How to Check Excel Version

Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet applications in the world, supporting everything from simple data entry to advanced financial modeling and data analysis. Over the years, Excel has evolved significantly, with each version introducing new features, interface changes, and performance improvements. Because of this, knowing which version of Excel you are using is essential for troubleshooting, compatibility, collaboration, and learning purposes.

Whether you are following a tutorial, sharing files with colleagues, installing add-ins, or checking if a specific feature is available, the first step is often the same: check your Excel version. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check your Excel version across different platforms, including Windows, macOS, Excel Online, and mobile devices. It also explains how to interpret version numbers and why this information matters.

Why Knowing Your Excel Version Is Important

Before diving into the steps, it is helpful to understand why checking your Excel version is so important.

1. Feature Availability

Not all Excel features are available in every version. Tools such as XLOOKUP, Power Query, Dynamic Arrays, and Office Scripts are only supported in certain versions. If a formula or feature does not work, your Excel version may be the reason.

2. File Compatibility

While Excel maintains strong backward compatibility, newer file features may not behave correctly in older versions. Knowing your version helps you decide whether to save files in compatibility mode or upgrade.

3. Troubleshooting and Support

When seeking help from Microsoft support, forums, or IT teams, you will almost always be asked for your Excel version. Accurate version details speed up problem resolution.

4. Add-ins and Macros

Some Excel add-ins and VBA macros are version-dependent. Verifying your version ensures compatibility before installation or development.

5. Security and Updates

Older Excel versions may no longer receive security updates. Knowing your version helps you determine whether your software is still supported by Microsoft.

Understanding Excel Versions and Naming Conventions

Before checking your version, it is useful to understand how Excel versions are named.

Perpetual Versions

These are one-time purchase versions:

• Excel 2016
• Excel 2019
• Excel 2021

They receive security updates but do not get new features.

Microsoft 365 (Subscription-Based)

• Excel for Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)

This version is continuously updated with new features and improvements. The version number changes frequently.

Platform-Specific Versions

• Excel for Windows
• Excel for macOS
• Excel Online (Web version)
• Excel Mobile (Android and iOS)

Each platform may differ slightly in features and interface.

How to Check Excel Version on Windows

The process for checking your Excel version on Windows is straightforward and consistent across most modern releases.

Method 1: Using the Account Menu

1. Open Microsoft Excel.
2. Click on File in the top-left corner.
3. Select Account from the left-hand menu.
4. Look for the Product Information section.

Here, you will see:

• The product name (for example, Excel for Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021)
• The version number
• The build number

Click About Excel for more detailed technical information.

Method 2: Using the About Excel Window

1. Open Excel.
2. Click File → Account.
3. Select About Excel.

A pop-up window will display:

• Exact version number
• Build number
• 32-bit or 64-bit installation type
• Copyright information

This method is especially useful when troubleshooting compatibility or performance issues.

How to Check Excel Version on macOS

Excel on macOS has a slightly different interface, but the steps are equally simple.

Method: Using the Excel Menu

1. Open Excel on your Mac.
2. In the top menu bar, click Excel (next to the Apple logo).
3. Select About Excel.

A window will appear showing:

• Excel version name
• Version number
• License type
• Update channel information (for Microsoft 365 users)

This is the most reliable method for Mac users and works across recent macOS releases.

How to Check Excel Version in Microsoft 365

If you are using Excel as part of Microsoft 365, your version updates regularly. However, you can still check the current installed version.

Steps for Windows (Microsoft 365)

1. Open Excel.

2. Click File → Account.

3. Under Product Information, note:

   • Excel for Microsoft 365
   • Version number (for example, Version 2402)
   • Update channel (Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel, etc.)

Why Update Channels Matter

Update channels determine how often you receive new features:

• Current Channel: Frequent feature updates
• Monthly Enterprise Channel: Stable, less frequent updates
• Semi-Annual Channel: Feature updates twice a year

Knowing your update channel helps explain why some features may not appear yet.

How to Check Excel Version in Excel Online

Excel Online is the browser-based version of Excel and does not have traditional version numbers like desktop applications.

Steps to Identify Excel Online

1. Go to office.com and sign in.
2. Open Excel in your web browser.
3. Look at the interface and URL.

Key indicators:

• Runs entirely in a web browser
• No local installation
• Limited advanced features compared to desktop Excel

While Excel Online does not display a specific version number, it is always kept up to date automatically by Microsoft.

How to Check Excel Version on Mobile Devices

Excel mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS devices. The steps differ slightly depending on the platform.

On Android

1. Open the Excel app.
2. Tap your profile icon or menu.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Scroll to find About or App Info.

You will see:

• App version number
• Update information

On iPhone or iPad (iOS)

1. Open the Excel app.
2. Tap your profile icon.
3. Select Settings.
4. Tap About.

This displays the current Excel mobile version and licensing details.

How to Check Excel Version Using File Properties

In some situations, Excel may not open properly. You can still check the version indirectly.

On Windows

1. Locate the Excel executable file:

   • Typically found in the Microsoft Office installation folder.

2. Right-click the file.

3. Select Properties.

4. Open the Details tab.

Here, you can see:

• Product version
• File version

This method is useful for IT administrators and troubleshooting startup issues.

How to Identify 32-bit or 64-bit Excel

Knowing whether your Excel installation is 32-bit or 64-bit is important for add-ins, large datasets, and VBA compatibility.

Steps (Windows)

1. Open Excel.
2. Click File → Account.
3. Select About Excel.

The window will clearly state 32-bit or 64-bit.

Most modern systems use 64-bit Excel, but older installations may still use 32-bit.

Common Excel Version Examples Explained

Here are some typical version identifiers and what they mean:

• Excel 2016: Perpetual license, limited new features
• Excel 2019: Improved charts and formulas, no feature updates
• Excel 2021: Latest perpetual version
• Excel for Microsoft 365: Continuously updated, most features available
• Excel Online: Browser-based, automatic updates
• Excel Mobile: Optimized for touch and small screens

Understanding these distinctions helps you follow tutorials and documentation accurately.

Troubleshooting: When You Cannot Find Version Information

If you are unable to locate your Excel version:

• Make sure Excel is fully opened, not just viewing a file
• Check whether you are using Excel Online instead of desktop Excel
• Ensure your Microsoft Office installation is activated
• Ask your IT administrator if you are on a managed device

In enterprise environments, version details may be restricted but can usually be accessed through the Account or About sections.

Best Practices After Checking Your Excel Version

Once you know your Excel version, consider these next steps:

• Update Excel if you are on an outdated release
• Match tutorials to your specific version
• Enable compatibility mode when sharing files with older users
• Verify add-in compatibility before installation
• Document your version for future troubleshooting

These practices help maintain productivity and reduce errors.

Conclusion

Checking your Excel version is a simple but essential task that can save time, prevent compatibility issues, and ensure you are using the right tools for your work. Whether you are using Excel on Windows, macOS, the web, or a mobile device, Microsoft provides clear ways to identify your version and build information.

By understanding not only how to check your Excel version, but also what that version means, you can make better decisions about updates, features, and file sharing. As Excel continues to evolve, staying informed about your version ensures that you can take full advantage of its powerful capabilities.

If you regularly work with Excel tutorials, advanced formulas, or collaborative spreadsheets, checking your version should become a routine part of your workflow.