Questions
Answers about lessons, courses, paying and your account. For anything else, email [email protected].
Lessons
Do I need Excel or Google Sheets on my computer?
No. Lessons run in a practice version of each program, in your browser. There's nothing to install, and you don't need a Microsoft or Google account.
Can I try a lesson without signing up?
Yes. Open a free lesson and start. Sign in with Google or your email only if you want to save your progress.
Can I use my phone or tablet?
Not for lessons. They need a laptop or desktop computer, so the practice program has room. Every other page works on a phone, and you can send yourself the link to a lesson for later.
How long does a lesson take?
Most lessons take 7 to 25 minutes. Each one teaches one skill, and the time is shown next to every lesson.
How is my work checked?
Each step checks what you did: the cell you picked, the menu you opened, the formula you typed and the result. Tasks you do on your own are also tested on other data, so the formula has to work, not just the answer. There is no AI; every check is a fixed rule.
What if I get stuck?
Ask for a hint. Hints start small and build up to the full answer. Show me does the step for you and explains why. If you open the wrong menu, the lesson says where that feature is.
How close is the practice version to the real program?
The menus, menu paths, function names and keyboard shortcuts match, on Windows and Mac. The look is our own, and a few rarely used features aren't there. Where Excel and Google Sheets differ, each course shows its own way.
Do I have to do the lessons in order?
No. The Roadmap is a recommended order, from Beginner to Analyst. Go at your own pace, or jump ahead whenever you like. Skills groups the same lessons by topic, so you can open the one you need today.
I've never used a spreadsheet. Where do I start?
At the start of the Roadmap. The first lessons walk you through your first formula, and every new term is explained when it comes up.
Courses
Excel or Google Sheets: which should I learn?
The one you'll use. If a job, a class or your team uses Excel, start with Excel. If your files live in Google Drive, start with Google Sheets. Most skills carry over from one to the other.
Are the Excel and Google Sheets courses the same?
They teach the same skills with the same lessons, each in its own practice program. Where the two programs differ, each course shows its own way, and a few lessons exist in only one course, for features only that program has.
What does a course not cover?
Macros and VBA, Apps Script, Power Query, Power BI, add-ins, and sharing a file with other people. The courses cover formulas, functions, data tools, pivot tables and charts.
Do new lessons get added?
Yes. New lessons are added as they're written, and they're part of the course you have. The lesson count on each course page is always the current one.
Is the Touch typing course free?
Yes, all of it: every lesson, and Practice after them. You don't need an account to start. Sign in with Google or your email to keep your progress on any computer.
When do the other courses open?
SQL, Python, the coding courses and chess are in development. When one is ready, it appears in the Courses menu and on the All courses page, with its own free lessons.
Do I get a certificate?
No. The course teaches the skill itself. Some employers give a short practical test, and the lessons have you do the same kinds of tasks.
Buying and refunds
Where do I see the price?
On each course's page, in the Get the full course section at the end. Tax is included in the price you see.
Do I need an account to buy?
No. Pay first, then sign in with the same email, with Google or a code we email you, and the course is there. You can also use the private link on the confirmation page.
How do I pay?
Through Stripe, which handles the payment and sends the receipt. You can pay by card, and by the other methods Stripe offers in your country.
Can I add the other course?
Yes. At checkout you can add the other course to the same payment.
How long can I use a course?
Your access doesn't expire. You can use the course for as long as Learnford offers it, and if that ever changes, we'll give you notice first.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, within 30 days, if you've opened fewer than 10 of the course's paid lessons (the free ones don't count). Click Request a refund on your Account page. The refund goes back to the card you paid with, and it usually shows on your statement within 5 to 10 days.
Your account
How do I sign in?
With Google, or with a 6-digit code we email you. There are no passwords.
I paid, but I can't see my course.
Sign in with the same email you used at checkout. If you used a different email, open the private link on your confirmation page or in your receipt while signed in, and the course attaches to that account.
Can I use a course on more than one computer?
Yes. Sign in on any computer and your progress and cheat sheets are there.
Where are my cheat sheets?
Signed in, open Cheat sheets in your course. Every lesson you finish adds one, and the Dashboard shows the most recent.
Is Learnford made by Microsoft or Google?
No. Learnford is an independent company, not affiliated with Microsoft or Google. Excel and Google Sheets are named only to say which program each course teaches.
How do I contact you?
Email [email protected].