The default format for saving a Microsoft Excel workbook is. The following file extensions are supported by Microsoft Excel. However, there are still many differences between Excel and a free spreadsheet program. If you want to get Excel because it's a job requirement, it's still okay to learn all the basics in a free spreadsheet program. Where can I get a free spreadsheet program?.However, even with the available free options, Excel remains the most-used spreadsheet because of all its available options, features, and because many businesses still use the program. Today, there are many different free spreadsheet options that someone could use instead of Excel. Why would someone use Excel over a different spreadsheet program?
For a full list of reason and examples of how people use a spreadsheet, see our spreadsheet definition. For example, someone might use Excel to keep track of their expenses. There are many reasons people may use Excel (a spreadsheet program). This spreadsheet illustrate some of the capabilities of a spreadsheet, formulas, and functions and allows you to experiment more with a spreadsheet. We've created a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that can be downloaded and opened in any spreadsheet program including Microsoft Excel.
If you do not want (or cannot afford) to purchase Excel, you can use a limited version for free at the Microsoft Office website. It must be purchased and installed before running it on your computer. Keep in mind that new computers do not include Excel. If you have Excel or the entire Microsoft Office package installed on Microsoft Windows, you can find Excel in your Start menu. See the formula bar, cell, column, row, or sheet tab links for further information about each of these sections. It can analyze data, calculate statistics, generate pivot tables, and represent data as a chart or graph.įor example, you could create an Excel spreadsheet that calculates a monthly budget, tracks associated expenses, and interactively sorts the data by criteria.īelow is an example of Microsoft Excel with each of its major sections highlighted. What are the different versions of Microsoft Excel?Įxcel is a tool for organizing and performing calculations on data.Why would someone use Excel over a different spreadsheet program?.