Excel Functions

Length: 2 hours, Price: $95

To see available dates/times, use the “Choose a Session” drop down box below.

Prerequisite: Excel

Essential Formulas, Clean Data, and Confident Problem-Solving

Excel functions are what turn spreadsheets into working tools—but most administrators only use a fraction of what Excel can safely and effectively do. In this practical, instructor-led class, you’ll learn the Excel functions administrators actually need, along with how to clean messy data and confidently explore other functions when new challenges arise.

This class is focused on real administrative work: tracking, counting, deadlines, reporting, lists, mailings, and clean outputs you can trust. No advanced math or technical background required.

What You’ll Learn

Core Functions Every Administrator Should Know

You’ll learn how to use Excel’s most useful administrative functions, including:

  • SUM – total budgets, expenses, hours, and counts

  • AVERAGE – calculate typical values quickly and accurately

  • COUNT / COUNTA – count records and completed entries

  • COUNTIF – count based on conditions (status, yes/no, categories)

  • IF – apply simple logic to flag, label, or evaluate data

  • TODAY and NOW – automate dates for deadlines and tracking

  • DATEDIF – calculate time between dates (days, months, years)

  • TEXT – control how dates and numbers display inside formulas

  • LEFT, RIGHT, MID – extract specific parts of text

  • CONCAT – combine names, labels, and structured text

  • TRIM – remove hidden spaces that cause errors

  • Intro to VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP – safely pull matching data from tables

Working with Messy Data: Split Cells & Cleanup

Because real data is rarely clean, this class also covers:

  • Text to Columns (Split Cells)

  • Splitting names, addresses, and imported data correctly

  • Choosing delimiters (spaces, commas, tabs, custom)

  • Preventing common data damage (dates, ZIP codes, IDs)

  • Knowing when to split data—and when not to

This section pairs directly with mailings, reporting, and data imports.

How to Explore Any Excel Function

Instead of memorizing dozens of formulas, you’ll learn how to confidently investigate and use new functions on your own, including:

  • Understanding Excel function structure and arguments

  • Using the Insert Function (fx) tool

  • Reading tooltips and help descriptions in plain language

  • Testing unfamiliar functions safely

  • Deciding whether a function is the right tool—or if a simpler approach works better

This gives you long-term confidence beyond the functions covered in class.

Who This Class Is For

This class is ideal for:

  • Administrative professionals

  • Nonprofit and government staff

  • Development, program, finance, and operations teams

  • Anyone responsible for tracking, reporting, deadlines, or lists

  • Beginner to intermediate Excel users who want practical results

What This Class Is Not

  • Not an advanced Excel or programming course

  • Not focused on complex formulas, macros, or data modeling

  • Not theory-heavy or math-intensive

This is a practical, administrator-focused Excel course designed for everyday work.

Format & Takeaways

  • Live, instructor-led training

  • Clear demonstrations using real administrative examples

  • Techniques you can apply immediately

  • A stronger foundation for all future Excel use

You’ll leave knowing how to use Excel functions effectively, clean real-world data, and confidently explore new tools without fear of breaking your spreadsheet.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion. Course materials include an easy-to-use reference guide and practice problems.

All sessions of this class are currently virtual.  Participation is easy.  All you need is an internet connection; we will do the rest.

We have morning, afternoon and evening classes available. See the drop-down menu in the section below to find available classes.

Register

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    If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering, please contact us at info@grant-foundation.org.