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Apple Numbers vs Microsoft Excel

Not sure which of these tools fits your work? Compare Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel to see what you can do with each, what you'll pay and what to check before you choose.

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Check if these tools match how you work. Confirm the plans, limits and renewal prices with each provider before you choose.

Compare features and pricing for Apple Numbers, Microsoft Excel
What matters to youApple NumbersMicrosoft Excel
Best suited to
  • Apple users
  • Financial analysts
  • Data analysts
  • Businesses managing large datasets
  • Students and professionals working with spreadsheets
Starting priceFreeFrom $6.99 / free plan available
CategoryOffice SoftwareOffice Software
Ratings shown4.7 / 5 (1 reviews shown)4.9 / 5 (1 reviews shown)
Features to compare
  • Templates and flexible table layouts
  • Built-in formulas and functions
  • Filters, categories, and pivot tables
  • Charts linked to table data
  • Excel, CSV, and PDF file exchange
  • Formulas and structured tables
  • PivotTables and chart-based analysis
  • Conditional formatting
  • Power Query data import and transformation
  • Shared workbook collaboration
Strengths
  • Combines data with presentation-friendly layouts
  • Native applications for Apple devices
  • Supported browser access through iCloud
  • Financial analysts
  • Data analysts
  • Businesses managing large datasets
  • Students and professionals working with spreadsheets
Considerations
  • Different table-based workflow takes adjustment
  • Complex Excel workbooks need conversion checks
  • Complex workbooks need careful maintenance and auditing
  • Advanced tools and connectors differ between versions

Before you decide

  1. Which tool fits the way you work?
  2. What will it cost you now and when you renew?
  3. Can you try it on a real task before you choose?

Questions you may have when comparing Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel

What's different about Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel?

Apple Numbers lists Templates and flexible table layouts, Built-in formulas and functions and Filters, categories, and pivot tables. Microsoft Excel lists Formulas and structured tables, PivotTables and chart-based analysis and Conditional formatting. Start with the features you would actually use, then check which plan includes them. A shorter feature list doesn't necessarily mean a tool can't do something you need.

Which one will cost me less?

Compare the total for your team, not just the starting price. Check the billing period, currency, number of users, usage limits and renewal rate, then add any extras you need. If you try a free plan or trial, check what happens when you reach its limits.

How do I choose between Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel?

Pick a task you do often and try it in both tools. If you need Spreadsheet Software, start there. See which feels easier to use and works with the tools you already rely on. Before you pay, check the plan limits and whether you can get the support you need.