LibreOffice Calc Essentials

Master spreadsheet fundamentals with this open-source alternative in just 2 hours

productivity
spreadsheets
data-analysis
open-source
Learn the essentials of LibreOffice Calc, a powerful and free spreadsheet application that provides a viable alternative to Microsoft Excel, with hands-on practice of key features and functions.
Modified

July 2, 2025

LibreOffice Calc Essentials

Learn the fundamentals of this powerful open-source spreadsheet application in just 2 hours

2 Hours Beginner to Intermediate Hands-on
LibreOffice Calc Workshop

1 Session Overview

This 2-hour microlearning session introduces LibreOffice Calc, a powerful open-source spreadsheet application that serves as a free alternative to Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re switching from proprietary software, need to work with spreadsheets in a cross-platform environment, or simply want to learn spreadsheet skills without expensive software, this session will equip you with the essential skills to create, edit, and analyze data effectively in Calc.

1.1 What You’ll Learn

  • Navigate and customize the LibreOffice Calc interface
  • Create, format, and organize spreadsheet data
  • Apply formulas and functions for calculations
  • Generate charts and visualizations
  • Use data analysis tools for insight
  • Import and export data in various formats
  • Understand key differences from Microsoft Excel

2 Session Curriculum

2.1 Part 1: Getting Started with LibreOffice Calc (30 minutes)

  • Introduction to LibreOffice and the Calc application
  • Interface overview and navigation
  • Workbook and worksheet structure
  • Cell references and basic data entry
  • Customizing the interface and preferences
  • Saving, exporting, and compatibility considerations

2.2 Part 2: Core Spreadsheet Skills (40 minutes)

  • Cell formatting and styles
  • Working with rows, columns, and ranges
  • Basic formulas and calculations
  • Essential functions (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, MIN)
  • Relative vs. absolute cell references
  • Sorting and filtering data
  • Using named ranges effectively

2.3 Part 3: Advanced Features and Analysis (40 minutes)

  • Creating and customizing charts
  • Conditional formatting for visual analysis
  • Working with multiple sheets and linking data
  • Pivot tables for data summarization
  • Data validation and form controls
  • Text functions and data cleanup
  • Templates and reusable spreadsheets

2.4 Part 4: Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting (10 minutes)

  • Keyboard shortcuts for efficiency
  • Common issues and how to resolve them
  • Excel compatibility tips
  • Resources for continued learning
  • Automation possibilities with macros (brief introduction)

3 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this microlearning session, you will be able to:

  • Create structured and well-formatted spreadsheets in LibreOffice Calc
  • Apply formulas and functions to perform calculations
  • Generate insightful charts and data visualizations
  • Use data analysis tools like filtering and pivot tables
  • Navigate compatibility considerations with other spreadsheet applications
  • Apply best practices for spreadsheet organization and maintenance

4 Teaching Methods

This session combines:

  • Live demonstrations
  • Hands-on exercises with sample data
  • Problem-solving challenges
  • Collaborative learning
  • Real-world application scenarios

5 Target Audience

This microlearning session is ideal for:

  • Individuals transitioning from proprietary software to open-source alternatives
  • Students and educators working in environments where LibreOffice is the standard
  • Small business owners and professionals seeking cost-effective software solutions
  • Data entry specialists and administrators
  • Anyone looking to build foundational spreadsheet skills

6 Prerequisites

  • Basic computer skills
  • No prior spreadsheet experience required, though Excel users will find parallels
  • Bring your laptop with LibreOffice installed (installation instructions will be provided)

7 Materials

All participants will receive:

  • Sample spreadsheets for practice
  • Formula and function cheat sheet
  • Keyboard shortcut reference guide
  • Excel to Calc transition guide
  • List of resources for continued learning

Your Instructor

Instructor
Sophie Bergman

Data Analyst & Open Source Advocate

Sophie has over 8 years of experience working with spreadsheets for data analysis and has helped dozens of organizations transition from proprietary software to open-source alternatives like LibreOffice.

Register Now

Next session: July 25, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CEST

Fee: €45 (Group discounts available)

Location: Online via Zoom

Register for This Session

What Participants Say

"I was nervous about switching from Excel to Calc for my small business, but this session made the transition seamless. I can now do everything I need without expensive software subscriptions."

Carlos M.

Small Business Owner

"The pivot table section alone was worth the price of admission. I had no idea Calc was so powerful! The instructor explained complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand."

Amina J.

Administrative Assistant

"As a student, I appreciated learning on free software that I can use for all my coursework. The hands-on exercises helped me understand the practical applications immediately."

Leo T.

Engineering Student

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