Hello guys, if you are looking for text-based, interactive free courses to learn in-demand skills like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript, then you have come to the right place. Earlier, I have shared the best courses to learn Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript, and today, I am going to share some great, free, online text-based interactive courses to learn Java, Python, C, C++, JavaScript, R, Scala, and Web Development from Educative. If you don't know, Educative is a new platform for learning online. Unlike traditional video course platforms like Udemy or Pluralsight, they provide Interactive Courses for Software Developers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
I Tried 20+ Excel Courses on Udemy - Here Are My Top 5 Recommendations for 2026-27
Hello guys, Microsoft Excel remains the most widely used spreadsheet software across the globe. Despite the rise of tools like Google Sheets, Airtable, and Tableau, Excel is still the go-to solution for everything from budgeting and forecasting to complex data analysis and automation.
In 2026, Excel has evolved beyond traditional formulas and charts. With seamless integration of Power Query, Power Pivot, dynamic arrays, and even Python scripting, Excel continues to adapt to the needs of modern data professionals and business users.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone who has used Excel for years, the latest features demand updated skills.
Udemy offers a wide range of Excel courses, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve handpicked the top 5 Excel courses on Udemy for 2026, based on content quality, instructor reputation, real-world application, and student feedback.
I am not suggesting more than 5 course because I found if you join more than 5 courses then you are unlikely to finish any of them. It’s better to stick with the best ones and try to finish them.
Let’s dive in.
5 Best Udemy Courses to learn Microsoft Excel in 2026
Without any further ado, here are the best online courses you can join to learn Microsoft Excel on Udemy. The list include both beginner and advanced level Excel course so that you can truly master Excel in 2026.
1. Microsoft Excel— Excel from Beginner to Advanced (1M+ Students)
Instructor: Kyle Pew
Duration: 21.5 hours
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Why it Stands Out:
This is hands down one of the most comprehensive Excel courses on Udemy. It’s a full-spectrum learning path that starts with the basics (formulas, formatting, shortcuts) and progresses through intermediate topics like data validation and conditional formatting.
You’ll then move on to advanced skills like pivot tables, macros, and VBA basics.
Kyle Pew’s structured teaching and clear explanations make it ideal for learners who want to grow their Excel expertise in stages without jumping between multiple courses.
Perfect for: Office professionals, students, and job seekers who want a solid all-round foundation in Excel.
Here is the link to join this course — Microsoft Excel — — Excel from Beginner to Advanced
2. Master Microsoft Excel Macros and Excel VBA
Want to automate tasks in Excel or create custom workflows? This course takes a deep dive into VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), making it perfect for analysts, accountants, or any Excel power user looking to supercharge productivity.
Instructor: Kyle Pew
Duration: 17 hours
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Why it Stands Out:
If you’re looking to automate repetitive tasks and build Excel tools or dashboards, this course is the gold standard for learning VBA (Visual Basic for Applications).
Kyle Pew walks you through creating custom macros, user forms, automation workflows, and interacting with external data sources.
Unlike some VBA courses that assume coding knowledge, this one is beginner-friendly and emphasizes practical problem-solving.
Perfect for: Analysts, operations professionals, or anyone looking to turn Excel into a powerful automation tool.
Here is the link to join this course— Master Microsoft Excel Macros and Excel VBA
3. Microsoft Excel — Data Analysis with Pivot Tables
Pivot tables are among Excel’s most powerful features. This focused course from Maven Analytics will teach you how to summarize, analyze, and extract insights from complex datasets using pivot tables and pivot charts.
Instructor: Maven Analytics
Duration: 6.5 hours
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Why it Stands Out:
Pivot tables are the heart of Excel-based data analysis, and this course offers a focused and clear breakdown of everything you need to know about them.
You’ll learn how to use pivot tables for slicing, dicing, filtering, and summarizing large datasets — without writing a single formula.
What makes this course shine is its business-focused examples that help you build reports like a pro, even if you’ve never used pivot tables before.
Perfect for: Data analysts, marketers, and finance professionals who need quick insights from raw data.
Here is the link to join this course — Microsoft Excel — — Data Analysis with Pivot Tables
4. Unlock Excel VBA and Excel Macros
Leila Gharani is one of the best Excel instructors out there. This course is project-based and teaches VBA with real-world tasks like invoice creation, report generation, and automation techniques you can apply immediately at work.
Instructor: Leila Gharani
Duration: 8.5 hours
Level: Intermediate
Why it Stands Out:
As I said, Leila Gharani is a Microsoft MVP and Excel YouTube star known for her clear teaching and creative problem-solving techniques. This course uses project-based learning to teach Excel automation using macros and VBA.
Rather than abstract concepts, you’ll build six real-world tools — — like invoice generators and auto-reporting templates — — giving you something you can use immediately at work.
Perfect for: Learners who enjoy hands-on, project-driven courses and want to automate Excel without learning programming from scratch.
Here is the link to join this course — Unlock Excel VBA and Excel Macros
5. Advanced Excel Formulas and Functions
This course is for those who already know Excel basics and want to master its advanced formula arsenal — — INDEX/MATCH, XLOOKUP, dynamic arrays, LET, LAMBDA, and more.
If Excel is part of your daily data job, this course will pay off immediately.
Instructor: Chris Dutton (Maven Analytics)
Duration: 9 hours
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Why it Stands Out:
This course dives deep into Excel’s most powerful functions — — from INDEX/MATCH and XLOOKUP to the new dynamic array functions like FILTER, SORT, and UNIQUE.
It even covers advanced logic, error handling, and nested functions for building robust formulas.
Chris Dutton excels at simplifying complex concepts. You won’t just learn the functions— you’ll understand when and why to use them.
Perfect for: Analysts, auditors, and professionals who want to write better, faster, and smarter Excel formulas.
Here is the link to join this course — Advanced Excel Formulas and Functions
Microsoft Excel Cheat Sheet
Here is a nice MS Excel cheat sheet with Essential Shortcuts & Functions
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Ctrl + Arrow keys — — Jump to edges
- Ctrl + Shift + L — — Toggle filters
- Ctrl + ; — — Insert current date
- Ctrl + Shift + “+” — — Insert new row
- Alt + E, S, V — — Paste Special
Formulas & Functions
=SUM(A1:A10)=AVERAGE()=IF(condition, true, false)=VLOOKUP(value, range, col, [exact])=XLOOKUP() *(for newer Excel versions)*=INDEX() / =MATCH()
Data Tools
- Conditional Formatting
- Data Validation
- Pivot Tables
- Flash Fill
- Power Query
Charts & Visualization
- Insert Chart: Alt + F1
- Sparklines
- Recommended Charts
Pro Tips
- Use Tables (Ctrl + T) for dynamic ranges
- Combine INDEX + MATCH instead of VLOOKUP
- Use Named Ranges for clarity
Conclusion
In 2026, Excel is not just a spreadsheet — it’s a data analysis platform, a business reporting engine, and even a lightweight development tool. Mastering Excel opens doors in almost every industry — — from finance and marketing to engineering and operations.
If you’re unsure where to start:
- Begin with Kyle Pew’s Beginner to Advanced course if you want the full journey.
- Choose Leila Gharani’s VBA courses if you’re into automation.
- Pick Maven Analytics’ Pivot Table or Formula courses if you want laser-focused business reporting skills.
No matter your career level, investing in one of these Excel courses can give you an edge in 2026 and beyond.
Tip: Start with one course and commit 30 minutes a day— you’ll be amazed at the results in just a few weeks.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
I Tested 50 Data Analysis Courses: Here Are My Top 5 Recommendations for 2026-27
Hello guys, Data analysis is one of the most in-demand skills in 2026, and its no surprise that many young people are acquiring data skills to become a Data Analyst.
If you also want to become a Data Analyst in 2026 and looking for resources then you have come to the right place.
I’ve spent the last few year exploring over 50 courses on Data Analysis, Python, and Data Engineering from various platforms to find the best online courses and certifications for aspiring and experienced data analysts.
My goal was to identify courses that not only teach the fundamentals but also provide hands-on experience, real-world projects, and industry-recognized certifications.
I tried courses from DataCamp, Udemy, Coursera, edX, CodeCademy, Udacity, and Educative.io among others Each platform has its strengths, but I focused on courses that stood out for their quality of content, practicality, instructor expertise, and student reviews.
After completing these courses, I narrowed down my list to the top 5 recommendations that I believe offer the most value for anyone looking to break into or advance in the field of data analysis.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks, explain why they made the cut, and explain why DataCamp’s Data Analyst Career Track and their Data Analyst Certification are the best resources for anyone serious about becoming a data analyst in 2026.
How I Selected these Top 5 Data Analysis Courses?
When it comes to learning new technology I found myself learning better by following different resources as different people explains same concepts differently.
That’s why I join multiple courses but there are few courses which will teach you more than 5 other courses.
To ensure fairness and objectivity, I evaluated each course based on the following criteria:
- Content Quality: Does the course cover essential topics like SQL, Python, data visualization, and storytelling? Is the material up-to-date and relevant to industry needs?
- Hands-On Learning: Does the course include practical exercises, coding challenges, and real-world projects?
- Instructor Expertise: Are the instructors experienced professionals or industry experts?
- Student Feedback: What do past students say about the course? Are the reviews overwhelmingly positive?
- Certification: Does the course offer a certification that is recognized by employers?
- Value for Money: Is the course affordable, and does it provide a good return on investment?
Using these criteria, I have filtered out courses that were either too basic, outdated, or lacked practical application. The result is a curated list of 5 online courses and certificates that I believe are the best for aspiring data analysts in 2026.
Btw, if you cannot wait, and just need one resource to start learning now, I suggest you to start with Data Analyst Certification on Datacamp, you will not just learn all essential skills a Data Analyst needs to have but also get a certification which you can put on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
My Top 5 Data Analyst Courses for 2026
Without any further ado, here is a list of my top 5 Courses to learn Data Analysis in depth in 2026:
1. DataCamp’s Data Analyst Career Track
Why It’s Great: This is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly program that covers everything from SQL and Python to data visualization and storytelling. The hands-on exercises and real-world projects make it incredibly practical.
Key Features:
- 80+ hours of content
- Interactive coding challenges
- Real-world projects to build your portfolio
Perfect For: Beginners and intermediate learners looking for a structured path to becoming a data analyst.
Here is the link to join this course — DataCamp’s Data Analyst Career Track
2. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera)
Why It’s Great :Developed by Google, this Coursera certificate is perfect for beginners and covers the entire data analysis process, from cleaning data to creating visualizations.
Key Features:
- No prior experience required
- Includes Tableau and SQL training
- Capstone project for hands-on experience
Perfect For: Beginners who want a well-rounded introduction to data analytics.
Here is the link to join this certificate — Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Though, you should keep in mind that this is a R programming focused, if you want a Python focused course then Advanced Google Data Analytics Professional certificate is a better choice.
3. The Data Analyst Course: Complete Data Analyst Bootcamp (Udemy)
Why It’s Great: This bootcamp style Udemy course focuses on Python, one of the most popular tools for data analysis. It’s packed with interactive exercises and real-world datasets.
Key Features:
- Covers Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib
- Includes SQL for data analysis
- Projects to showcase in your portfolio
- Affordable, you can get the course for 80% discount on sale
Perfect For: Aspiring data analysts who want to master Python for data analysis and who like video courses more than text-based courses.
Here is the link to join this course — The Data Analyst Course: Complete Data Analyst Bootcamp
4. Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business (Coursera)
Why It’s Great: This course bridges the gap between data analysis and business decision-making. It’s perfect for those who want to apply data skills in a business context.
Key Features:
- Covers Excel, Tableau, and MySQL
- Focuses on real-world business problems
- Taught by Duke University professors
Perfect For: Professionals looking to combine data analysis with business strategy.
Here is the link to join this course — Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business
5. Data Analyst Certification by DataCamp
A lot of people don’t know but apart from skill track and career track Datacamp also offer certifications.
Why It’s Great: DataCamp’s certification is a fantastic way to validate your skills and stand out to employers. It tests your knowledge of SQL, Python, and data visualization.
Key Features:
- Industry-recognized certification
- Rigorous assessment of practical skills
- Great for resume building
Perfect For: Anyone looking to prove their data analysis skills to potential employers.
Here is the link to join this course — Data Analyst Certification by Datacamp
Why DataCamp’s Data Analyst Career Track and Certification Stand Out?
After trying so many of courses on Data Analysis, Data Science and Data Engineering, I can confidently say that DataCamp’s Data Analyst Career Track and Data Analyst Certification are among the best resources for aspiring data analysts.
Here’s why:
- Hands-On Learning: DataCamp’s interactive platform lets you practice coding and analysis in real-time, which is crucial for mastering data skills. DataCamp also offers Practice, Assessments, and Projects.
- During Practice, learners complete challenges by answering 5 questions usually related to a specific course. I found practice sessions (which can be completed using the mobile app, as well) really helpful, especially during busy days when I didn’t have much time to make progress in the main Track I was enrolled.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: From SQL and Python to advanced visualization tools, DataCamp covers everything you need to become job-ready.
- Real-World Projects: The career track includes projects that mimic real-world scenarios, helping you build a portfolio that impresses employers.
- Certification: DataCamp’s certification is a great way to validate your skills and stand out in a competitive job market.
Datacamp platform itself is a great for learning. It’s designed keeping repetition in mind, which help you to learn better and remember longer.
The great thing about Datacamp is that you can access to all of their courses by just getting one Datacamp premium subscription which cost around $25 but you can get now for just $12.40 on their NEW YEAR sale where they are offering 50% discount.
I generally recommend the premium plan because it is right-priced and you get access to all the essentials to grow your data skills like 350+ courses, 14 career tracks, 50+ skill tracks, unlimited practice challenges, and live code along. It cost around $25/month on an annual plan and it’s totally worth i
And, the best thing is that they are offering a SALE now where you can get the subscription plan for a big 50% discount.
All the best with your learning and Data Analysis journey !!.
Conclusion
That’s all about the top 5 courses you can join to learn Data Analysis in 2026. If you’re serious about becoming a data analyst, I highly recommend starting with DataCamp’s Data Analyst Career Track and working toward their Data Analyst Certification.
These resources provide a structured, practical, and industry-recognized path to mastering data analysis.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upskill, the courses I’ve recommended above will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to excel in this field.
And, if you want to take your Data Analysis skills to next level, I also suggest you to look this 2026 Data Analyst RoadMap, you guide to become a Data Analyst in 2026
Happy learning!
Other Data Science and Analysis articles you may like
- 10 Reasons to learn AI in 2026
- Top 3 Datacamp Certifications For Data Engineers
- 8 Best Courses to learn AI and ChatGPT in Datacamp
- Review — Datacamp vs CodeCademy in 2026
- 8 Free Datacamp courses to learn Python
- 10 Free Datacamp courses to learn Python and Data Skills
- Is DataLab by DataCamp worth it?
- SALE- 50% Discount on DataCamp Annual Plan
- Is SQL Associate Certification on Datacamp worth it?
- Is Datacamp Data Science Certification worth it?
Thanks for reading this article so far. If you like this article , then please share it with your friends and colleagues; they will appreciate it. If you have any questions or feedback, then please drop a note.
P. S. — If you want to do just one thing at the moment to start your Data Analyst journey today then you can go ahead and join DataCamp’s Data Analyst Career Track. It’s a great resource to start learning essential skills for Data Analysis and its also very affordable, with 50% discount it comes with less 2 cups of Starbucks coffee
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