Microsoft Excel is the world's most widely used spreadsheet application, part of Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Excel offers powerful data analysis features including pivot tables, advanced formulas, charts, and macros (VBA). Used by businesses worldwide for financial modeling, data analysis, reporting, and automation. Excel's formula language and features have become the industry standard that competitors try to match. Available as desktop app, web app, and mobile app with real-time collaboration.

Louis Corneloup Updated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluate Source microsoft.com ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.8 (22,705 reviews)

Microsoft Excel holds an aggregate rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 22,705 reviews across G2 and Capterra, last checked September 17, 2026.

G2 3,189 reviews

4.7/5

Capterra 19,516 reviews

4.8/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Advanced formulas and functions
Pivot tables
Charts and visualizations
Macros (VBA)
Power Query
Real-time collaboration
Desktop and web apps
Mobile apps

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Sep 29, 2026

Microsoft Excel plans and prices, checked September 2026
Plan	Price	Details
Excel Online	$0	Basic web version Basic formulas Simple charts Collaboration +1 more Show less 5GB OneDrive
Microsoft 365 Personal Popular	$6.99/month	Full Excel Desktop + web + mobile All Excel features 1TB OneDrive +1 more Show less 1 user
Microsoft 365 Family	$12.99/month	For families Everything in Personal Up to 6 users 6TB total storage

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is Microsoft Excel worth the price?

Good value

Microsoft Excel's pricing is fair, offering a generous free online version and affordable subscription options.

The Microsoft 365 Personal plan at $6.99/month provides excellent value for individual users needing full desktop features. It's best for individuals and families who need robust spreadsheet capabilities and cloud storage.

Full Microsoft Excel pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

How Microsoft Excel's pricing compares

At $6.99/mo, billing unit not specified, Microsoft Excel is mid-range of its 3 comparable direct competitors ($1.67 to $12/mo across the set).

Airtable

$1.67

Microsoft Excel

$6.99

Smartsheet

Google Sheets

$12

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Sep 29, 2026.

Reviews

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4.8/5

Across 22,705 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2

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Best Microsoft Excel Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Smartsheet Paid

Spreadsheet-based project management for complex enterprise workflows

4.1

Google Sheets Free

Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, for free.

3.7

Airtable Freemium

Build custom apps and automate workflows without code

3.6

See all spreadsheets tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Microsoft Excel vs Smartsheet Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Microsoft Excel vs Google Sheets Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Microsoft Excel vs Airtable Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Microsoft Excel FAQ

How does Microsoft Excel support advanced data analysis?

Microsoft Excel offers powerful data analysis features such as pivot tables, advanced formulas, and charts. It is widely used for financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting due to its comprehensive capabilities.

Which teams benefit most from using Microsoft Excel?

Teams involved in finance, data analysis, and reporting benefit significantly from Microsoft Excel. Its robust features and automation capabilities make it suitable for complex analytical tasks across various business functions.

How does Microsoft Excel compare to Google Sheets?

Microsoft Excel is generally considered to have more powerful features for complex analysis compared to Google Sheets, and its formula language is an industry standard. Excel also offers VBA for automation, which is a key differentiator.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of when working with Microsoft Excel?

Users should be aware that Microsoft Excel can be complex for beginners and may experience performance issues with very large datasets. Additionally, it typically requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality.

Does Microsoft Excel include a free tier?

Yes, Microsoft Excel is available on a free tier, with paid plans offering more extensive usage and additional features. This allows users to start with basic functionality and upgrade as needed.

Can Microsoft Excel automate repetitive tasks?

Yes, Microsoft Excel can automate repetitive tasks through the use of macros, which are built using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This feature allows users to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Source: microsoft.com

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