The Costs of Excel: An Overview of Options and Pricing

Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used programs in the world, applied in both personal and business settings. However, despite its popularity, the costs of Excel can vary depending on the chosen version and licensing option. In this blog, you’ll find information about the different Excel options and their respective licensing costs.

What versions and licenses of Excel are available?

Over the years, many versions of Excel have been released, but not every version is still relevant. Newer versions often bring improved features, better security, and more stability. It’s recommended to upgrade to more recent versions if you're still using an older one like Excel 2013, 2010, 2007, or 2003. Below is an overview of the more advanced versions of Excel.

Modern versions of Excel:

• Excel for Microsoft 365: This is the latest version of Excel, offering continuous updates, integration with OneDrive, and extensive collaboration tools. Excel for Microsoft 365 is available as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription (Personal, Family, or Business). This subscription also provides access to other Office apps like Word and PowerPoint, along with Cloud storage and shared workspaces.
• Excel 2021 Stand-alone version: This is the latest stand-alone version of Excel, available via a one-time purchase (without a subscription). Excel 2021 can also be provided as part of Microsoft Office 2021. While Excel 2021 has no ongoing costs, it lacks the regular updates and Cloud functionalities available with Microsoft 365.
• Excel 2019: Part of the Microsoft Office 2019 license, Excel 2019 features powerful tools but does not receive regular updates. It’s a one-time purchase without subscription fees.
• Excel 2016: This version is part of Microsoft Office 2016. Although Excel 2016 is still used in many organizations, it lacks the latest features and falls behind in security and collaboration compared to more recent versions.
• Excel Online: This is a free web version of Excel. While it offers fewer advanced features than the desktop versions, it utilizes Cloud storage via OneDrive and enables real-time collaboration.
• Excel for iOS and Android: This is a mobile version of Excel, available for tablets and smartphones. Basic functions are free, but for advanced features, a Microsoft 365 subscription may be required.
• Excel for Mac: Optimized for macOS, this version is available as part of Microsoft 365 or as a stand-alone purchase (e.g., Office for Mac). Excel for Mac offers many of the same features as the Windows version but is adapted to the Mac ecosystem.

Licensing options for Excel and Microsoft Office:

• Retail licenses: These are intended for one-time, personal purchases. These licenses are typically transferable between devices.
• Volume licenses: Companies can purchase multiple licenses in bulk at a reduced price, intended for organizations with multiple users.
• OEM licenses: Pre-installed on new devices, these licenses are tied to the hardware and are usually non-transferable to other devices.

Costs of Excel for Business Use (Microsoft Pricing)

The difference in costs can vary significantly between individuals, large enterprises, and small businesses. This is based on the size of the company and the chosen licensing options. The following prices in the table below are average prices provided by Microsoft at the time of writing. Prices may vary depending on the specific product and volume of the order, so the displayed amounts may differ from the actual price.

Softtrader specializes in the sale of second-hand Microsoft software licenses, allowing users to use the same software at a discount of up to 70% compared to the original new prices from Microsoft. We recommend reaching out to us for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information on second-hand software licenses.

For nearly the same price as a stand-alone Excel 2021 license, you can purchase a Microsoft Office 2021 license. This gives you access not only to Excel but also to other Office apps such as Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to buy a Microsoft Office license with all the apps rather than just a stand-alone version of Excel.

Costs for Small Businesses

For small businesses, the costs typically fall within the range of a subscription like Microsoft 365. This subscription provides access to Excel and other programs for a fixed monthly fee. Small businesses can benefit from a flexible month-to-month or annual subscription, allowing them not to be tied to long-term commitments.

Costs for Large Enterprises

For large enterprises, the costs are often associated with purchasing volume licenses. Large companies have many users, so it is advisable to look into volume licensing. This can result in discounts on orders due to the large quantity. These discounts are often negotiated individually with Microsoft or official resellers like Softtrader, where the price per license decreases as the volume of the order increases. Large companies can save significantly by purchasing a large number of licenses at once.

Effective Cost Management for Excel Users

One of the most effective ways to manage your costs is to choose the right version and license of Excel for your specific situation. For personal or small-scale use, a stand-alone version or Microsoft 365 Personal subscription may suffice. Businesses benefit more from business subscriptions and licenses. Carefully consider whether you need all the extra features before opting for a more expensive license.

Additionally, both businesses and individuals can easily save money by using second-hand software licenses for Excel. With second-hand licenses, you can save up to 70% on the new price of Microsoft software packages that include Excel. This can be especially attractive for small and medium-sized businesses looking for ways to optimize their IT budget without sacrificing the functionality of their software. Unsure if this is legal? Check out our transparent blog about the legality of second-hand software.

Interested in Cheap Microsoft Office Packages that Include Excel?

Are you looking for affordable Office packages that include Excel, such as Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021? Or are you still unsure whether Office licenses from Softtrader are reliable?

Contact us as soon as possible, and we will provide you with the licenses and information on why buying the cheapest licenses from us is reliable. Let us know your needs and requirements, and our specialists will send you a tailored, no-obligation quote.