How to Use Excel for Free: 6 Methods and Bonus Tips!
Excel is an essential tool for students and individual entrepreneurs, but purchasing Microsoft Office can be a financial burden. In this article, we will introduce 6 ways to use Excel for free and bonus tips.
1. Use the Microsoft 365 free trial
Microsoft 365 offers a free trial that allows you to try all features for one month. You can install all Office software, including the latest version of Excel, and use all features for 30 days.
Benefits:
- Experience the latest features
- Use it offline
Drawbacks:
- Switches to the paid version after 30 days
How to use:
- Go to the Microsoft 365 website and click “Try for free”.
- Create an account and set up a payment method.
- Download and install the installation file.
2. Use Office Online (Web version)
Microsoft offers “Office Online”, which allows you to use Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other Office software for free on a web browser.
Benefits:
- No installation required, can be used anywhere
- Multiple people can edit simultaneously
Drawbacks:
- Some features are limited
- Cannot be used offline
How to use:
- Create a Microsoft account. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/how-to-create-a-new-microsoft-account-a84675c3-3e9e-17cf-2911-3d56b15c0aaf
- Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-web.
- Sign in and select Excel.
3. Use the Excel mobile app
Free Excel apps are available for smartphones and tablets. Basic features can be used for free.
Benefits:
- Can be used anytime, anywhere
- Use mobile-specific features such as handwriting input and photo insertion
Drawbacks:
- Difficult to do complex tasks due to the small screen
- Some features are limited
How to use:
- Download and install the “Microsoft Excel” app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
4. Use an Excel-compatible spreadsheet software
Excel-compatible spreadsheet software such as LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice can be downloaded and used for free. They cover most of the main features of Excel and are highly compatible, so you can use them with confidence.
Benefits:
- Completely free to use
- Open source, so you can customize it freely
Representative software:
- LibreOffice: https://www.libreoffice.org/
- Apache OpenOffice: https://www.openoffice.org/download/
5. Use Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet software that anyone can use for free with a Google account.
Benefits:
- No installation required, can be used anywhere
- Multiple people can edit simultaneously
- Real-time communication is possible with the chat function
Drawbacks:
- Some features differ from Excel
- Cannot be used offline
How to use:
- Create a Google account. https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/27441?hl=en
- Go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/create.
- Create a new spreadsheet.
6. Use student discount programs
You can use Microsoft Office at a discounted price by using student discount programs.
Eligible students:
- Students attending colleges, universities, and graduate schools
- Students attending higher vocational schools and specialized schools
Bonus tips
1. Use an old version of Excel
Old versions of Excel may be available for free download and use.
2. Use shared files
If you only need to view Excel files, you can use them for free by sharing them
