Basic vs Advanced Excel: Defining Key Skills and Power-User Milestones

I often see Microsoft Excel listed on CVs, but roles can mean very different things by “Excel knowledge.” Basic skills usually cover data entry, formatting, simple formulas like SUM or AVERAGE, sorting and filtering, and creating basic charts. Advanced users go further with PivotTables and PivotCharts, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, Power Query, dashboards and data visualization, and even basic VBA or automation. At what point do you consider someone an advanced Excel user? Which functions or tools have made the biggest difference in your projects or career? Share your real-world experience and tips.

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