Recommended Best MS Excel Books

No. 1 Bestseller - "Excel 2013 for Dummies"

This installment in the Dummies book series is sure to impress readers yet again. Written by Greg Harvey, the book aims to give readers a head start on all their spreadsheet projects. Following the easy-to-follow format of its sister books, Harvey presents readers with a basic introduction to the software. Many of the new developments unique to this edition are detailed in down-to-earth fashion. Everything you need to know about spreadsheets, graphics, charts, number analysis, formulas, and more prepare you to make the most of Excel 2013.

One drawback is the book’s focus on elementary tasks. While the book is sure to give you a strong grasp of the basics, it might not deliver the software completely into the control of your hands. This software is an intricate and complex tool, while this resource is merely an introductory guidebook. If you are looking for a foundation-building book about the basics, and you want to cover beginners to intermediate topics then look no further. This book will get you easily started and keep you going!

"New Perspectives on Microsoft Office Excel 2007, Comprehensive"

I think the uniqueness of this Excel study book is best stated in the following customer review comment:
"Each of the 12 chapters is set in the context of a "case" providing meaningful settings within which the application potential of Excel is brought into focus, usually in a "business-related" way.

And also:
"Each chapter concludes with a set of five exercises or "cases," starting with an exercise in which the reader is asked to extend the material developed in the body of the chapter."

Thus, for anyone looking for a very well structured in-depth manual - this could certainly be the one.

"Excel 2010 Bible"

John Walkenbach is the Godfather of Excel and his most recent guidebook fits the title. Excel 2010 Bible is the ultimate guide. Boasting over one thousand pages, this masterpiece of Microsoft excellence wants for nothing. Yet the book does not just teach readers how to complete tasks. It also fuels power-users to conquer challenging projects with ease. This book is not written just for getting the job done. Beautifully designed and carefully laid out content will propel your skills to a whole new level.

However, unlike the competition, this tutorial is not only concerned with unveiling the software’s deepest, darkest secrets. The guide starts with the basics and moves to more complicated tasks and challenges as the pages turn. It is also chocked full of charts, figures, and illustrations, allowing readers to imagine and see their work ahead of time. Do you long to Master Excel 2013? Become a disciple of the Godfather!

"Microsoft Excel 2013 Step by Step"

Curtis Frye is an accomplished author and software authority. In Microsoft Excel 2013 Step by Step, Frye gives readers a readable and user-friendly tutorial on everyday uses of the program. Frye’s tutorial approach allows you, the reader, to learn at your pace. Study to create formulas and macros. Take on the challenge of compiling date with ease. You can even analyze your data too. The striking blue cover contains the official Microsoft seal, assuring the reader of the true, inside look at Excel 2013.

This book also includes simple instructions to make the new Touch Mode easier to navigate and control. And the book also comes complete with free downloads for practicing your skills. A bonus offer is included as an accompanying e-book is free with purchase.

Perhaps the book’s greatest strength is the teach-yourself-format. Whether for home, school, or business use, readers will find it easy to learn the ins and outs of this challenge PC and Mac application. This title is a must have for every software user.

"Learn Excel 2010 Essential Skills with The Smart Method"

Mike Smart is very smart when it comes to Microsoft Excel. He is the founder of The Smart Method Ltd, a company committed to the development of internet technology courses, programs, and tutorials. His team has trained leaders from major companies around the world. Smart’s approach to teaching Excel is fun and infective. The book is written in down-to-earth, easy to understand language which makes the difficult concepts of the software accessible to almost anyone. The author also offers a cache of downloadable content to fuel readers’ progress. In fact, some might say the book is more like a training course, than a tutorial.

Smart does not only teach readers about the application in general. He also helps readers understand the differences between older versions of the software, making this book a helpful read even for those still hanging on to an outdated version of the program. The author’s hands-on approach to software training is breath of fresh air for all those looking for a simple way to expand their computer skills.

While this book is mostly for beginners, Smart has also published a similar book geared for those aspiring to become advanced users.

"Excel 2013 Formulas"

Computer experts have found that most users of Excel are completely unaware of how to create formulas. John Walkenback, arguably the foremost authority on the software, sets out to solve this problem with this book about formulas. Whether developing financial reports, household budgets, or school grade reports, this edition is well equipped to handle it all. Whatever your spreadsheet working habits are, to make the most of your project, formulas are essential.

This book is not for novices, as it specifically covers the topic of formulas. Therefore, a necessary pre-requisite for getting the most out of the guide is a thorough knowledge of the basics. Some readers found it useful to skip ahead in the book, read the section on arrays, and then start reading from the beginning. This is because some of the early instruction on formulas requires a basic knowledge of arrays, which is not covered until later. However, this is a minor flaw to a major book!