Is There a Free Excel for Mac?

Robert Jul 11, 2026

Are you a Mac user in need of spreadsheet software, but hesitant due to the cost of Microsoft Excel? You're not alone. Many Mac users wonder, "Is there a free version of Excel for Mac?" The answer is yes, and no. Let's dive into the options available.

10 Best Microsoft Excel Alternatives for Mac (Free & Paid)
10 Best Microsoft Excel Alternatives for Mac (Free & Paid)

Microsoft Excel is indeed available for Mac, but it comes at a cost. It's part of the Microsoft 365 suite, which offers a subscription-based model. However, there are free alternatives that can handle most of your spreadsheet needs.

[FREE] 141 Free Excel Templates and Spreadsheets
[FREE] 141 Free Excel Templates and Spreadsheets

Free Alternatives to Excel for Mac

If you're looking for a free version of Excel for Mac, consider these alternatives:

Excel shortcut keys
Excel shortcut keys

1. Numbers: Apple's own spreadsheet app, Numbers, is free and comes pre-installed on new Macs. It's user-friendly and integrates well with other Apple apps.

Numbers: Pros and Cons

Mac Excel Shortcuts Cheat Sheet | Excel Tips, Dashboard Templates & Formulas for Beginners
Mac Excel Shortcuts Cheat Sheet | Excel Tips, Dashboard Templates & Formulas for Beginners

Numbers offers a clean, intuitive interface and easy sharing features. However, it lacks some advanced features found in Excel.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Seamless integration with other Apple apps
  • Free and pre-installed on new Macs

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features
  • Less suitable for complex, data-heavy tasks

the excel basics for beginners poster is shown in green and white, with instructions on how
the excel basics for beginners poster is shown in green and white, with instructions on how

LibreOffice Calc

LibreOffice Calc is a free, open-source alternative that's highly compatible with Excel. It offers a wide range of features and is a great choice for those needing more advanced functionality.

Pros:

  • High compatibility with Excel files
  • Wide range of features
  • Free and open-source
the excel win and mac shortcut keys are shown in blue, green, and white
the excel win and mac shortcut keys are shown in blue, green, and white

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Less intuitive interface compared to Numbers

Other Free Options

The 5 Best Websites to Download Free Excel Templates
The 5 Best Websites to Download Free Excel Templates
the microsoft excel spreadsheet sheet is shown in green and orange colors, with an additional
the microsoft excel spreadsheet sheet is shown in green and orange colors, with an additional
the free excel beginner's guide is shown in front of a computer screen
the free excel beginner's guide is shown in front of a computer screen
Experience the newest set of features and fast performance in Excel for Mac Version 16 | Microsoft Community Hub
Experience the newest set of features and fast performance in Excel for Mac Version 16 | Microsoft Community Hub
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101 best excel macros examples
100+ Ready Made Excel Templates
100+ Ready Made Excel Templates
the advanced excel method is shown in green and white, with instructions on how to use it
the advanced excel method is shown in green and white, with instructions on how to use it
[FREE PDF DOWNLOAD] 333 Excel Keyboard Shortcuts!
[FREE PDF DOWNLOAD] 333 Excel Keyboard Shortcuts!
Your Free Excel Template Guide - 141 Must-haves
Your Free Excel Template Guide - 141 Must-haves
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Everything You Can Do In Excel (with AI)
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101 Best Excel Tips & Tricks | MyExcelOnline
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5 Free Excel Training Sites
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Top 101 Excel Templates for Productivity
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333 Excel Shortcuts for Windows and Mac | MyExcelOnline
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🧮 Quick Excel Wizardry
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Automating Excel Reports In 2023
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Excel Formula Cheat Sheet Printable - Excel Functions Guide PDF - Excel Reference Sheet Digital Download
List on Mac
List on Mac
The 10 best free templates you should get for Excel
The 10 best free templates you should get for Excel
a man wearing headphones is pointing at a computer screen with the words don't buy that use this instead
a man wearing headphones is pointing at a computer screen with the words don't buy that use this instead

Besides Numbers and LibreOffice Calc, there are other free spreadsheet apps for Mac worth considering:

1. Google Sheets: A web-based app that's free to use and offers real-time collaboration. It's compatible with Excel and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

2. WPS Office Spreadsheet: A free, feature-rich alternative that's highly compatible with Excel. It offers a clean interface and supports real-time collaboration.

In the end, the best free version of Excel for Mac depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a user-friendly app with basic features, Numbers might be your best bet. If you need more advanced functionality, consider LibreOffice Calc or WPS Office Spreadsheet. And if you prefer a web-based app, Google Sheets is an excellent choice. Happy spreadsheeting!