8 Best-Selling Microsoft Excel Books Millions Trust

Discover VBA insights from Steven Roman, John Walkenbach, and Jay P. Christofferson in these best-selling Microsoft Excel books

Updated on June 24, 2025
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When millions of readers and top experts converge on trusted books, you know they've earned their place. Microsoft Excel remains a cornerstone tool for data analysis, automation, and productivity across countless industries, making the right resources invaluable for anyone serious about mastering it.

Steven Roman, author of "Writing Excel Macros with VBA," brings programming clarity that has helped countless users automate tasks. Meanwhile, John Walkenbach’s decades of experience shine through his VBA-focused works, guiding users from beginners to advanced programmers. Construction expert Jay P. Christofferson offers practical Excel applications tailored for estimating professionals, blending real-world expertise with spreadsheet skills.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Microsoft Excel needs might consider creating a personalized Microsoft Excel book that combines these validated approaches into a custom learning experience.

Best for mastering VBA automation
This book stands out for its targeted approach to programming Excel macros using VBA, offering a deep dive into the Excel object model and the VBA programming environment. It has gained widespread recognition among Excel power-users who want to master automation and customization beyond standard spreadsheet functions. The text presents concise, practical examples that help you quickly grasp how to write and debug macros, making it a resource for anyone aiming to enhance their Microsoft Excel capabilities with programming skills.
2002·570 pages·Microsoft Excel, VBA, Programming, Excel Object Model, Automation

Drawing from his extensive programming experience, Steven Roman crafted this book to demystify Excel's VBA macros for both seasoned Excel users and programmers new to the Excel object model. You gain a focused understanding of the Visual Basic Editor environment, the VBA language specifics, and the vital Excel object model elements needed to automate and enhance your spreadsheets. Roman's straightforward style skips fluff, diving directly into examples that tackle everyday Excel challenges, like automating reports or manipulating data programmatically, especially in chapters covering key objects and debugging techniques. If you want to move beyond manual tasks and harness VBA's power within Excel, this book offers a clear path, though it assumes you're ready to engage with concise, no-frills instruction.

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Best for advanced Excel VBA developers
This Excel 2007 VBA Programmer's Reference distinguishes itself by presenting VBA programming through the lens of Microsoft Excel’s specific object model, ensuring you learn how to automate and customize Excel effectively. Its approach, developed through collaboration among experienced Excel VBA programmers, offers practical insights into working with key Excel objects and optimizing code performance. This extensive volume caters to users looking to deepen their VBA skills tailored to Excel’s environment, bridging beginner concepts to advanced topics like internet connectivity and Windows API integration. It’s a solid guide for anyone aiming to harness Excel’s full programming potential.
Excel 2007 VBA Programmer's Reference book cover

by John Green, Stephen Bullen, Rob Bovey, Michael Alexander·You?

2007·1176 pages·Microsoft Excel, VBA, Programming, Automation, Object Model

Unlike most programming books that treat VBA as a standalone language, this reference anchors VBA specifically within the Microsoft Excel environment, making it uniquely practical. Its authors, seasoned developers with deep Excel expertise, guide you through the VBA language fundamentals alongside the Excel object model, emphasizing how collections, objects, and events interact within spreadsheets. You’ll learn efficient coding techniques to access workbooks, ranges, and charts, with detailed examples that prioritize speed and readability. Advanced chapters explore topics like internet integration and Windows API calls, making the book suitable if you want to elevate your Excel automation beyond basics. If you're aiming to master Excel VBA with a focus on real-world application, this book delivers a thorough, methodical approach.

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Best for custom formula mastery
This AI-created book on Excel formulas is tailored to your skill level and specific interests in efficient formula creation. By sharing what formula techniques you want to focus on and your current background, you receive a book that addresses exactly your goals. Personalizing this learning journey helps you master the formulas relevant to your work without sifting through unrelated content. It’s your focused path to faster calculations and smarter spreadsheet use.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Excel, Excel Basics, Formula Fundamentals, Function Usage, Logical Formulas

This tailored book explores the art of mastering Excel formulas through a personalized lens, designed to match your background and goals. It covers essential formula techniques, from foundational functions to complex nested expressions, enabling you to create efficient calculations tailored to your workflow. By focusing on your specific interests, the book reveals how to combine formula components for faster, more reliable spreadsheet results and deeper data insights. With a focus on clarity and application, it encourages a hands-on understanding of Excel’s formula capabilities that align with your unique needs. This personalized approach transforms formula learning into a targeted, engaging experience tailored just for you.

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Best for Excel VBA beginners
Excel 2007 VBA Programming For Dummies stands out in the Microsoft Excel landscape by guiding users through the process of transforming Excel 2007 into a customized application using VBA. This book’s straightforward approach, filled with sample programs and clear instructions, has made it a popular choice among users eager to automate repetitive tasks and tailor Excel functionality. It offers practical insights into programming concepts and the Visual Basic Editor, making it accessible for those ready to move beyond basic Excel use. Anyone looking to unlock Excel’s potential through programming will find this book a valuable companion.
2007·384 pages·Microsoft Excel, VBA, Programming, Automation, Macros

John Walkenbach's decades of experience with Excel led to this approachable guide that demystifies VBA programming for Excel 2007 users. You learn how to harness VBA to automate tasks, build custom dialog boxes, and create tailored toolbars, turning Excel from a spreadsheet into a personalized application. The book breaks down key programming concepts and guides you through the Visual Basic Editor, making it accessible if you're new to coding. This is ideal if you want to deepen your Excel skills beyond formulas and macros, especially if you aim to build efficient, customized workflows within Excel 2007.

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Best for legacy VBA programming skills
Microsoft Excel 2000 Power Programming with VBA offers an extensive dive into harnessing the programming capabilities of Excel 2000 through Visual Basic for Applications and the Office Component Object Model. This book has attracted a wide audience of Excel professionals eager to extend their skills beyond spreadsheets into automation and custom application development. Its practical approach covers everything from UserForms to class modules, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to build tailored business solutions within Excel. The depth and scope of this work address the needs of advanced users aiming to unlock Excel’s full programming potential.
1999·912 pages·Microsoft Excel, VBA, Programming, Automation, UserForms

John Walkenbach's decades of experience as an Excel authority shine through in this detailed guide to programming Excel 2000 using VBA. You’ll explore how to leverage the new Office Component Object Model alongside Visual Basic for Applications to create custom spreadsheets and automate complex tasks, gaining practical skills in UserForms and class modules. The book’s 900+ pages dive deep enough for developers aiming to build turnkey business applications while remaining accessible for advanced Excel users ready to elevate their capabilities. If you want to move beyond formulas into the realm of powerful automation and tailored solutions, this book offers a thorough roadmap, although it’s best suited for those comfortable with programming concepts.

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Best for construction and estimating pros
Jay P. Christofferson, a licensed general contractor and a nationally recognized authority on construction estimating, chairs one of the largest Construction Management programs at Brigham Young University. His deep expertise in both industry practice and education led him to write this book to help professionals and students harness Microsoft Excel for precise and efficient construction estimating. Christofferson’s background ensures the book delivers techniques grounded in real-world construction management, offering you a trusted guide to mastering Excel’s power in your estimating work.
Estimating With Microsoft Excel book cover

by Jay P. Christofferson··You?

2010·176 pages·Microsoft Excel, Home Estimating, Construction, Estimating, Cost Management

Jay P. Christofferson draws on his extensive experience as a licensed general contractor and educator to guide you through using Microsoft Excel for construction estimating. You’ll learn how to build accurate cost models for residential projects by programming formulas and creating databases that handle everything from concrete and rebar to labor and permits. The book breaks down the process of setting up efficient estimating systems and automating repetitive tasks, making it especially useful if you're managing budgets or overseeing multiple projects. If you're involved in construction management or project estimating, this book offers practical skills to streamline your workflow and sharpen your financial insight.

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Best for custom automation plans
This AI-created book on Excel automation is crafted based on your experience with VBA programming and your specific goals in automating Excel tasks. You share which VBA topics you want to focus on and your current skill level, so the book covers exactly what you need to build efficient macros and automate workflows. Personalizing this learning experience makes mastering Excel VBA practical and relevant to your daily challenges.
2025·50-300 pages·Microsoft Excel, Excel Automation, VBA Programming, Macro Development, Debugging Techniques

This tailored VBA Automation Blueprint explores step-by-step methods for automating Excel tasks with VBA macros, focusing on your interests and skill level. It covers foundational programming principles, macro creation, and advanced automation techniques tailored to match your background and address your specific goals. The book examines VBA coding essentials, debugging, user interaction, and real-world automation scenarios that streamline repetitive work. By combining widely validated insights with your personalized focus areas, this book reveals how to enhance productivity through Excel VBA automation effectively. The personalized content ensures you engage with relevant material deeply suited to your learning pace and objectives.

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Best for foundational Excel 2010 learners
With its project-based approach, this book offers a practical path to mastering Microsoft Excel 2010. It guides you through realistic scenarios that mirror everyday data analysis tasks, making it a popular choice among learners aiming to build solid Excel skills. The text’s alignment with Microsoft Office Specialist objectives ensures that the skills you develop are relevant and testable. Whether you’re a student or a professional, this book serves as a reliable resource to deepen your command of Excel in real-world contexts.
Microsoft Excel 2010, Levels 1 & 2 (Benchmark (Paradigm)) book cover

by Nita Hewitt Rutkosky, Denise Seguin, Audrey Rutkosky Roggenkamp·You?

2001·320 pages·Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Spreadsheet Management, Workbook Creation, Project-Based Learning

What happens when a structured, project-based method meets Microsoft Excel training? Authors Nita Hewitt Rutkosky, Denise Seguin, and Audrey Rutkosky Roggenkamp developed this book to build essential Excel 2010 skills through practical application rather than isolated commands. You’ll learn how to plan, create, and manage workbooks for numeric data analysis within realistic scenarios, such as case studies that test your ability to solve problems independently. The book also covers using Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8, providing a broader context for Excel users in that environment. This makes it particularly useful for students or professionals seeking mastery aligned with Microsoft Office Specialist standards.

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Best for visual Excel 2010 learners
Teach Yourself VISUALLY Excel 2010 offers a uniquely accessible way to grasp Microsoft Excel's capabilities by combining clear, full-color screenshots with straightforward instructions. This approach caters especially well to those who find visual learning most effective, helping users explore everything from basic spreadsheet creation to advanced features like PivotTables and network collaboration. Its step-by-step format and practical tips address the needs of both beginners and those upgrading to Excel 2010, making it a widely appreciated resource for anyone eager to improve their Excel proficiency.
2010·352 pages·Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Spreadsheet Design, PivotTables, Charting

Paul McFedries' extensive experience in technology writing shines through in this visually rich guide to Excel 2010. You'll find yourself navigating spreadsheets with ease thanks to the step-by-step instructions paired with full-color screenshots that clarify even the more complex features like PivotTables and data filtering. The book treats you to insights on Excel's new interface and collaboration tools introduced in 2010, helping you work seamlessly across networks and the web. Whether you're new to Excel or upgrading from an older version, this guide offers concrete examples and tips on creating and presenting data effectively, making it a solid pick for visual learners aiming to enhance their spreadsheet skills.

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Best for quick Excel formula reference
Excel Formulas (Quick Study Computer) serves as a compact yet information-rich guide to mastering the various functions and formula types within Microsoft Excel. Its succinct presentation packs a wealth of knowledge into just six pages, providing a practical resource for quickly understanding and applying formulas—from basic arithmetic to complex financial calculations. This book appeals to anyone looking to sharpen their Excel skills without getting bogged down in lengthy instruction, making it a useful tool for students, professionals, or casual users who want to efficiently harness Excel’s computational power.
Excel Formulas (Quick Study Computer) book cover

by Inc. BarCharts·You?

2013·6 pages·Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Formulas, Functions, Financial Math

What started as a concise reference guide, this book by Inc. BarCharts condenses the essentials of Excel formulas into a mere six pages, making it a surprisingly dense resource. It covers a broad range of mathematical functions—from statistics and trigonometry to financial math—offering more formula insight than many lengthier manuals. If you often grapple with building formulas or need a quick refresher, the book’s snapshots and clear explanations help you navigate Excel’s capabilities efficiently. It’s especially handy for those who want to master formula construction without wading through extensive texts but might feel limited if you’re seeking in-depth tutorials or advanced problem-solving techniques.

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Conclusion

These eight books collectively highlight proven frameworks for mastering Microsoft Excel—whether you're automating with VBA, honing formula skills, or diving into Excel 2010's essentials. If you prefer proven methods, start with "Writing Excel Macros with VBA" for automation or "Excel Formulas" for quick referencing.

For validated approaches tailored to your field, "Estimating With Microsoft Excel" offers construction-specific insights, while the visual guides support learners who benefit from step-by-step screenshots. Combining these resources gives you a broad foundation and deep dives into specialized Excel areas.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Microsoft Excel book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering Excel’s vast capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Microsoft Excel 2010, Levels 1 & 2 )" if you're new, as it builds foundational skills. For VBA beginners, "Excel 2007 VBA Programming For Dummies" offers clear guidance. These options provide approachable entry points before diving into advanced topics.

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

Not at all. Books like "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Excel 2010" and "Excel 2007 VBA Programming For Dummies" cater specifically to beginners with step-by-step instructions and visual aids, making Excel accessible to new users.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational skills in "Microsoft Excel 2010, Levels 1 & 2 )" or "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Excel 2010." Then explore formula skills with "Excel Formulas." Once comfortable, advance to VBA programming books like "Writing Excel Macros with VBA."

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

While some focus on Excel 2007 or 2010, core concepts in VBA programming and formulas remain relevant. For cutting-edge features, newer resources help, but these books offer timeless foundations and programming principles.

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

You can skip to chapters or topics that fit your needs, especially with reference books like "Excel Formulas" or "Excel 2007 VBA Programmer's Reference." For structured learning, reading sequentially is beneficial.

How can personalized Microsoft Excel books complement these expert recommendations?

Personalized books tailor proven strategies from these best-sellers to your specific goals, skill level, and subtopics. They combine expert methods with your unique needs, offering efficient, focused learning. Explore options to create your custom Microsoft Excel book.

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