Excel & Google Sheets for Business Decisions

Choose a decision, import the practice data and separate source records from calculations.

• Turn a business question into a spreadsheet plan16 min · Define the decision, the row meaning and the limits of the fictional sales data.
• Import the free practice dataset correctly16 min · Create a working copy, set the locale and reconcile the first import.
• Separate inputs, calculations and outputs16 min · Design a workbook that preserves evidence and can be reviewed or updated.

Recognise types, identify duplicates carefully and build visible quality checks.

• Inspect types, blanks and category drift16 min · Detect defects in a controlled copy before changing records.
• Distinguish duplicate rows from repeat customers16 min · Use the row grain and an exception review before removing duplicates.
• Repair transparently and reconcile controls16 min · Use helper columns, source-backed corrections and a passed checks gate.

Calculate reliable totals, gross profit and weighted margins with appropriate references.

• Use relative and absolute references deliberately16 min · Understand how references change and test the first and last copied formula.
• Choose SUM, COUNT and filtered totals correctly16 min · Distinguish totals, numeric counts and visible-only sums.
• Calculate margin without averaging away the truth16 min · Separate margin from markup and calculate a weighted overall margin.

Use conditional totals, visible exception rules and exact-match reference tables.

• Use IF to surface exceptions, not conceal them16 min · Write readable rules and preserve error signals.
• Use SUMIF and SUMIFS for answerable questions16 min · Build conditional sums with aligned ranges and compare them with controls.
• Look up exact matches and handle missing products16 min · Use a unique-key reference table with XLOOKUP or an exact VLOOKUP fallback.

Build a reconciled product-region pivot, inspect trends and avoid causal claims.

• Build and reconcile a product-region pivot16 min · Summarise revenue and costs with explicit aggregation and control totals.
• Group dates and calculate comparable changes16 min · Create month-level summaries and distinguish percentages from percentage points.
• Compare products and regions fairly16 min · Use multiple measures and state what comparisons cannot prove.

Define KPIs, choose truthful charts and add filters with accessible labels.

• Specify KPIs before styling the dashboard16 min · Define period, scope, units and ownership for each KPI.
• Choose charts that preserve the comparison16 min · Match chart type to the question and use readable, honest axes.
• Add a safe selector and a narrative summary16 min · Make a simple interactive region view and explain the resulting evidence.

Separate baseline facts from assumptions and compare bounded scenarios.

• Build an assumptions table and a base case16 min · Construct a simple monthly model from stated revenue, cost and overhead assumptions.
• Stress-test growth, discounts and break-even16 min · Calculate trade-offs while stating the assumptions needed for them to hold.
• Create a sensitivity table and spending guardrails16 min · Compare a small range of assumptions and define when to stop or review.

Check formula coverage, share responsibly and complete a practical evidence memo.

• Run a release checklist before sharing16 min · Inspect source coverage, formula consistency and dashboard reconciliation.
• Protect formulas and share the right access16 min · Use limited edit access, version context and a privacy-conscious handover.
• Finish a decision memo and demonstrate the skill16 min · Produce a traceable practical project and distinguish course completion from accreditation.