Microsoft Excel is the industry standard for spreadsheets, but it is not a free, standalone download. This guide explains your legitimate options for obtaining Excel, whether through a one-time purchase, a subscription, or a free web-based version. Option 1: Microsoft 365 Subscription (Recommended for Most Users) Microsoft no longer sells a permanent version of just "Excel." The modern way to get Excel is through a Microsoft 365 subscription , which includes Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and more.