Microsoft Excel is one of the best and most used spreadsheet tools and is loved globally by millions of users. In our day-to-day life we always need to organize data efficiently whether as a student, a business professional, or in any work that requires organizing data, Microsoft Excel is an essential tool. If you’re using a Mac or simple macOS designed for Apple’s Operating System you might be wondering how to download Excel on macOS and install it without any issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, discussing the system requirements, and advantages of using Excel on Mac and exploring the different versions of Excel that are available

How to Download Excel on Mac (Image Source: Freepik.com)

Why Use Microsoft Excel on Mac?

We have many options for spreadsheet management, but Microsoft Excel is a powerful application when compared with others that allow you to perform various tasks including: –

Creating & organizing data
Performing complex levels of calculations
Generating various types of charts and graphs
Analyzing data using pivot tables
Automating tasks with macOS
Collaborating with others through cloud-based sharing

I love the collaboration feature which helps me and my team to manage and make changes in the documents all at the same time.

System Requirements for Downloading Excel on Mac

Before you download the install the Excel on Mac, you must ensure that your Mac meets the minimum system requirements. If you have any of the M series of MacBook, then it won’t be an issue, but some older models would require checking for the minimum system requirements to make sure it runs smoothly without lagging.

Requirements	Minimum Specification	Recommended Specification
Operating System	macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later	macOS 12 (Ventura) or later
Processor	Intel Processor or Apple Silicon M series	Apple Silicon M1 or higher
RAM (Memory)	4GB	8GB
Storage	1 GB of available space	2-3 GB for better performance
Internet Connection	Required for installation and activation	Required for updates and cloud sync

I have also used Excel on a MacBook Pro 2017 with Intel i7 series chipset and it works fine.

Advantages of Using Excel on Mac

Microsoft Excel in macOS has many benefits but here are some that I loved the most in terms of compatibility and integration.

Seamless Integration with macOS: – Excel for Mac is designed to work smoothly with macOS features like Spotlight Search and even supports Dark Mode and various Apple trackpad gestures.
Cloud-Based Access with OneDrive: With the latest Microsoft 365 integrations, you can directly save your Excel Files on OneDrive and access them from any other device like a Tablet, Smartphone, or other laptop, your data is always synced and up to date with the most recent changes. We can also share the Excel file with other people and assign permission to view or edit the document.
Windows Laptop Compatibility: Excel For Mac is fully compatible with Windows OS too (.xlsx, .xls) which makes it easy to collaborate with Windows users.
Powerful Data Analysis Tools: Excel’s advanced data analysis features like adding PivotTables, Power Query, and Data Analysis are available for Mac as well.
Receive Regular Updates and Security Patched: As part of the Microsoft 356 subscription, you’ll receive regular updates whether it is adding a new feature or releasing security patches, to keep your Excel on Mac up to date.

Various versions of Microsoft Excel for Mac

There are several versions of Microsoft Excel for Mac, designed based on the user’s needs. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Microsoft 365 (Subscription-Based)

Monthly or annual subscription
Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Regular feature updates and cloud integration

2. Excel 2021 (One-Time Purchase)

One-time payment for a single license
Includes basic features but no regular feature updates
Suitable for users who prefer to avoid recurring fees

3. Excel Online (Free)

Browser-based version
Limited features compared to the desktop version
Requires an internet connection

Also Read: What Should I Look for in a Refurbished MacBook? A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

How to Download Excel on Mac

How to Download and Install Excel on Mac

Follow this step-by-step process to download and install Microsoft Excel on your Mac:

Step 1: Visit the Official Microsoft Website (Click Here to Directly visit the Microsoft 356 Page)
Step 2: Choose the Subscription Plan (For Home / Business). You can choose between two options i.e. for personal use and family use, based on your requirements.
Step 3: Purchase with the supported payment options. If you already have the Microsoft account sign it directly with it, or else create a new account. Make sure, to remember the credentials if creating a new account.
Step 4: After Completing the payment (or selecting the free trial), click on the download button or install now button. After this, the installer file for Mac .pkg or .dmg will be downloaded on your Mac.
Step 5: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Excel on Mac.
Step 6: Once done with the installation you will be prompted to sign in with the Microsoft Account which was used to make the purchase. Once sign-in is completed the software will be activated on your Mac and you can start using Microsoft Excel on your Mac.

Other Alternative Ways to Download Excel on Mac

App Store

You can directly download Microsoft Excel on Mac from the macOS App Store. However, you a need Microsoft 365 account to activate and use it fully in your system.

Office.com

You can use the online version of Microsoft Excel on your browser with your personal Microsoft Account without any subscription. It’s free to access but make sure to note that it comes with very limited features.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues that occur while installing Excel on Mac here are the solutions to the most common issues many users face.

Excel Won’t Open on the Mac

Ensure your macOS is up to date.
Restart your Mac and try opening Excel again.
If the issue persists, reinstall Excel.

Activation Issues

Double-check your Microsoft account credentials.
Ensure that your internet connection is stable.

Compatibility Issues

Make sure your Mac meets the system requirements.
Try updating to the latest version of macOS.

Also Read: What Should I Look for in a Refurbished MacBook? A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Conclusion

Downloading and installing Excel on Mac is a very straightforward process. By following this simple guide, you can install and use Microsoft Excel on Mac, Excel offers powerful data analysis, calculation, and charting features that make it a must-have tool for professionals and casual users alike.

About Author

Shubham

Hello, I’m Shubham Choudhary, a 26-year-old tech enthusiast from Delhi, passionate about exploring and reviewing the latest advancements in technology. With a deep love for gadgets, smartphones, and laptops, I created VyapariBlog.com to help fellow tech lovers stay informed with honest reviews, insightful comparisons, and up-to-date tech news. From testing the newest smartphones to breaking down complex innovations in simple terms, my goal is to make technology accessible and exciting for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the best gadget recommendations or staying ahead of the latest tech trends, I’m here to guide you on your journey. 📩 Connect with me: Follow VyapariBlog.com for the latest updates, and feel free to reach out to me for tech discussions, collaborations, or expert advice!

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