What is a spreadsheet?

A spreadsheet is a sheet of paper or digital file that's divided into rows and columns that allows you to store and analyze data in an organized format. Paper spreadsheets allow you to physically enter data into the rows and columns, but you have to manage your own calculations. Computer spreadsheets can take care of the calculations for you, but you have to enter the formulas into the spreadsheet. Popular computer and web-based spreadsheet applications include Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, and Google Sheets.

Why is it important to learn about spreadsheets?

Spreadsheets are useful tools in the business world, and many companies rely on them, and even if you don't use numbers or formulas, spreadsheets come in handy if you're making charts and organizing information. Spreadsheets are helpful for organizing data of any kind, so it's worth your time to gain familiarity with how to use them. If you work with numbers—from complex formulas to simple budgeting—learning how to use spreadsheets will help you become more productive at work and at home.

How does knowing about spreadsheets affect my career?

There was a time when spreadsheets were only common in the financial sector, but because they're so versatile, they're increasingly prevalent everywhere. If you have a working knowledge of spreadsheets, you can make good use of them in your workplace. If you can gain a deeper knowledge of how spreadsheets work, you'll possess a skill that can make you more productive in your career or help you advance in your career. Some employers look for candidates with extensive spreadsheet knowledge when they're hiring or promoting employees, so the more you know about using spreadsheets, the more value you have as an employee.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn spreadsheets?

Taking online courses on Coursera can help you learn the various features and formulas of spreadsheets at a pace and schedule that fits your needs. The courses are led by some of the best instructors in the academic and business world, from organizations like IBM and the University of Pennsylvania. You can be confident that whether you're learning the basics or gaining more advanced knowledge, you won't only know about how spreadsheets work, but you can apply that knowledge with ease.

What are the benefits of taking an online Spreadsheet course?

Online Spreadsheet courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Spreadsheet skills. Choose from a wide range of Spreadsheet courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Spreadsheet courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Spreadsheet, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Spreadsheet Courses - Learn Spreadsheet Online

Explore the Spreadsheet Course Catalog

Macquarie University
Excel Skills for Business: Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization, Spreadsheet Software, Excel Formulas, Data Management, Data Entry, Productivity Software
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
50K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Business and Financial Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Financial Statements, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Portfolio Management, Regression Analysis, Business Modeling, Financial Modeling, Strategic Decision-Making, Risk Management, Presentations, Decision Making, Data Visualization, Microsoft PowerPoint, Predictive Modeling, Investment Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Spreadsheet Software, Google Sheets
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Peer Review, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Data Import/Export, Microsoft Excel, Data Structures, Program Development, Computer Programming, Project Design, Simulations, Automation, Spreadsheet Software, Algorithms, UI Components, Debugging, Data Management, User Interface (UI), Data Cleansing, Data Validation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, Document Management, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Risk Management Framework, Microsoft Excel, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Problem Solving, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Information Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Prompt Engineering, Data Presentation, ChatGPT, Data Synthesis, Microsoft Excel, Productivity, Infographics, Document Management, Data Analysis, SQL, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization, Data Cleansing, Large Language Modeling, Data Import/Export, Query Languages, Statistical Reporting, Data Integration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Instructor Network
Microsoft Excel VBA and Macros
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Microsoft Excel, Data Manipulation, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Data Analysis, Productivity Software, Automation, Strategic Decision-Making
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
166 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Dashboard, IBM Cognos Analytics, Tree Maps, Scatter Plots, Pivot Tables And Charts, Microsoft Excel, Histogram
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
PwC
Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach
Skills you'll gain: Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Microsoft PowerPoint, Data Presentation, Presentations, Excel Formulas, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Business Intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Customer Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Data Literacy, Big Data, Verbal Communication Skills, Data Cleansing, Spreadsheet Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Macquarie University
Excel Skills for Business: Advanced
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Cleansing, Finance, Business Intelligence Software, Data Validation, Financial Modeling, Data Visualization, Loans, Depreciation, Automation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: AI skills
Meta
Meta Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Business Metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Data Management, Data Collection, Data Governance, Bayesian Statistics, Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Information Privacy, Data Cleansing, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistical Inference, Spreadsheet Software, Correlation Analysis, Google Sheets, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: AI skills
Meta
Meta Marketing Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Business Metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Marketing Analytics, Bayesian Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Marketing Effectiveness, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Target Audience, Marketing Strategies, Data Cleansing, Pandas (Python Package), Data Modeling, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Spreadsheet Software, A/B Testing, Data Collection, Marketing, Interviewing Skills
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.8K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Análisis de Datos de Google
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Presentations, Rmarkdown, Data Presentation, Data Cleansing, Data Visualization, Data Literacy, Ggplot2, Data Validation, Spreadsheet Software, Data Visualization Software, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Tableau Software, Data Processing, Dashboard, Business Analysis, Stakeholder Communications, Databases
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months