus on. By sharing your background and goals, you receive a book that targets exactly the formulas and functions most relevant to you. This AI-created guide helps you cut through the complexity with a learning path customized to your needs, making Excel mastery feel much more accessible and tailored.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Excel, Excel Basics, Formula Fundamentals, Function Categories, Nested Formulas

This tailored book explores the art and science of mastering Excel formulas and functions with a focus that matches your background and goals. It examines foundational concepts alongside advanced techniques, creating a personalized learning journey that bridges expert knowledge and your unique interests. By examining real-world formula applications and diverse function categories, it reveals approaches that help you understand and apply Excel’s powerful calculation tools effectively. This custom guide encourages deeper comprehension by addressing your specific challenges, enabling you to build confidence in formula construction and function usage through a tailored path that prioritizes your learning needs.

Tailored Content
Formula Mastery
3,000+ Books Created
Best for boosting Excel efficiency and workflow
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP recognized for his expertise in Excel, highlights this book as a comprehensive resource that spans beginner to advanced tips. He appreciates how the authors break down complex Excel features into accessible insights, perfect for anyone looking to improve efficiency. As someone deeply involved in Excel training, Goldmeier notes, "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 endorsement reflects the book’s practical value in saving time and enhancing your Excel workflow.

Recommended by Jordan Goldmeier

Microsoft MVP Excel expert

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.

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, drew on his extensive experience helping over 100,000 professionals to craft this detailed guide. You’ll explore 101 practical Excel tips covering formulas, macros, pivot tables, and formatting, designed to streamline your workflow and boost efficiency. The book includes step-by-step instructions with screenshots and downloadable practice workbooks, making it accessible whether you're a beginner or intermediate user. If you're looking to save time while mastering essential Excel features, this book breaks down complex functions into manageable insights you can apply immediately.

Microsoft MVP Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Excel Author
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Best for advancing skills with latest Excel features
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. This background uniquely qualifies him to guide you from Excel basics to mastery, combining practical insights with expert techniques tailored to Excel 2023.
2023·112 pages·Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Data Management, Excel Formulas, VBA Basics

Drawing from his extensive experience training professionals since the early 2000s, Vincent Fairmont crafted this book to bridge the gap between Excel novices and advanced users. You’ll gain hands-on mastery of Excel 2023’s core features, from foundational formulas and tables to advanced data management and VBA basics, all supported by engaging exercises and visual guides. The inclusion of four exclusive bonuses, like a 21-hour video course and a vast template collection, provides practical tools to apply your skills immediately. This guide suits anyone eager to move confidently beyond basics, especially business professionals and data enthusiasts looking to elevate their spreadsheet capabilities.

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Best for deep mastery of Excel 365 capabilities
Michael Alexander, an Excel MVP with decades of experience in Excel and business intelligence, brings his deep expertise to this comprehensive guide. His background ensures that the book not only covers fundamental Excel skills but also dives into advanced features that professionals rely on. This makes the Microsoft Excel 365 Bible a valuable resource for anyone looking to fully harness Excel’s capabilities in today’s cloud-based environment.
Microsoft Excel 365 Bible book cover

by Michael Alexander, Dick Kusleika··You?

2022·1072 pages·Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Automation, Visual Basic, Data Visualization

While working as an Excel MVP and business intelligence expert, Michael Alexander joined forces with Dick Kusleika to craft a guide that addresses both newcomers and seasoned Excel users navigating Microsoft Excel 365’s evolving landscape. You’ll find detailed instructions on everything from creating basic spreadsheets to leveraging advanced features like Visual Basic for Applications for automation and complex data visualizations. The book’s structure allows you to jump straight into topics that matter most, such as managing large datasets or performing "What-If Analyses." Whether you're aiming to improve your day-to-day productivity or build sophisticated models, this book offers a roadmap grounded in decades of hands-on expertise and community recognition.

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Best for custom automation plans
This AI-created book on Excel automation is designed specifically around your background and goals. By sharing your experience level, specific interests in VBA, and the tasks you want to automate, you receive a tailored guide that focuses exactly on what you need to learn. This personalized approach makes mastering Excel macros more relevant and efficient, helping you build solutions that fit your unique workflow without sifting through generic content.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Excel, Excel Automation, VBA Programming, Macro Development, Task Automation

This personalized AI-created book explores the powerful world of Excel automation through VBA macros, crafted to match your unique workflow and experience. It covers essential macro programming concepts and gradually delves into creating task-specific solutions that streamline your daily operations. The book examines common automation challenges and reveals practical techniques tailored to your specific goals, from data manipulation to report generation. By focusing on your interests and skill level, it ensures an engaging learning journey that bridges expert knowledge with your personal context, enabling you to harness the full potential of VBA within Excel.

Tailored Handbook
Workflow Automation
3,000+ Books Created
Best for mastering Excel analytics and data modeling
Mike Girvin, a Microsoft Excel MVP since 2013 and business instructor since 2002, brings unmatched expertise to this guide on Excel 365. With over 3,200 Excel tutorial videos and numerous awards for innovation, Girvin’s background ensures readers access reliable, well-tested methods. His deep understanding of Excel’s evolving capabilities makes this book a go-to resource for anyone aiming to master the latest tools in data analysis and modeling.
2022·824 pages·Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Modeling, Dashboard Reporting, Calculations

Mike Girvin’s decades of experience as a Microsoft Excel MVP and business instructor shine through in this detailed guide to Excel 365. You’ll learn how to harness the new formula engine, including Worksheet formulas, M Code, and DAX, to build powerful business models and solve complex calculation problems. The book also dives into modern data analysis tools like Power Query, Power Pivot, and Power BI, walking you through creating dynamic dashboards and reports with various PivotTable types. Whether you’re new to Excel or looking to master its latest features, this book offers a logical progression that equips you with skills to tackle data-driven decision making effectively.

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Best for absolute beginners learning Excel basics
Leonard Webb, a programmer with 26 years of experience who began his tech journey buying one of the earliest personal computers, wrote this book out of frustration with the scarcity of clear, beginner-friendly software guides. His background working for large companies and daily dedication to mastering technology informs this guide’s straightforward approach to Excel. This book is designed to help anyone, regardless of prior knowledge, gain confidence and competence with Microsoft Excel in just seven days.
2023·131 pages·Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Data Entry, Spreadsheet Basics, Formulas

Drawing from over two decades of programming experience and a deep passion for computing, Leonard Webb crafted this guide to demystify Microsoft Excel for absolute beginners. You’ll learn to build your skills progressively, starting with basics like data entry and moving through organizing data, applying formulas, and creating charts—all supported by 200 illustrations and more than 100 exercises. The book even includes practical bonuses such as ready-made templates and a video course to reinforce learning. If you’re new to Excel and want a structured, clear path to becoming proficient, this book offers exactly that without overwhelming jargon or assumptions about prior knowledge.

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Conclusion

These seven books reveal clear themes: mastering formulas, automating tasks, boosting efficiency, and leveraging data analytics in Excel's latest versions. If you're an absolute beginner, Excel offers a structured path to start confidently. For those wanting to automate workflows, 101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros pairs well with 101 Most Popular Excel Formulas to enhance productivity.

Business professionals eager to tap into Excel 365’s full power will find Microsoft Excel 365 Bible and Microsoft 365 Excel invaluable for advanced analytics and modeling. Meanwhile, EXCEL 2024 bridges foundational knowledge and emerging features, perfect for rapid skill advancement.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Microsoft Excel book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and gain confidence navigating Excel’s complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with Excel by Leonard Webb if you're new; it offers clear, step-by-step basics. If you already know the fundamentals, 101 Most Popular Excel Formulas is great for quickly mastering essential functions.

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

Not at all. Books like Excel are designed for absolute beginners, while others like 101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks offer insights for all levels, making them accessible as you grow.

What makes these books different from others on Microsoft Excel?

They’re recommended by recognized Microsoft MVPs and authors with decades of experience, ensuring practical, tested approaches that focus on real-world Excel challenges.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Microsoft Excel changes?

Most books here cover recent Excel versions, including Excel 365 and Excel 2024, keeping pace with updates and new features so you’re learning relevant skills.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks offers immediately applicable techniques to streamline your workflow, saving time and boosting productivity from the first page.

Can I get content tailored to my specific Excel needs instead of reading multiple books?

Yes! While these expert books cover broad topics, you can create a personalized Microsoft Excel book tailored to your skill level, goals, and industry for focused learning that complements these resources.

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