Most people have heard of Excel, it is part of the Microsoft Office suite, and it is used in pretty much every office across the globe. So it can be a really useful tool to learn, But most people have no idea that how long does it take to learn excel.
We will briefly explain the tips and tricks you can use to learn excel effectively and quickly.
The spreadsheet program is designed to aid data storage, extraction, and statistical analysis.
In today’s society, we have more access to data than we ever have before, and this program is a really vital part of reading and interpreting that data.
It’s not hard to see why you may want to learn the processes of the program. But just how long does it take to learn?
Throughout this article, we’ll look further into how long it takes to learn, how hard it is to learn, and where you can access resources to help you along the way.
What Is Excel Used For?
Excel is used for many different things. It’s a great way to organize your data. You can group data together, perform calculations, and even build charts through the software.
Below you’ll find some of the main ways you can use the software.
Data Analysis
Data analysts who need to crunch important data and numbers to help grow and further their business do so through the use of Excel.
You can quantify pretty much any numbers you want, whether that’s sales, website traffic, or insurance claims.
Project Management
Excel is a really clever piece of software that can keep up with pretty complicated mathematical equations.
Because of this, it is often used to log complicated logistics, and keep track of deadlines, and budgets.
Performance Reporting
Since the software can also convert data into reports through the PivotTables feature, it is also a great way to track the performance of staff or faculty.
How Long Does It Take To Learn Excel?
To fully understand Excel, you’ll need around 20 hours of learning to really master all the features available.
However, if you are only looking to understand the basics, it may take you less time than this.
Excel is a pretty complex piece of software that does have tons of features, so you won’t want to rush your learning.
Trying to cram all of Excel into two or three days is definitely going to leave you with a sore brain.
Is Excel Hard To Learn?
If you’re brand new to Excel, I won’t lie, it can seem a little overwhelming at first.
It’s probably not something that you’ll pick up instantly, but that doesn’t mean you won’t pick it up at all. So stick with it.
The very straightforward and basic processes are not all that hard to learn, and you’ll probably find that you do have at least some experience with the software. It is usually taught at its most basic level in most schools.
The more complicated processes can be a little trickier, but you’ll find that like with anything, the more you practice, the easier it will become.
Is Excel Harder Than Google Sheets?
If you’ve got Google Sheets down to a science and are hoping Excel is just as easy, I do have slightly disappointing news.
Excel is more difficult to pick up than the Google Sheets app just due to the higher amount of features the software offers.
Where Can You Start Learning About Excel?
Trying to figure out Excel all by yourself is going to be a pretty confusing process that I really wouldn’t recommend. However, there are ways to get the help that won’t even leave you out of pocket.
There are plenty of online courses available for Excel and many of them are even free.
- Excel Coding Bootcamps – These are short and simple courses that are incredibly immersive and are specifically geared towards helping you learn all the skills you’ll need for a tech career. There are many different versions, so you’ll want to read the descriptions to ensure they align with your career aspirations.
- Excel Online Courses – There are loads of platforms that offer online courses in Excel such as Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn. The courses can usually be done in your own time and at your own pace.
- Excel Degree Programs – You won’t really want a whole degree in Excel, but you can get certifications and credentials in Excel which can help your resume shine for certain employers.
Tips For Learning Excel
- Decide What You Want From The Software – There are many different purposes for using Excel. It will be much easier to learn if you have specific goals in mind, and have at least a basic understanding of why it will be useful to you.
- Find Effective Learning Resources – If you’re an Excel novice with little experience, you’ll need to really understand the basics to get the most out of the additional features. You can’t learn the information you’ll need without credible resources.
- Enroll In An Online Course – The easiest way to learn is from a course that is designed for that purpose. Online articles can help, for sure, but you’ll get the most out of these courses.
- Practice Makes Perfect – Don’t give up if you get things wrong at first. The software is complex and there is so much to learn. The more you practice the easier it will become.
- Learn Keyboard Shortcuts – Much like with Microsoft Word, you can use the software perfectly fine without the shortcuts. But having them makes your life a whole lot easier.
Final Thoughts
Excel isn’t the easiest software out there to learn by any means.
That being said, it can be incredibly useful in many different situations, so you’ll really benefit from learning the processes. And it’s likely that it will really help you progress in your career.
And considering there are so many online courses to help you that are completely free, it seems like a no-brainer. It may take 20 hours plus of learning to really get there, but it will be worth it in the end.
