Reesby Academy · Data & Excel
Formulas and Lookups Mastery
Use lookups and logical formulas to answer real questions.
About this course
Lookup and logical formulas let a spreadsheet combine information from several tables and apply rules consistently, without manual copying. This course covers how references work, the lookup functions that match records, logical tests for flagging data and ways to handle errors and keep formulas readable. Open a workbook alongside each lesson and try the examples on your own data.
What you will be able to do
- You'll be able to use lookup functions to match records across tables
- You'll be able to apply logical tests to classify and flag data
- You'll be able to handle errors so reports stay clean
- You'll be able to write nested formulas that remain readable
Course outline
- Relative and Absolute References11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizMost formula problems come from misunderstanding how references change when you copy a formula. Knowing when to lock a reference with dollar signs is the foundation for every lookup you will write.
- Lookup Functions Explained11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizLookup functions find a value in one table and return a matching value from another. Learning the modern lookup functions, and their limits, helps you build reliable links between datasets.
- Logical Tests and Flags11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizLogical tests such as IF, AND and OR let you classify rows automatically. Flags help you find exceptions quickly, which is often more useful than reading every line.
- Handling Errors Gracefully11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizErrors such as #N/A or #DIV/0! are signals, not nuisances. Handling them deliberately keeps reports clean, while making sure real problems are still visible.
- Keeping Formulas Readable11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA formula that only its author can read is a risk. Readable formulas use clear structure, named ranges and helper columns so others can check and maintain them.
- Tools you'll need5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizYou can practise everything in this course with tools you already have. Paid software adds features but is not required.
- Careers & next steps5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizAdvanced spreadsheet skills are valued across finance, operations, administration and analysis. This lesson shows where they lead and how to check what they may be worth.
- Final quiz and certificate10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.