The 15 Best Excel Books (2026 Update)

Excel remains one of the most powerful tools for data analysis, business productivity, and personal efficiency. Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced user, or someone looking to dive into automation, there’s an Excel book tailored to your needs.

A Note for 2026 Readers

Most Excel books—even recently published ones—were written before Microsoft Copilot became a standard feature in Excel 365. The titles below remain excellent for mastering formulas, data modeling, VBA, and analytical thinking. However, we recommend supplementing your reading with hands-on Copilot practice or a dedicated AI-for-Excel course. The fundamentals in these books will actually help you prompt Copilot more effectively, since understanding what Excel can do is the first step to asking AI to do it for you.

Here’s our refreshed list of the best Excel books for 2026, updated with modern recommendations for today’s Excel user. I encourage you to leave your comments below if you think I missed a book that you have found valuable.  Unless you are some troll trying to sell life insurance to my readers — I WILL approve your comments.  And if the book is good — it will be added.

Lastly, as a point of full-disclosure.  Many of these links go to Amazon.  As I am writing this, they don’t go to any affiliate links.  But they may eventually be affiliate links that buy me a bagel or some coffee if you buy a book.   I don’t think that’s a big deal, but as a fellow Excel user I wanted you to know in advance — because I value honesty and transparency.  You know — because my name is all over this website :). Also, this is for users of Excel.  Excel… Not Word, or Powerpoint. Separated by function and version.  So dive in.

Note on AI & Copilot in Excel (2026)

Most Excel books—even newer ones—were written before Microsoft Copilot became a standard feature in Excel 365. These books are still excellent for learning formulas, data modeling, and analytical thinking, but we recommend supplementing them with hands-on Copilot practice or an AI-for-Excel resource. Understanding how Excel works makes Copilot far more powerful, because better prompts come from better fundamentals.

Best Excel Books

Jump straight to an Excel book,

1. The Microsoft Excel 365 with Copilot Bible
2. Excel All-in-One For Dummies
3. Excel: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide
4. Excel Beginners Guide
5. Office 365 Bible
6. Excel in 7 Days
7. Excel Formulas Quick Guide
8. 101 Excel Formulas Guide
9. Excel Bible for Beginners
10. Excel 101 Fast Track
11. Excel Beginner’s Guide
12. Excel Tips & Tricks Book
13. Office 365 Beginner’s Guide
14. Excel 365 for Beginners
15. Excel 2024 Mastery Guide

We’ve compiled a list of the top Excel books to help you master this powerful spreadsheet software. These books cover a range of skill levels and topics, from basics for beginners to advanced techniques for data analysis and visualization. Our picks will help you boost your Excel skills and productivity.

When choosing an Excel book, consider factors like the author’s expertise, the book’s publication date, and whether it covers the most recent version of Excel. Look for books with clear explanations, plenty of examples, and practice exercises to reinforce your learning. We spent hours researching and reviewing popular Excel books to find the ones that offer the most value for different skill levels.

The Microsoft Excel 365 with Copilot Bible

! Excel Book: Excel 365 Bible

We recommend this comprehensive reference for anyone who wants a deep, up-to-date mastery of Excel 365, including modern functions, data modeling, and productivity features.

Pros

• Dedicated coverage of Microsoft Copilot in Excel
• Step-by-step tutorials using natural language prompts
• Includes guidance on AI ethics and data verification

Cons

• Copilot requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription
• Less depth on traditional VBA/macro content
• Relatively new title with limited reader reviews

The Microsoft Excel 365 with Copilot Bible by David Lennox is the first major Excel book built from the ground up around AI integration. Rather than treating Copilot as an afterthought, this guide makes it the centerpiece—teaching you how to summarize, organize, and visualize data using natural language prompts instead of memorizing complex formulas.

We appreciated the straightforward approach to explaining Excel features. The instructions are easy to follow, even for beginners. The authors use plenty of real-world examples, which helped us grasp complex concepts quickly.

At over 300 pages, this book isn’t for the faint of heart. But don’t let its size scare you off. We found the index very helpful for quickly finding specific topics. It’s a great reference to keep on your desk when you need to look up Excel functions or features.

Check Pricing on Amazon

Excel All-in-One For Dummies

! Excel Book: Excel All-in-One For Dummies

We believe this comprehensive guide is a must-have for anyone looking to master Excel’s many features and functions.

Pros

• Covers a wide range of Excel topics
• Easy-to-follow explanations
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate users

Cons

• Text size may be small for some readers
• Lacks practice files for exercises
• Can be overwhelming for complete novices

This Excel guide packs a punch with its 784 pages of in-depth content. We found the book to be a valuable resource for both newcomers and those with some Excel experience. The explanations are clear and easy to follow, making complex topics more digestible.

One thing we really liked was how the book breaks down Excel’s many features into manageable chunks. It covers everything from basic formulas to more advanced topics like pivot tables and macros. This makes it easy to find the specific information you need without getting lost in the details.

We were impressed by the book’s practical approach. It doesn’t just tell you what Excel can do; it shows you how to use these features in real-world situations. This hands-on style really helped us grasp the concepts and put them into practice right away.

The book’s structure is user-friendly, with each section building on the previous ones. We found this helpful for learning Excel step-by-step. It also works well as a reference guide – we could quickly look up specific topics when we needed them.

While the book is great for self-study, we did miss having practice files to work with. Creating our own examples was fine, but ready-made files would have been nice for following along with the exercises.

Check Pricing on Amazon

Excel: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide

! Excel Book: Excel Beginner’s Guide

We recommend this book for Excel newcomers seeking a comprehensive introduction to the software’s key features and functions.

Pros

• Clear, step-by-step instructions
• Includes bonus materials and templates
• Covers a wide range of Excel topics

Cons

• Some typographical errors
• Print quality issues in some copies
• Instructions may not apply to all Excel versions

This guide offers a solid foundation for those new to Excel. We found the step-by-step approach helpful for building skills from the ground up. The book covers essential formulas, functions, and practical examples that can boost productivity.

We appreciated the inclusion of bonus materials, such as templates and video tutorials. These extras provide added value and help reinforce the concepts covered in the book. The large font size makes it easy to read and follow along.

While the content is generally good, we noticed some inconsistencies. There are occasional typos and formatting issues that can be distracting. Some readers might find the black and white printing disappointing, especially for screenshots and diagrams. It’s also worth noting that certain instructions may vary depending on your Excel version.

Check Pricing on Amazon

Excel Beginners Guide

! Excel Book: Excel Beginners Guide

We recommend this Excel guide for beginners and intermediate users looking to boost their spreadsheet skills efficiently.

Pros

• Clear explanations for all skill levels
• Covers essential functions and formulas
• Includes practical examples

Cons

• Print quality issues reported
• Book doesn’t lay flat when open
• Some content may be too basic for advanced users

We found this Excel guide to be a solid choice for anyone wanting to improve their spreadsheet skills. The book starts with the basics, which is great for total beginners. It then moves on to more advanced topics, making it useful for intermediate users too.

The chapters on formulas were particularly helpful. We liked how the book breaks down complex Excel functions into easy-to-understand steps. This approach made it simple to follow along and practice on our own spreadsheets.

One thing we really appreciated was the inclusion of practical examples. These real-world scenarios helped us see how to apply Excel skills in everyday situations. It’s not just theory – the book shows you how to use Excel to solve actual problems you might face at work or in personal projects.

We did notice a few drawbacks. Some readers reported issues with print quality, saying the pages looked blurry. The book also doesn’t lay flat when open, which can be annoying when you’re trying to follow along on your computer. For very advanced Excel users, some of the content might feel too basic.

Check Pricing on Amazon

Office 365 Bible

! Excel Book: Office 365 Bible

We think this comprehensive guide is a must-have for anyone looking to master Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Pros

• Covers all major Office 365 apps
• Easy-to-follow instructions
• Suitable for beginners and advanced users

Cons

• Large book size may be overwhelming
• Some sections could be more in-depth
• Digital version navigation can be tricky

We found the Office 365 Bible to be an excellent resource for learning the ins and outs of Microsoft’s productivity suite. The book covers Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other apps in great detail. We liked how it starts with basics and builds up to more advanced topics.

The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. We tested out some Excel formulas and PowerPoint design tips, and they worked great. The book also includes helpful screenshots that match what we saw on our screens.

While the book is thorough, its size might scare off some readers. We felt a few sections could go even deeper for power users. The digital version can be hard to flip through quickly. But overall, we think this guide will help most people boost their Office skills.

Check Pricing on Amazon

Excel in 7 Days

!

We recommend this book for Excel beginners who want a quick, visual guide to master the basics.

Pros

• Clear illustrations
• Step-by-step approach
• Designed for absolute beginners

Cons

• May lack depth for advanced users
• Limited coverage of complex features
• Some users found explanations too brief

This Excel guide caught our eye with its promise of mastery in just a week. We found the 200 clear illustrations really helpful for visual learners. The step-by-step format made it easy to follow along, even for those of us who’ve never opened Excel before.

We liked how the book covers formulas, charts, and other key features. It’s a solid starting point for newcomers. The 100+ exercises gave us plenty of practice to reinforce what we learned.

While great for beginners, we noticed it might not satisfy more experienced users looking for advanced techniques. Some topics felt a bit rushed, and we wished for more in-depth explanations at times. Still, for those just starting out with Excel, this book offers a quick and accessible introduction to the basics.

Check Pricing on Amazon

Excel Formulas Quick Guide

! Excel Book: Excel Formulas Quick Guide

We recommend this laminated guide for Excel users looking for a handy reference to common formulas and functions.

Pros

• Compact and durable
• Covers many useful formulas
• Easy to read layout

Cons

• Small font size
• Not comprehensive
• Pricey for a single sheet

This laminated Excel formulas guide packs a lot of info into a small package. We found it really useful to keep nearby while working in Excel. The layout is clean and makes it easy to find formulas quickly.

One downside is the font size. It’s pretty small to fit everything on one sheet. We had to squint a bit to read some parts. But the tradeoff is having tons of formulas at your fingertips.

The guide covers the most common formulas and functions. It’s great for jogging your memory or learning new tricks. But it’s not a complete Excel manual. We still needed to look things up online sometimes for more complex tasks.

At around $10, it’s a bit pricey for a single laminated sheet. But we think the durability and convenience make it worth it for regular Excel users. It’s saved us time digging through menus and Googling formulas.

Check Pricing on Amazon

101 Excel Formulas Guide

! Excel Book: 101 Excel Formulas Guide

We think this book is a valuable resource for Excel users looking to boost their formula skills.

Pros

• Clear explanations of popular formulas
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate users
• Covers a wide range of Excel functions

Cons

• May be too basic for advanced users
• Some formulas could use more context
• Print quality could be better

We found this guide to be a handy reference for Excel users of all levels. The book covers 101 of the most commonly used Excel formulas, making it a great tool for those looking to expand their spreadsheet skills.

The explanations are easy to follow, even for beginners. We liked how each formula is broken down step-by-step, with examples that show how to apply them in real-world situations. This hands-on approach helped us grasp complex concepts quickly.

While testing the book, we noticed it’s especially useful for quick lookups when working on spreadsheets. Instead of searching online, we could flip to the right page and find the formula we needed. This saved us a lot of time and made our work more efficient.

We think this book is best suited for beginners and intermediate users. Advanced Excel users might find some parts too basic, but it’s still a good refresher. The wide range of formulas covered means there’s likely something new for everyone to learn.

One thing we wished for was more context for some of the more complex formulas. A few extra examples or use cases would have been helpful. Also, while the content is solid, the print quality could be better.

Excel Bible for Beginners

! Excel Book: Excel Bible for Beginners

We recommend this book for Excel novices looking to quickly build foundational skills through visual, step-by-step tutorials.

Pros

• Includes many helpful images and screenshots
• Covers new Excel features and updates
• Easy-to-follow instructions for beginners

Cons

• Some grammatical errors and typos
• May be too basic for intermediate users
• Occasional formula mistakes

This Excel guide aims to teach the basics in just minutes per day. We found the abundant screenshots and visuals very useful for following along. The step-by-step format breaks down complex features into digestible chunks.

We appreciated the focus on newer Excel features and updates. This sets it apart from older Excel books that may be outdated. The instructions are clear enough for complete beginners to grasp.

While helpful for novices, we noticed a few issues. There are some grammar mistakes and typos throughout. We also spotted occasional errors in the suggested formulas. More advanced users may find the content too elementary. Still, for those brand new to Excel looking for a quick visual guide, this book offers a solid starting point to build skills.

Excel 101 Fast Track

! Excel Book: Excel 101 Fast Track

We recommend this book for anyone looking to quickly improve their Excel skills through practical, bite-sized lessons.

Pros

• Daily 10-minute lessons
• Includes custom templates
• Exclusive GPT access

Cons

• May be too fast-paced for some
• Requires consistent practice
• Limited coverage of advanced topics

Excel 101 Fast Track lives up to its name. We found the book’s approach of 10-minute daily lessons very effective. It’s perfect for busy professionals who want to boost their Excel skills without spending hours at a time studying.

The custom templates included are a great bonus. They let us put what we learned into practice right away. We especially liked the templates for budget tracking and project management. They saved us time and helped us see how Excel can be used in real-world situations.

One of the standout features is the exclusive GPT access. It’s like having a tutor on call. We used it to get quick answers to our Excel questions. This feature alone makes the book worth buying.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from basics to more advanced functions. We appreciated the clear explanations and step-by-step instructions. The actionable exercises at the end of each lesson helped cement our learning.

While the fast-track approach works well, it might be too quick for complete beginners. Some users may need more time to grasp certain concepts. The book also doesn’t go into depth on very advanced topics, so expert users might not find much new information.

Excel Beginner’s Guide

! Excel Book: Excel Beginner’s Guide

We recommend this book for Excel beginners who want to learn key skills quickly through simple examples.

Pros

• Easy to follow instructions
• Includes helpful videos
• Covers basics and intermediate skills

Cons

• May be too basic for advanced users
• Some users reported typos
• Limited coverage of advanced features

This Excel guide offers a great starting point for newcomers. We found the step-by-step instructions clear and easy to follow. The book breaks down complex topics into bite-sized chunks, making it simple to grasp new concepts.

One thing we really liked was the inclusion of video tutorials. These were super helpful for visual learners. The videos complemented the written content well, giving us a more complete learning experience.

The real-life examples in the book were spot on. We could see how to apply Excel skills to actual situations, which made the learning process more relevant. The templates provided were also a nice bonus, giving us a head start on creating our own spreadsheets.

Excel Tips & Tricks Book

! Excel Book: Excel Tips & Tricks Book

We recommend this comprehensive Excel guide for users of all skill levels looking to boost their spreadsheet prowess.

Pros

• Covers a wide range of Excel topics
• Easy-to-follow explanations
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate users

Cons

• Black and white images lack clarity
• Some screenshots are faded
• May be overwhelming for complete novices

This book surprised us with its depth of content. At over 500 pages, it’s packed with useful Excel tips and tricks. We found the layout clear and easy to navigate, making it simple to find specific topics when needed.

The explanations are straightforward and easy to follow. We appreciated how the book caters to both beginners and more experienced users. It covers basics but also dives into more advanced techniques that can really speed up your Excel work.

One drawback we noticed is the black and white format. Some images and screenshots are hard to see, especially when they reference colors. This can make it tricky to follow along with certain examples. Despite this issue, we still found the book very helpful in our day-to-day Excel tasks.

We liked how the book serves as a quick reference guide. When we got stuck on a formula or needed a shortcut, it was easy to flip to the right section and find a solution. The tips have already saved us time at work.

For Excel beginners, this book might feel a bit overwhelming at first. There’s a lot of information to take in. But we think it’s worth sticking with it. As you use Excel more, you’ll find yourself coming back to different sections and learning new skills.

Office 365 Beginner’s Guide

! Excel Book: Office 365 Beginner’s Guide

This book offers a solid introduction to Office 365 for newcomers, but may not satisfy more experienced users looking for advanced tips.

Pros

• Easy-to-follow explanations
• Covers all major Office applications
• Step-by-step instructions

Cons

• Too basic for intermediate users
• Lacks advanced features
• Some info can be found online for free

We found this guide to be a great starting point for those new to Microsoft Office 365. The book breaks down each application in simple terms, making it easy to grasp the basics of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise. We appreciated how it walks readers through common tasks without overwhelming them with technical jargon. For complete beginners, this approach is perfect for building confidence with the software suite.

While the book excels at introducing Office 365, it falls short for users seeking more advanced knowledge. We noticed that some of the content could be found through a quick online search. If you’re already familiar with Office basics, you might want to look for a more in-depth resource.

Excel 365 for Beginners

! Excel Book: Excel 365 for Beginners

We highly recommend this book for anyone looking to start their Excel journey or brush up on the basics.

Pros

• Step-by-step instructions with visuals
• Suitable for all age groups
• Covers essential Excel functions

Cons

• Focuses only on basics
• Limited coverage of advanced features
• May be too simple for experienced users

This book stands out as an excellent starting point for Excel newcomers. We found its approach to teaching Excel 365 refreshingly straightforward. The author breaks down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, making them easy to grasp.

One of the book’s strengths is its visual approach. With over 400 color images, we could easily follow along with each step. This made learning new Excel functions feel less intimidating. The book covers all the essential basics, from creating simple spreadsheets to using basic formulas.

We appreciated how the book caters to readers of all ages. The language is clear and free of jargon, making it accessible to everyone from students to retirees. While it may be too basic for Excel pros, it’s perfect for those just starting out or looking to fill gaps in their knowledge.

Excel 2024 Mastery Guide

! Excel Book: Excel 2024 Mastery Guide

We recommend this book for anyone looking to quickly improve their Excel skills from beginner to advanced level.

Pros

• Covers latest Excel 2024 features
• Step-by-step approach for all skill levels
• Focuses on practical data analysis techniques

Cons

• May be too fast-paced for some beginners
• Limited practice exercises included
• Occasional editing errors in text

This Excel guide aims to take readers from novice to expert in just 24 days. We found the book’s structure logical and easy to follow. It starts with Excel basics and progressively introduces more complex topics.

The author explains formulas and functions clearly. We liked how real-world examples show how to apply Excel skills to business scenarios. The data analysis sections are strong, covering pivot tables, Power Query, and DAX formulas.

While comprehensive, the pace may be quick for true beginners. We noticed a few typos, but they didn’t impact our learning. More hands-on exercises would help reinforce concepts. Still, this book offers solid value for those wanting to boost their Excel prowess quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Excel books come in many varieties to suit different learning needs and skill levels. Let’s address some common questions about Excel books.

What are the top-rated books for learning Excel as a beginner?

“Excel 2019 All-in-One For Dummies” by Greg Harvey is great for beginners. It covers basics and offers step-by-step guides. “Excel 2019 Bible” by Michael Alexander and Richard Kusleika is also top-rated. It starts simple and builds up to more complex topics.

Which Excel books are highly recommended for advanced data analysis?

“Data Analysis and Business Modeling with Excel 2019″ by Wayne Winston is highly rated. It digs into advanced formulas and Power BI. “Excel 2019 Power Programming with VBA” by Michael Alexander is another solid choice for pros looking to automate tasks.

From where can one download free PDF versions of Excel learning books?

We can’t give info on downloading free PDFs, as this may break copyright laws. Many libraries offer free e-book lending of Excel books. Some authors also give away free Excel e-books on their websites.

Are there any books specifically focused on Excel for financial professionals?

“Excel for Financial Modeling” by Simon Benninga is a top pick for finance pros. It covers financial models and valuation techniques. Another strong option in this niche is “Financial Analysis and Modeling Using Excel and VBA” by Chandan Sengupta.

How effective is it to learn Excel solely from books for hands-on application?

Books are a good start, but hands-on practice is key. We suggest using books alongside Excel itself. Try out examples as you read. Online courses or video tutorials can also help fill gaps in learning from books alone.

So…  Where are the GAPS???

Because, I know some of you that may be reading this right now are authors… and you’re thinking…

Where the HELL is my book? Because…

• Its a masterpiece.
• Has plot twists.
• A devious villain.
• Damsel in distress.
• VBA Code 🙂

Well… Then leave a comment and let me know about it. I am honestly adding to this page daily.

If you are reading this then you made it all the way to the bottom of the page — whew — that was a workout.  Might as well leave a comment and hit one of those social sharing buttons so that your Mom on Facebook knows how cool you are (visiting an Excel website and all :))