Microsoft Excel has been the go-to spreadsheet software for businesses and individuals for many years.
In recent years, Microsoft has released an updated version called Microsoft Excel 365.
But what is the difference between the two? In this article, we’ll review the differences between the two versions of Microsoft Excel and explore the features and updates that come with Microsoft Excel 365.
We’ll also discuss the best option for purchasing or subscribing to each version and how to get the most out of the software.
Ready to dive into the world of Microsoft Excel? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program used to perform calculations, analyze data, and visualize data with charts and graphs.
Microsoft Excel 365 is a subscription-based version of Microsoft Excel that includes access to additional features, such as cloud storage, collaboration tools, and advanced analytics.
It also includes the latest version of Excel, which offers a more modern user interface, improved performance, and new features.
What is Microsoft Excel?
Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program used by businesses and households to store and organize data in a structured way.
It is a desktop program that must be purchased and installed on a computer, and it is typically used by individuals or organizations to create spreadsheets, tables, graphs, and charts.
Microsoft Excel allows users to create complex formulas and equations, format data, and create charts and graphs to visualize data.
It is a popular choice for data analysis, financial modeling, and data visualization.
Microsoft Excel is also used to create charts and presentations for presentations or reports.
Additionally, it is often used to store data for accounting, inventory, and other financial and business processes.
Microsoft Excel is an easy-to-use and comprehensive program that has been around since 1985 and is the most widely used spreadsheet program in the world.
What is Microsoft Excel 365?
Microsoft Excel 365 is Microsoft’s cloud-based spreadsheet program that allows users to access and collaborate on workbooks from anywhere with an internet connection.
It is a subscription-based service that includes the latest features and updates for a monthly fee.
Excel 365 is a versatile program that can be used for a variety of tasks, from budgeting to data analysis to creating reports.
It comes with a wide range of features, such as pivot tables, charts, formulas, and more.
It also has a user-friendly interface for both experienced and novice users.
Additionally, Excel 365 allows users to collaborate in real-time, allowing for more efficient collaboration and communication when working on projects.
This makes it a useful tool for both large and small businesses, as well as individuals.
Excel 365 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful spreadsheet program that is accessible from anywhere.
How Do the Two Versions Differ?
When it comes to Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Excel 365, there are several major differences between these two powerful spreadsheet programs.
Excel is a desktop-based program that needs to be purchased and installed onto a computer or device.
In contrast, Excel 365 is a cloud-based program that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Microsoft Excel 365 is the subscription-based version of Excel that includes the latest features and updates.
This version allows users to access the latest features, such as Power Query, Power Pivot, and Power Maps, all from a single platform.
Excel 365 also includes intelligent features such as data analysis, automated insights, and machine learning capabilities that can help users get more out of their data.
In addition to the updated features, Excel 365 also allows users to collaborate in real-time.
This means that multiple users can work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously, making it easier to work together on projects.
Excel does not have this capability, so users will need to use other programs or services to share and collaborate on work.
Lastly, Excel 365 has an added layer of security that Excel does not have.
With Excel 365, users can set up additional authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication, to protect their data.
This is a great way to ensure that your data is secure and protected from unauthorized access.
These are just a few of the key differences between Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Excel 365.
While Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program, Excel 365 offers more features and capabilities for users.
Whether you are a business or a household, Excel 365 can help you get more from your data.
Purchasing/Installing Microsoft Excel
When it comes to purchasing Microsoft Excel, the user must first decide which version they would like to purchase.
Microsoft Excel is a desktop program that is available as a one-time purchase and must be installed on a computer.
It is available for both Windows and Mac computers.
Alternatively, Microsoft Excel 365 is a subscription-based program that is available as a monthly or yearly subscription.
It is available as a cloud-based program and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
The installation process for Microsoft Excel is relatively straightforward.
After purchase, the user will receive a product key that is used to activate the software.
The user will then need to download the program and install it on their computer.
The installation process can take several minutes to complete, depending on the computers hardware.
Once the installation is complete, users can begin creating and editing spreadsheets.
On the other hand, Microsoft Excel 365 does not require a download or installation process.
After signing up for an account and purchasing the subscription, users can immediately access the program from any device with an internet connection.
Additionally, users can access the program from multiple devices since the data is stored in the cloud.
This makes Microsoft Excel 365 the ideal choice for users that need to access their spreadsheets from multiple devices.
Subscribing to Microsoft Excel 365
Microsoft Excel 365 is a subscription-based cloud program that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
This makes it ideal for those who need access to their spreadsheets from multiple devices or who work from different locations.
With a subscription, users can access the latest features and updates, ensuring they have the most up-to-date tools at their fingertips.
Plus, the subscription model allows users to collaborate in real-time, enabling them to quickly and easily share their work and make changes together.
This makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues, no matter where they are located.
Additionally, Microsoft Excel 365 subscriptions offer additional features such as extra storage and access to advanced analytics tools.
Features/Updates
When it comes to features and updates, there are some key differences between Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Excel 365.
Microsoft Excel is a desktop program that must be purchased and installed on a computer, while Microsoft Excel 365 is a subscription-based cloud program that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Microsoft Excel 365 includes the latest features and updates to help users work more efficiently, while Microsoft Excel may not have the same capabilities.
For example, Microsoft Excel 365 offers features such as Power Query, Power Pivot, and Slicers that allow users to access, analyze, and visualize data more easily.
It also has new chart types, such as Sunburst, Waterfall, and Histogram charts, and a range of new data types, such as maps, timelines, and stock data.
Microsoft Excel 365 also includes features such as real-time collaboration and the ability to share and comment on documents.
In addition, Microsoft Excel 365 has new ways to collaborate with co-workers, such as the ability to @mention someone in a comment and the ability to quickly comment and review documents.
There are also new security and compliance features that allow users to keep their data and documents secure.
Microsoft Excel 365 is also regularly updated with new features and improvements, while Microsoft Excel may not have the same level of updates.
This means that users of Microsoft Excel 365 will always have access to the latest features and improvements to help them work more effectively.
Real-Time Collaboration
Microsoft Excel 365 stands out for its ability to allow users to collaborate in real-time.
This means that multiple people can work on the same document simultaneously and see each other’s changes.
This makes it easier for businesses to work together on projects as different team members can make their contributions without waiting for others to finish their parts.
Additionally, Microsoft Excel 365 includes features such as chat and comment boxes, which enable users to communicate with each other while working on the same document.
This makes it much more efficient for teams to work together on documents.
Furthermore, Excel 365 includes a co-authoring feature which allows users to see who is currently editing the document, which helps to prevent any confusion or misunderstandings.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Excel 365 both offer powerful spreadsheet capabilities, but they differ in how they are purchased, installed, and used.
Microsoft Excel is a desktop program that must be purchased and installed, while Microsoft Excel 365 is a subscription-based cloud program that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Additionally, Microsoft Excel 365 includes the latest features and updates, and allows users to collaborate in real-time.
If you’re looking for a powerful spreadsheet program, consider the differences between Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Excel 365 before making your purchase.