Facts about DataCamp checked on its public pages in October 2026. Features and prices change; see datacamp.com for current details. FormulaCamp is not affiliated with DataCamp.
TL;DR
- Choose FormulaCamp if you want to practice Excel itself, in the browser, with every task checked instantly, and you want a path that goes beyond basics (PivotTables, Power Query, Power Pivot/DAX, Python in Excel).
- Choose DataCamp if your goal is data science (Python, R, SQL, Power BI), you like short videos, and you want a recognized certificate and a mobile app. Excel is one topic among many there.
Who each is best for
FormulaCamp is best for people who want to learn Excel specifically and learn by doing: short theory, then a live spreadsheet in the browser that auto-checks each task. For desktop work you can download an .xlsx task, solve it in your own Excel and upload it back for checking. It has 170 lessons across 16 tracks, from Beginner to Expert, and a 180-function reference in English and Russian.
DataCamp is best for learners who want one subscription covering many data tools. Its Introduction to Excel course combines short videos with exercises, runs about 4 hours across 3 chapters and 36 exercises, and ends with a Statement of Accomplishment you can add to LinkedIn or a resume. It also has a mobile app and a free first chapter in every course.
Where DataCamp is better: brand recognition, certificates, a mobile app, video teaching, and breadth across Python, R, SQL and Power BI. FormulaCamp has no video and no mobile app, and its certificate is self-issued (not verified by a third party).
Where FormulaCamp is better: depth in Excel itself and where the practice happens. DataCamp's Excel exercises run in an Excel installation on your computer, so you need Excel installed. FormulaCamp's main practice runs in the browser with no install, plus .xlsx tasks if you prefer desktop Excel.
Side-by-side
| FormulaCamp | DataCamp | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching format | Short theory + hands-on tasks | Short videos + exercises |
| Where you practice | Live spreadsheet in the browser; optional .xlsx tasks in desktop Excel | In your own installed Excel (Intro to Excel course) |
| Instant checking | Yes, every task | Real-time feedback inside the course exercises |
| Excel curriculum | 170 lessons, 16 tracks, up to Power Query, Power Pivot/DAX, Python in Excel | Intro to Excel: 3 chapters, 36 exercises, about 4 hours; Power Query and DAX not mentioned on that course page |
| Certificates | Self-issued certificate of completion per track (not verified, not accredited) | Statement of Accomplishment with a subscription |
| Free tier | Beginner level, first hands-on lesson of every other track (intro quizzes are free too), all theory | First chapter of every course |
| Languages | English, Russian | Not stated on the pages we checked |
| Mobile app | No | Yes (App Store, Google Play) |
Pricing (as of October 2026)
FormulaCamp Pro costs $7.99 per month or $49 per year. The Beginner level, the first hands-on lesson of every other track and all theory are free.
DataCamp offers a free Basic plan (first chapter of every course) and paid Premium and Teams plans. Its pricing page showed inconsistent figures when we checked, so we do not quote a number here; check datacamp.com/pricing for the current price. Note that a DataCamp subscription covers a very large catalog beyond Excel, while FormulaCamp covers only Excel and related tools.
FAQ
Is DataCamp good for learning Excel?
For fundamentals, yes: its Introduction to Excel is a compact course with exercises and a certificate. For deeper Excel topics such as Power Query or DAX, we did not find them on that course page, so check the Excel track listing on DataCamp.
Do I need Excel installed?
For DataCamp's Introduction to Excel, yes, because exercises run in your local Excel. For FormulaCamp, no: the browser spreadsheet works without Excel. The .xlsx tasks are optional.
Does FormulaCamp give certificates?
Yes, a self-issued certificate of completion for each finished track, with a downloadable PNG/PDF and a LinkedIn share option. It is not verified by a third party and is not accredited. If a recognized certificate matters, DataCamp is the stronger choice.
Can I try both for free?
Yes. Both have free access to part of the content.
Does FormulaCamp have video?
No. It uses short theory and practice. If you learn best by watching, DataCamp is the better fit.
Try it
See how instant checking feels: start a free FormulaCamp lesson in your browser. No video, no install.
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