Spreadsheet Fundamentals

Eight lessons on how spreadsheets organize, calculate, validate, summarize, and communicate data. Free, beginner-friendly.

• Difficulty: Beginner
• 8 lessons reading
• No prior technical experience required

• Data 101
• Data Best Practices 101

These are suggestions, not requirements.

Understanding Spreadsheets

Learn what spreadsheets are, how they are structured, and when they are the right tool for the job.

Entering and Organizing Data

How to structure data in a spreadsheet for accuracy, consistency, and ease of use.

Formulas and Cell References

Understand how formulas work, the difference between relative and absolute references, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Functions for Everyday Data Work

Learn the most useful spreadsheet functions — SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, IF, and more — and when to use each one.

Sorting, Filtering, and Tables

How to sort, filter, and use structured tables to find and work with subsets of your data.

Data Validation and Data Integrity

Use validation rules to reduce errors, enforce consistent categories, and protect data quality at the point of entry.

Pivot Tables and Data Summaries

Understand what pivot tables do and how to use them to summarize and explore data without formulas.

Spreadsheet Best Practices

The habits and conventions that keep spreadsheets reliable, maintainable, and trustworthy over time.