Excel Assignments

You can use Excel 365, Excel 2019 for Windows or Mac, or Excel Online to complete the activities in this course. Please note that the cloud-based online version of Excel requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account to operate properly with the course materials; files downloaded and saved will be stored on OneDrive.

The version of Microsoft Excel you need for this course is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is often available at little or no cost to current students. Your instructor may have information on how to download a free or reduced-price option of Excel.

Check Your Version of Excel

If you plan to use a computer that already has Excel installed, you will need to check your version before starting.

Note that the version might be licensed for business, enterprise, apps for business, professional, or home and student. Any of these Microsoft license versions is acceptable.

To check your version:

  • Click on the File menu and choose Account.

  • If you have Excel 2019, the Account page will display 2019, as shown in Figure 0.1.

    Figure 0.1: Excel 2019.
  • Check the build number. If it is less than 11425.20204, click the Office Updates button.

    A build number greater than or equal to 11425.20204 is necessary for this course. If your updated build is lower, you may need to download and install Excel 365.

  • If you have Office 365, the Account page will display 365, as shown in Figure 0.2

    Figure 0.2: Excel 365.

Downloading Office 365

Many schools and universities make Office 365 available to students for free. Check with your course instructor for software that is available.

To purchase a subscription to Office 365, click this link: Microsoft Office 365

In most instances, the course images, videos, and information for Excel 2019 will match Excel 365. In instances when there are major differences between the two versions, resources are available to help you navigate the task within the Excel 365 format.