• Course Introduction

        • Time: 11 hours
        • Free Certificate
        In this course, we explore how to format spreadsheet data to make the information easy to read and apply conditional formatting to draw attention to critical data. We will use formulas and functions with absolute and relative references to perform mathematical, statistical, financial, lookup, and logical computations. Then, we will learn how to build multi-page spreadsheets, add three-dimensional formulas to summarize data across several worksheets, and implement formulas and functions to present the consolidated information that exists in multiple workbooks.

        This course builds on the concepts and skills covered in Saylor Academy's introductory PRDV004: Spreadsheets course, which introduces the definition of a spreadsheet, how to navigate and enter data, open and save files, format spreadsheets, and enter basic formulas and functions for real-life applications. Each unit in this course builds on the previous unit, so make sure you have mastered each unit before moving on.

        • Course Syllabus

          First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

        • Unit 1: Formatting Spreadsheets

          When creating a spreadsheet, simple formatting techniques can help you improve its readability for your audience. For example, you can highlight information you want to emphasize and organize large amounts of data to make it more clear, consistent, and understandable. Try experimenting with the formatting tools we introduce in this unit to see what looks best – whether you are writing an online report for your boss or creating a spreadsheet to share with your work colleagues. In this unit, we discuss how to format cells, text, numbers, and dates. We also introduce conditional formatting tools, which allow us to format text and numbers based on specific criteria or conditions of the data.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

        • Unit 2: Mathematical Computations

          Spreadsheet programs shine when used to calculate formulas and functions. Formulas are the mathematical equations you compose yourself. Functions are the pre-built formulas that Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets include for you to use. Examples of functions are calculations of a data set's average or standard deviation.

          In this unit, we review basic functions and how to write formulas. Then, we discuss special functions and formulas used in statistics and business.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

        • Unit 3: Logical Functions

          In this unit, we explore logical functions, which are more advanced Microsoft Excel functions. Logical functions in Microsoft Excel allow you to assess the text or numerical content within cells and produce custom outputs.

          For example, imagine you are an instructor for a class of 250 students. Your students pass if their final grade is 60 percent or higher. They fail if their final grade is below 60 percent. We can use the logical function IF to automatically determine if each student passed or failed based on their final grades. Logical functions can make these types of determinations for large data sets.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

        • Unit 4: Lookup Functions

          In this unit, we focus on lookup functions, which let you find a given value from a large data set in another worksheet and display the value where you want to. We also introduce the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions and explore how to create a web query that imports stock prices from a website to your worksheet. You can use web queries to import any data you may need. We also examine how to use Goal Seek to change function inputs to give the desired result.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

        • Unit 5: Multi-Page Spreadsheets

          We must often use multi-page spreadsheets to manage large sets of data. For example, you may want to use a different worksheet or page for each month for a budget spreadsheet. In this situation, we will want to use the same formulas on multiple worksheets within one workbook. You can accomplish this without having to rewrite the formula in each worksheet. In this unit, we learn how to work with multi-page spreadsheets.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

        • Course Feedback Survey

          Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

          If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

        • Certificate Final Exam

          Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

          To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

          Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.