Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel
Name	Microsoft Excel
Developer	Microsoft
Released	30 September 1985
Latest release version	2408 (Build 17928.20148)
Latest release date	10 September 2024
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Genre	Spreadsheet
License	Proprietary software
Website	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/excel

Microsoft Excel. It is a spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft for multiple operating systems, forming a core component of the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity software. Since its initial release for the Apple Macintosh in 1985, it has become the industry standard for data analysis, financial modeling, and complex calculation tasks across business and academia. Its functionality is built around a grid of cells organized in numbered rows and lettered columns, which can contain data, formulas, and references to other cells.

History

The application's origins trace back to Multiplan, an earlier spreadsheet program from Microsoft that faced strong competition from Lotus 1-2-3 on the IBM PC. In response, a new project led by developers like Doug Klunder was initiated, culminating in the first version for the Macintosh system. Following its success, a Windows version, Excel 2.0, was released in 1987, capitalizing on the growing graphical user interface environment. Its integration into the Microsoft Office suite in the early 1990s and the subsequent decline of Lotus Development Corporation solidified its market dominance. Major milestones include the introduction of the Visual Basic for Applications programming language and the pivotal shift to the Ribbon (computing) interface with the release of Microsoft Office 2007.

Features

Central to its operation is the cell grid, where users can input numerical data, text, or formulas that automatically calculate results. It supports an extensive library of built-in functions for financial, logical, and statistical operations, such as those defined by the XIRR and VLOOKUP commands. Advanced tools include PivotTable reports for dynamic data summarization, Power Query for data import and transformation, and Power Pivot for in-memory data modeling. The software also provides robust charting and graphing capabilities, Visual Basic for Applications for automation and custom functions, and real-time collaboration features through integration with Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive.

File formats

The primary native format since Microsoft Office 2007 has been the Office Open XML specification, with the .xlsx extension denoting a standard workbook. Other key formats include .xlsm for workbooks containing Visual Basic for Applications macros, .xlsb for binary workbook files offering faster performance, and the legacy .xls format used by earlier versions up to Microsoft Office 2003. The program can also open and save files in formats like Comma-separated values (.csv), PDF, and OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods), though some advanced features may not be preserved during these conversions.

Versions

Early versions were numbered sequentially, with significant releases including Excel 5.0, which introduced Visual Basic for Applications. Since the late 1990s, releases have been tied to Microsoft Office suites, such as Microsoft Office 97, Microsoft Office XP, and Microsoft Office 2016. The current distribution model is primarily a subscription service as part of Microsoft 365, which provides continuous updates, as opposed to the traditional perpetual license of standalone suites like Microsoft Office 2019. Versions for other platforms include Microsoft Excel for Mac and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Use and applications

It is ubiquitously employed in the financial services sector for quantitative analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, and is a fundamental tool within corporate accounting departments. Scientists and engineers utilize it for statistical analysis and data visualization, while its PivotTable functionality is critical for business intelligence tasks across marketing and sales operations. The application serves as a common platform for simple database management, project planning Gantt charts, and automating repetitive tasks through recorded macros. Its integration with other Microsoft 365 applications like Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint further extends its utility in professional reporting.

Security and vulnerabilities

Workbooks containing embedded Visual Basic for Applications macros have historically been a significant attack vector for delivering malware, leading to default security settings that block macro execution. The software has been affected by various exploits over the years, some leveraging vulnerabilities in legacy file formats or formula parsing to execute arbitrary code. Microsoft addresses these threats through regular security updates distributed via the Microsoft Update service and enhanced protection features in Microsoft Defender. Best practices for security include disabling automatic formula calculation for untrusted files and utilizing the Trust Center settings to control add-ins and macro behavior.

Category:Microsoft software Category:Spreadsheet software Category:1985 software