How to Learn MS Excel Fast

1. Open Microsoft Excel or download a free trial program. Explore the in-program tutorial options by clicking the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the screen and selecting 'Help.' Double-click the 'Getting Started' button to open the Microsoft Excel website or click the blue question mark 'Microsoft Office Help' button to open a searchable database of information. Type in a word or phrase such as 'cells,' 'sorting data' or 'columns.'
2. Visit the Microsoft Excel website for Excel tutorials, videos, plus setting-up and getting-started instructions. The Microsoft Excel support center (see Resources) offers information on formatting, filtering, making charts, using the worksheets (also known as spreadsheets), macros, importing data and lists the top issues Excel users report experiencing.
3. Read an Excel introductory book (be sure to purchase the correct version of Office/Excel, such as Excel 2010, the latest version as of November 2010). Options include 'Excel 2010 For Dummies' by Greg Harvey (who also wrote 'Excel 2010 All-in-One for Dummies'), 'Learn Excel 2007 Essential Skills with the Smart Method' by Mike Smart, 'Microsoft Excel for Beginners' by Web Wise Seminars or 'Excel for Beginners' by D. Larisch. Look for a book with plenty of screenshots and step-by-step tutorials.
4. Enroll in an Excel class, offered around the country at many community colleges and schools. Adult education or continuing education courses are short-term and usually require no prior Excel experience or education. Options include the Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, offering a beginning Excel 1 class, plus options to further education with intermediate Excel training.