Think Excel is the same old spreadsheet app you’ve been using for years?
You’ll be surprised by how many new Excel functions Microsoft has recently added.
Excel new version features are always rolling out, and you’ll find out more here.
What is the newest version of Excel, and what does it include? We’ll learn more about Excel updates in this article.
You’ll see new Excel functions that can help you transform how you work.
Excel Update: A Shifting Spreadsheet in 2024
One thing before we dive into three new Excel functions and features. There’s something you should know about how Microsoft updates the app in 2024.
You might remember buying “Office 2016” or “Office 2019.” Other than minor patches, the app was once released every few years.
Most users have moved to Microsoft 365. This is the subscription-based, continually updated version of the app.
What is the latest Excel version? It’s always changing! As part of 365, Microsoft now frequently launches Excel new versions. Each version can include new Excel functions and features.
Check out your Excel version on the Account menu.
Not all of the features you see might be available in your Excel app.
Microsoft introduces features to cohorts of users over time. You can join the Microsoft 365 Insider Program to add new features to your Excel.
Latest Excel Features for 2024
1. Excel Gets a Copilot
Artificial intelligence is finding its way into every corner of tech. ChatGPT and other tools kicked off an AI race to add intelligence in classic apps.
The latest version of Excel is no exception. Microsoft has recently launched Copilot to bring the power of AI to Excel.
Copilot is a conversational chatbot. It can work with your data inside spreadsheets.
Here are just a few of the tasks that you can use Copilot for in Excel:
- Data analysis – Looking for trends? Searching for insights? Ask Copilot to help you tease out those finer details in your data.
- Generate visuals – Data visualizations tell stories. You can use Copilot to translate your data into shareable data stories.
- Create Excel formulas and functions – Having a tricky time writing a formula? Copilot can be your best friend. It can generate formulas, or explain a formula you’ve inherited.
Copilot is a major Excel update to help you leverage AI.
Learn more about Microsoft’s Copilot new Excel functions in this video intro.
Microsoft Copilot appears across Microsoft 365 apps. That includes the latest version of Excel. Learn more about Microsoft Copilot in the article below:
2. Formulas and Functions Are Always Growing
Remember: Microsoft has shifted to a continuous release cycle on Microsoft 365.
That includes new Formulas and Functions.
Here are some of the new Excel functions Microsoft has recently added:
- GROUPBY – this gives you another tool to aggregate data from a table. It’s a dynamic formula that will help you perform calculations based on criteria.
- PIVOTBY – this expands on GROUPBY, but allows you to add columns as a way of grouping data. That could include calculating subtotals by year in our example below.
- LAMBDA – LAMBDA allows users to create custom, reusable functions. Think of it as a way of building complex formulas into a shorter format. Then, you can use them again without rewriting from scratch.
Always keep an eye on the Excel Blog for updates on Excel new version features. This is where Microsoft posts notes about the latest Excel version.
3. Python Comes to Excel
For power users, the addition of the Python programming language is a game changer.
Scientists, data analysts, statisticians and more have used this language for complex modeling.
On the Formulas dropdown, you’ll now find an Insert Python option. You can use Python in Excel to kick off writing Python formulas. If you want to learn more about it, try out the Try Python samples option.
One example of Python functionality is access to the Pandas library. Think of it as a toolset built with Python code. It’s often used for statistical analysis, like finding standard deviation and sample distribution.
Previously, you’d need a separate app to return calculations from Pandas. Now, it’s all built into Excel thanks to Python support!
Sure, some users may never venture into this new set of Excel functions. It’s an advanced feature for sophisticated users.
Do you use Python for analysis and had to leave Excel to complete work? Then this might be monumental.
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Now You Know The Latest Version of Excel Features
Before you ask “what is the newest version of Excel?” remember that it’s an ever-changing landscape in 2024. The latest version of Excel features new functions to make repetitive tasks easier.
Now, it’s your turn! Try out one of the latest Excel version features you saw in this post. Take an existing task, and try it with these Excel updates.
You might just find yourself doing your work faster and better than ever!