Most spreadsheet users do not utilize software to its full potential. While there is more than one software option for spreadsheets, Microsoft Excel is by far the most popular in business offices. Whether you have an issue you cannot figure out, or you simply want to learn more about the software, there are free resources available to help you to troubleshoot and learn about Microsoft Excel:

1. Microsoft Excel Help. Hover over the tools in Excel and use in-software help to discover more about the capabilities of the software. Spend some time in the software trying options that you have never used previously to test their functionality and benefit to your smart office.

2. Search Engine Help. Troubleshooting a problem? A simple query in a search engine is the best way to identify a problem and find a solution. Try adding quotes around your search query (i.e. “#VALUE! error" Excel) to get more narrow results. Select a few different results to get different options to help you solve your issue.

3. Microsoft Office Support. Excel help from Microsoft offers a basic tutorial, detailed how-to guides for common questions. Microsoft also offers a training center for other Office products.

4. Mr. Excel’s forum offers discussion and solutions for problems big and small to help you learn. This forum is especially helpful because of the number of advanced users who contribute and respond to questions on the website.

5. Excel Exposure is a free online training class with lessons and tutorials to help users better their skills with the software.

6. YouTube is a great resource to help visual learners gain skills and find solutions. ExcelIsFun is one of many channels devoted to helping others learn about Microsoft Excel.

7. Local Courses. Check with your local university, community college or vocational center to find free or low-cost courses to help you better navigate spreadsheet software.

Do you have tips, tools or resources to help others with Microsoft Excel? Tell me about it in the comments below, on Twitter @nerdsquawk or via email at [email protected].

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Penton Agriculture.