This article will take a look at how Microsoft Excel has evolved since the 1980s, as well as the new features that were included with the release of each version.
Pre-Excel Spreadsheet Programs
Microsoft Excel wasn’t the first application designed to help users manage data on spreadsheets.
In 1978, Dan Bricklin was asked to perform analysis for a case study at Harvard Business School, where he was a student. He was given two options: complete this assignment by hand or use a cumbersome mainframe program to do so. Bricklin believed there was a better way. He began to imagine a classroom with an electronic blackboard, as well as electronic chalk. By the fall of that year, he had succeeded in programming the initial working prototype of his vision, VisiCalc. This application was able to manipulate a matrix that consisted of 20 rows and five columns. VisiCalc was the premiere electronic spreadsheet program and was released for Apple II in 1978. It was considered to be an instant success.
In 1980, SuperCalc was launched by Sorcim. This was one of the first spreadsheet programs that could iteratively solve circular references. Then, in 1982, Multiplan was released by Microsoft. It was intended for computers that ran CP/M. A year later, Lotus 1-2-3 took the basics of SuperCalc and added to them, introducing features such as graphing, charting, and basic database operations.
The History of Excel
Microsoft Excel was initially introduced in 1985. Excel 1.0 was one of the first spreadsheet applications that used a graphical interface that had pull-down menus as well as the point-and-click technology of a mouse. This version was only available for Macintosh. 1987 then saw the release of Excel 2.0, the first Windows-friendly version. By the time Excel 3.0 was released in 1990, it was part of the Microsoft Office suite, which also came with PowerPoint 2.0 and Word 1.1. Together, these three apps offered support for Dynamic Data Exchange, which provided them with a way to utilize Windows services so that information between programs could be exchanged in real-time and interface with one another. Excel 3.0 included several new features, such as 3-D charts, outlining capabilities, and add-in support.
The first widely-popular version of Excel debuted in 1992. Excel 4 incorporated an array of new features like shortcuts and AutoFill. Then, just one year later, Excel 5 came out. This version of the spreadsheet app introduced VBA, the language with which Excel users can create macros. Excel 5 could also support multiple worksheets.
Excel 7 was the next version released. It became part of Microsoft Office for Windows 95. In order to provide users with improved stability and faster speed, it was rewritten to 32 bits. From then onward, Excel versions were each integrated into the Windows operating system. By this time, Excel had added enough new features that it finally succeeded in beating out its main competitor Lotus 1-2-3, which was struggling to adapt to the Windows environment.
1997 brought the release of Excel 8. New tools like the paperclip assistant were offered with this version, as well as a more effective VBA environment. The next two Excel versions, 2000 and 2003, only included minor improvements, like the ability to import data from other apps.
Excel 2007 provided a substantial increase in the application’s capacity, providing users with access to 1 million rows and 16,000 columns. In addition, this version moved the ribbon to make for a cleaner interface. The ribbon was again improved in Excel 2010. This version also included PivotTables, one of Excel’s core features to this day.
Those looking to create complex data models in Excel could do so using Excel 2013. Three years later, another Excel update incorporated features such as the capacity to use a 3D map to present data, as well as the Forecast Sheet function.
The last time Microsoft Excel was updated was in 2019. At this time, map charts, funnel charts, new keyboard shortcuts, and improved calculation functions were all added to this spreadsheet application.
Excel Today
Following the release of Excel 365 and Excel 2019, Microsoft has continued to provide the most popular, flexible business application across the globe. When used in concert with other Office apps, such as PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook, Excel can adapt to nearly any business process. In 2022, Excel continues to provide users with core features, such as the ability to efficiently analyze and model data, create charts, and quickly identify key data points. In addition, this application now offers cutting-edge customization options, as well as the capability to use VBA to automate various operations.
In the time since Excel 1.0 was released in 1985, this application has transformed from a basic spreadsheet tool into a complex business intelligence and data analytics tool with an impressive assortment of features, functions, and tools to help users better manage data.
The Future of Excel
Just as it has in the past, Microsoft 365 continues to evolve to better meet the needs of its users. As new technologies emerge, many businesses are moving toward cloud-based computing, which leads to greater data accessibility and collaboration among team members working throughout the world. It’s likely that Excel will continue to remain a popular spreadsheet application as it moves toward providing multi-user access to large datasets to help users more efficiently analyze and report on data.
Get Started Learning Excel with Hands-On Classes
If you’re interested in learning more about Microsoft Excel, a great learning opportunity is available from Noble Desktop. Noble offers Excel courses in NYC and live online. Courses are available for those who are new to Excel, as well as learners who regularly work with this spreadsheet application and wish to brush up on their skills. In addition, there are also in-person and live online Excel courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from three hours to two days and costing between $229 and $1,099.
Noble Desktop’s Excel Bootcamp provides a great option for those who want to master core Excel concepts, such as working with VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and What-If Analysis. Students who enroll in this rigorous, 21-hour course can elect to study in person in Manhattan or learn in the live online environment. This small class comes with the option of a free retake and covers a variety of Excel concepts applicable to the business world.
Those interested in studying Excel close to home can also browse over 280 in-person Microsoft Excel classes to find nearby study options. Courses are available that vary in duration from three hours to 24 weeks, and range in price from $110-$8,749.