Best Quantum Computing Books and Free Courses for Beginners
The right book depends on your background. Below are well-regarded options, grouped by who they suit, plus free courses that cost nothing. Editions and availability change, so check the current listing before you buy.
Books for complete beginners
- Quantum Computing for Computer Scientists (Yanofsky and Mannucci): builds the maths from the ground up, aimed at readers with a computer-science background.
- Programming Quantum Computers (Johnston, Harrigan, Gimeno-Segovia): a hands-on introduction that teaches through code and circuits.
Books for the next step
- Quantum Computer Science: An Introduction (N. David Mermin): a short, clear route in for readers comfortable with maths.
- Quantum Computing Since Democritus (Scott Aaronson): complexity and foundations, written in a conversational style. Best after you know the basics.
The standard reference
- Quantum Computation and Quantum Information (Nielsen and Chuang): the standard graduate textbook. It is best used alongside a course rather than read cover to cover as your first book.
Free reading
- John Preskill’s lecture notes (Caltech): free, with a strong treatment of error correction. Advanced.
- Your chosen SDK’s own tutorials, which are kept in step with its current API.
Free online courses
- IBM Quantum Learning: self-paced courses built around Qiskit.
- Microsoft Learn: Quantum computing fundamentals.
- Google Quantum AI: education resources and research.
Which should you start with?
If you are new, begin with a free course and an interactive tool, then add one beginner book. Our free roadmap shows where each resource fits, and the resources section lists the main software tools.