Excel 2026 Beginner: Build a Strong Foundation in Microsoft Excel (M365)

Build a foundation in Excel for Microsoft 365, starting with the workspace and the structure of a spreadsheet. This beginner course is intended for learners with little or no experience, including students, professionals and people managing simple business or personal data.

Rows, columns, cells, worksheets and workbooks provide the starting point. The Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar introduce navigation, while creating, saving and opening files connects the interface with everyday workbook management.

Enter data and begin using formulas

Text, numbers, dates and times are covered alongside sorting and organizing information. Relative and absolute references and the order of operations introduce how formulas use cell values.

SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT and COUNTA provide the core function examples. Worksheet management, copying and moving data, rows and columns, and hiding or duplicating sheets extend the workflow.

Prepare a worksheet for others to use

Formatting, borders, styles and basic conditional formatting are discussed alongside images, shapes and SmartArt. Print preview, margins, scaling and orientation connect the workbook with printing. Built-in and custom templates introduce ways to organize repeated work.

Use PLR for beginner Excel education

A PLR license lets you adapt, rebrand and resell the course. You could tailor it for an office-skills offer or use it as the first stage of a spreadsheet curriculum. Your own examples of budgets, lists or reports can help make the foundations relevant to your audience.