How To Download Excel On Mac

If you want to download Microsoft Excel on your Mac, this step-by-step guide will help you get started quickly and easily. Whether you’re purchasing Excel, using Microsoft 365, or getting it for free as a student, these clear instructions will make the process simple and straightforward.

Step 1: Check Your Mac’s Compatibility

Before downloading, ensure your Mac meets Excel’s system requirements:

  • Operating System: macOS 10.13.6 or later (the three most recent macOS versions are typically supported)
  • Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon processor with at least a 1.6 GHz, 2-core CPU
  • Memory: Minimum 4 GB RAM
  • Disk Space: At least 10 GB available
  • Display Resolution: Minimum 1280 x 800 pixels

Checking compatibility will help you avoid installation issues later[2][4].

Step 2: Choose Your Microsoft Excel Version

Decide how you want to get Excel on your Mac:

  • Microsoft 365 subscription: Get Excel plus other Office apps like Word and PowerPoint with ongoing updates
  • One-time purchase: Buy Office 2021 suite outright, which includes Excel
  • Free for students: Eligible students can download Microsoft 365 Education for free using a valid school email

Each option has advantages—Microsoft 365 offers constant updates and cloud storage, while a one-time purchase is a longer-term investment without subscription fees[1][3][7].

Step 3: Download Microsoft Excel via Microsoft 365

  1. Go to the official Microsoft website focused on Microsoft 365.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create one if needed.
  3. If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Excel, go to your account, select “Install premium Microsoft 365 apps,” and click Install.
  4. If you don’t have a subscription, you can sign up or start a 1-month free trial from the site.
  5. After downloading the installer, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
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Once installed, you can open Excel from your Applications folder or Launchpad[1][7].

Step 4: Download Excel from the Mac App Store

  1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.
  2. Use the search bar to type “Microsoft Excel.”
  3. Click the Get button next to Microsoft Excel.
  4. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.
  5. After downloading, launch Excel from the Applications folder.
  6. To unlock full features, sign in with a Microsoft 365 account or subscribe directly through the app.

You can also choose to skip payment and use Excel in “read-only” mode if you only need to view files without editing[1][5][7].

Step 5: Install and Start Using Excel

  • Once downloaded and installed, open Microsoft Excel from your Applications.
  • Sign in using your Microsoft account to activate your license.
  • Start creating spreadsheets, analyzing data, and exploring Excel’s powerful tools!

If you are a student, make sure to use your school email to gain free access through Microsoft’s Education program for additional benefits[3].

This guide covers all essential ways to download and install Excel on a Mac, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish. With these easy steps, you’ll be ready to unlock the full potential of Excel on your macOS device.