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Description

Excel — Spreadsheet Basics: Entering Data, Calculating and Formatting Your First Tables

Two days to build a table that calculates on its own and prints exactly as intended

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

The tracking sheet is filled in by hand. Totals are worked out on a calculator and then typed into the bottom cell. One extra row and the result is wrong, with nobody noticing. When printed, the table splits across three pages and the column headings vanish from page two onwards.

These 14 hours lay the foundations of spreadsheet use. Participants discover the logic of the cell and the formula, build their first calculations, then learn to copy them across without error. Formatting, sorting and printing are covered through to the document handed out in a meeting.

Learning objectives

  • Enter and correct data while respecting cell formats
  • Build a simple calculation formula and copy it across without error
  • Use the sum, average and count functions
  • Format a table so it can be read at a glance
  • Prepare and print a table over the intended number of pages

What makes this programme different

A tracking table built during the first half-day and then enriched step by step
Formula-copying errors triggered deliberately so that they are understood
A final document printed and checked before the end of the programme

Programme

1Getting to know the workbook

Finding your way around the grid

  • Cells, rows, columns and sheets
  • Entering, editing and moving data
  • Number, date and text formats
  • Saving and organising files

2First calculations

Letting the spreadsheet do the work

  • Building a formula and referencing cells
  • Copying a formula and reading the visual cues
  • Relative and absolute references
  • Sum, average, minimum and maximum functions

3Formatting and readability

Making the table easy to read

  • Borders, colours and alignment
  • Column widths and row heights
  • Simple conditional formatting
  • Freeze panes to keep headings visible

4Sorting, filtering and printing

Producing a clean document

  • Sorting a table on one or several columns
  • Filters to display only part of the rows
  • A simple chart built from a table
  • Print area, repeated headings and page setup

Who is it for

Complete beginners on spreadsheets, employees returning to work and team members who enter data into tables without using their calculation capabilities.

Prerequisites

Ability to use a keyboard and mouse and to save a file.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.