While Microsoft Excel is typically a paid product, there are legal and safe ways to use it for free, depending on your device and needs. Here’s how to access Excel without spending money:
1. Use Excel for Free Online (Excel for Web)
Best for basic tasks like editing, viewing, and sharing spreadsheets.
Steps:
- Go to https://www.office.com
- Sign in with a free Microsoft account
- Click on Excel to launch the web version
You can create, edit, and share spreadsheets directly from your browser. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Chromebooks.
No installation required
Limited advanced features (e.g., macros, complex add-ins)
2. Use Excel Mobile App (Free on Smaller Devices)
Microsoft Excel is free on smartphones and small tablets.
- Download Microsoft Excel from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Sign in with a Microsoft account
Free if your screen is under 10.1 inches
On larger tablets, a Microsoft 365 subscription is required for editing
3. Try Microsoft 365 for Free (1-Month Trial)
Get the full desktop version of Excel temporarily.
- Go to https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/try
- Click Try 1 month free
- Sign in and download the Microsoft 365 apps
This gives you Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and 1 TB of OneDrive storage.
Ideal for short-term projects
Requires a credit card and cancels automatically if not renewed
4. Check If You’re Eligible for Microsoft 365 Education
Free for students and teachers.
- Go to https://www.microsoft.com/education
- Enter your school email address
- If eligible, you get Excel and the full Microsoft 365 suite for free
Great for students, educators, and school admins
5. Use an Excel Alternative (Free and Compatible)
If you need Excel-like functionality without Excel itself:
- Google Sheets – Free, web-based, and collaborative
- LibreOffice Calc – Free open-source spreadsheet software
- WPS Office Spreadsheets – Free and Excel-compatible
These tools are great for basic to intermediate spreadsheet work.
