FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Excel or Google Sheets?
No. Exercises run in our browser-based workspace, which supports cell references, $-anchors, ranges, cross-tab references and the functions the curriculum uses: SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, MEDIAN, QUARTILE, PERCENTILE, STDEV, SUMIF, COUNTIF, ROUND, IF, IFERROR, AND, OR, CHOOSE, INDEX, MATCH, VLOOKUP, NPV, IRR, MIRR, XNPV, XIRR, DATE, PMT, IPMT, PPMT, PV, FV, NPER, RATE, EFFECT, RRI and more. You can export any model to Excel with its formulas.
Is the workspace a full spreadsheet?
No — it's a focused modeling environment, not a replacement for Excel. It has the features modeling needs: multiple tabs, range selection, copy, paste and fill that shift relative references, F4 anchors, undo and redo, a show-formulas view, a full-window focus mode, and colour-coded references while you type a formula. Ctrl+. jumps to the next cell to build and Ctrl+Enter checks your model. Unsupported functions show #NAME? rather than silently returning something wrong. It follows common spreadsheet conventions, such as cash-flow signs in PV() and PMT().
What's the difference between practice and assessed work?
Practice exercises in lessons have hints, explained feedback and worked solutions. Assessed work — timed assessments and capstone projects — has no hints or solutions during the attempt, is graded on our servers, and counts towards verified certificates.
How are exercises graded?
On our servers, from what you typed. We check the value of each target cell within a tolerance, whether you used a formula, whether it links to the right assumptions, and whether your model still gives the right answer when the assumptions change. Partial credit is given for a correct method on an incorrect earlier result.
Can I use a different method from the lesson?
Yes. Any formula that produces the correct result is accepted (for example, building discount factors yourself or using NPV() correctly). Some checks ask you to link to a specific assumption cell, because a model that doesn't update when inputs change isn't a working model.
Is my progress saved?
Yes. When you're signed in, every graded attempt, completed lesson and in-progress model is saved to your account as you work, and the workspace shows when it was last saved. A copy is also kept on your device until the save is confirmed, so a dropped connection or a closed tab doesn't lose work — you'll be offered to restore it. As a guest, your work is kept on this device, and you can bring it into your account when you sign up.
How do learning paths work?
A path orders the lessons and assessed work a role relies on. Follow one and your dashboard always shows the next step — including where to resume inside a lesson. Paths recommend an order but never lock content: member access is the only lock, and tracks still in development are shown as such.
What is free, and what needs a membership?
The introductory lessons of every track, the Finance Fundamentals knowledge check and all calculators are free. Every other lesson, the timed technical screens, the capstone projects and certificates are included in Formula Quest memberships. Finance Quest has no prices or plans of its own.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. Lessons, calculators and concept checks are designed for small screens. On phones the worksheet offers a list view of the cells to complete, because full grids are hard to use on narrow screens.
Are certificates accredited?
No. Finance Quest certificates describe what you completed on Finance Quest. They are not a professional qualification or accreditation.
Is this investment advice?
No. Finance Quest is educational. Examples use illustrative figures, and nothing on the site is investment, tax or legal advice.
Questions about access? See Formula Quest memberships.