How do I use AutoFill in Excel to continue a series or copy a formula?

Select the cell, then drag its fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner) across adjacent cells to copy values, formulas, or extend a series.

How can data validation restrict what users enter in an Excel cell?

Data validation can limit entries to rules such as a number range, date, text length, or a predefined drop-down list.

What does the MOD function do in Microsoft Excel?

MOD returns the remainder after one number is divided by another; for example, =MOD(10,3) returns 1.

Free Course Image Microsoft Excel course for beginners

Free online course Microsoft Excel course for beginners

Duration of the online course: 4 hours and 0 minutes

4.8

(15)

Build job-ready Excel skills fast with this free online course—learn basics, smart shortcuts, and practical worksheets, plus a shareable certificate.

In this free course, learn about

Navigate Excel interface: ribbons, worksheets, scroll bars, and basic workflow
Understand Microsoft 365 options and how Excel fits within the suite
Remove or hide cell borders using formatting tools in Excel
Use the caret (^) symbol to write exponent/power calculations in formulas
Apply AutoFill to copy formulas, extend series, and fill patterns quickly
Use Fill Color (bucket) to apply background shading for cells and ranges
Use Data Validation to restrict inputs (lists, limits) and show error messages
Use the Escape key to cancel edits, close menus, and exit actions in progress
Use the MOD function to return remainders and support even/odd or cycle logic

About the free online course

Excel is one of those skills that quietly opens doors: it helps you organize information, make quick calculations, and present results clearly—whether you work in administration, sales, finance, operations, education, or run your own business. This free online beginner course is designed for anyone who wants to move from feeling unsure in spreadsheets to working with confidence. You will learn the essentials in a practical way, so you can start using Excel immediately for everyday tasks.

Instead of focusing on theory, the learning experience emphasizes how Excel actually works when you are solving real problems. You will get comfortable navigating the worksheet, understanding what key interface elements do, and using simple actions that save time when your spreadsheet grows. Along the way, you will build better control over your work by understanding common settings and choices available in Microsoft 365, and by learning how small details—like scroll behavior and formatting cleanup—can make your files easier to use and share.

As your confidence grows, you will practice features that turn repetitive tasks into quick workflows. You will learn how autofill can extend patterns, series, and formulas without manual typing, and you will see how basic spreadsheet logic maps to everyday needs. You will also explore techniques to reduce mistakes, such as restricting entries with data validation—useful for keeping lists consistent, preventing invalid dates or out-of-range values, and improving the reliability of shared files.

To support accurate results, the course introduces key concepts you will encounter constantly when working with formulas, including the meaning of common computing symbols and what to do when you need to quickly cancel an action. You will also meet an example of a practical function used in many scenarios, helping you understand how formulas return results and how to apply them in clean, organized worksheets.

By the end, you will be ready to create neat spreadsheets, enter and manage data safely, and work faster with tools that professionals use daily—an ideal foundation for anyone starting in office productivity or upgrading their technology skill set.

Course content

Video class: Free Microsoft Excel Course for Beginners (Excel Tutorial) 4h00m
Exercise: What are the options available for Microsoft 365?
Exercise: What is the purpose of the scroll bar in Microsoft Excel?
Exercise: What is the easiest way to get rid of the border in Excel?
Exercise: What is the symbol used in computing frequently to mean "to the power of"?
Exercise: What is the autofill function in Microsoft Excel?
Exercise: What is the purpose of the bucket fill command in Microsoft Excel?
Exercise: What is data validation in Excel and how can it be used to restrict data in a cell?
Exercise: What is the purpose of pressing the Escape key in Excel?
Exercise: What does the MOD function do in Microsoft Excel?

Learn aboutExcel

Explore free online Excel courses designed to help you master spreadsheets, formulas, functions, data analysis, charts, PivotTables, and more. Learn at your own pace with beginner to advanced lessons, build practical Microsoft Excel skills for work or study, and earn a certificate upon completion—all at no cost. Start learning today.