What is Microsoft Excel?
Microsoft Excel creates spreadsheets for calculations, charts, planning and data analysis. Free browser access and licensed desktop applications cover different workbook and automation needs.
Who is Microsoft Excel for?
People maintaining Excel workbooks and teams that need to assess desktop automation alongside shared browser editing.
Choose Excel around the workbook you must maintain
A shared budget and a macro-driven operational model have different requirements. Excel provides formulas, charts and online collaboration, but the application used to open the workbook changes what can run.
Microsoft separates free web applications from paid desktop access. Check an existing work subscription before purchasing another licence. The Microsoft 365 profile explains the broader package decision.
Microsoft Excel features
The core capabilities to consider for your workflow.
- Spreadsheet formulas, tables and charts
- Shared online workbook editing
- Desktop workbook automation with VBA under an appropriate licence
Microsoft Excel pricing
Free plan available
Compare eligible Microsoft 365 packages and one-time Office purchase routes for installed Excel. Verify desktop app rights, commercial-use terms and AI entitlements in the exact offer.
Calculate the cost of your quote →Free access & evaluation
Excel for the web is free with a Microsoft account. Desktop Excel requires an appropriate licence; a subscription trial is separate.
Before you choose Microsoft Excel
Excel for the web cannot create, run or edit VBA macros.
Opening a macro-enabled workbook in a browser does not run its automation.
Desktop applications and AI features depend on the actual licence and platform.
Before you move an existing workflow
Use a non-sensitive copy of the actual workbook. List required formulas, external connections and macros, then test each action in the intended application. Microsoft states that VBA macros cannot run in Excel for the web; preserving macros in a file is a different capability.
Compare Google Sheets for browser collaboration or LibreOffice Calc for a desktop alternative. Verify results after exporting and reopening the workbook.
Explore Microsoft Excel in more detail
Take a closer look at the decisions behind this product.
Compare Excel and Google Sheets
Read the articleCompare Microsoft Excel
Explore the individual profiles
Microsoft Excel FAQs
Is Microsoft Excel free?
Excel for the web is free with a Microsoft account. Installed desktop Excel needs an appropriate licence.
Can Excel for the web run VBA macros?
No. It can retain macros in a workbook, but cannot create, run or edit VBA macros. Use the licensed desktop application for that work.
Is Excel included in every Microsoft 365 plan?
The application rights differ by plan. Free web access and web-only packages do not establish access to installed desktop Excel.
Can I collaborate on an Excel spreadsheet?
Excel offers shared online workbook editing. Confirm file location, access permissions and the required features for everyone editing it.