Numbers is considered the Apple version of Microsoft Excel. It is a spreadsheet software developed by Apple and comes with very similar features to the MS Excel program. There is also an MS Excel version available for Mac.
MS Excel is like the industry standard when it comes to spreadsheet software. However, if you are using a Mac computer and looking for a spreadsheet program, Numbers is probably a better option. It has most of the features that you would expect from spreadsheet software, as well as an easy-to-use interface.
This blog post will help you learn more about Numbers and how it compares to Excel. Keep reading!
Contents
A Short Introduction to Numbers
Numbers is a spreadsheet software developed by Apple. It comes as a part of the iWork productivity suite, which also includes Pages and Keynote. Just like Excel, Numbers lets you create beautiful spreadsheets that can contain data, charts, and formulas.
The first version of Numbers was first released in 2007, and Apple has kept updating it ever since. The program is available free for compatible Macs. There are also iPhone and iPad versions of Numbers that can be downloaded from the App Store. Numbers for iCloud lets you access and edit your spreadsheets in a supported browser on a Mac or Windows computer with an Apple Account and internet connection.
When you first open Numbers, you’ll see a welcome screen with templates for different types of spreadsheets you can create. There are templates for budgets, invoices, health tracking, and more. You can also start with a blank canvas if you want to create your own spreadsheet from scratch.
The software interface of the program is clean and uncluttered, and it is easy to navigate. So even if you’ve never used spreadsheet software before, you should be able to figure out how to use Numbers without any trouble.
Apple Numbers Vs. MS Excel: Which is Better?
Now that you know a little bit about each program, let’s compare them side-by-side.
User Interface
The user interface is one area where Apple Numbers and MS Excel differ quite a bit. Like the other native Apple programs, the Numbers interface is clean and minimalistic. It is not cluttered with a lot of menus and options, which can be overwhelming for some users. The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use.
In contrast, the MS Excel interface is a bit more complex and might require some time to get used to. However, once you understand how the program works, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for pretty quickly.
Features
In terms of features, MS Excel and Numbers both offer formulas, charts, filters, and pivot tables. Numbers can handle everyday calculations and data summaries, while Excel is the better choice if your work depends on Excel-specific tools or VBA macros. Comparing a fixed number of built-in functions does not tell you whether a particular workbook will work in both apps.
However, it is essential to note that most users only use a small fraction of the features that are available in spreadsheet software. So, unless you are an advanced user who needs specific features, the extra options in Excel might not be necessary.
Themes and Templates
When it comes to themes and templates, both apps offer ready-made spreadsheets for common tasks. Numbers lets you arrange multiple tables, charts, and images on a sheet, which is useful for a visual budget or report. Excel also offers templates for budgets, invoices, and other tasks. Choose by the layout and calculations you need, rather than assuming Numbers has more templates or plugins.
Compatibility
Numbers has native apps for compatible Mac, iPhone, and iPad models. Windows users can use Numbers for iCloud in a supported browser, although there is no native Windows Numbers app. Excel has apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android, as well as a web version. Numbers can import Excel files and export to .xlsx, but some formulas, formatting, or other workbook features may change during conversion.
Cloud Support
Both Numbers and Excel have cloud support. However, the way that each program handles cloud sync is a bit different.
In Numbers, you can save your spreadsheet in iCloud and access it through compatible Apple apps or a supported browser by signing in to your Apple Account. You can also share your spreadsheet with other users and permit them to edit it in real time.
Excel lets you invite someone to work on a spreadsheet saved to OneDrive or SharePoint through a link or email. Depending on the sharing permissions, they can view or edit it in a supported browser.
The practical difference shows up when you collaborate across platforms. If your team uses Apple devices, saving a Numbers file in iCloud lets you continue editing it on another compatible device. Co-editors can work on the same shared spreadsheet, with access controlled by its sharing settings. A colleague on Windows uses Numbers for iCloud in a browser instead of a native app. The web version has some different controls and limitations, so check any feature your team needs before choosing it.
Excel’s cloud tools are useful for teams working across operating systems. Workbooks saved to OneDrive or SharePoint can open in Excel for the web on a supported browser, and eligible desktop versions can co-author them too. Browser editing does not include every desktop feature. In particular, Excel for the web cannot create, run, or edit VBA macros, so a workbook that relies on them still needs desktop Excel.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Numbers has free core spreadsheet tools on compatible Apple devices and through Numbers for iCloud. Apple Creator Studio adds optional premium content and features. Excel for the web is free with a Microsoft account; desktop Excel for Mac requires a suitable Microsoft 365 plan or a one-time Office purchase.
So, which one should you choose? As you see, each program has its own strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you use macOS and need a program for day-to-day tasks that is affordable and easier to use, Numbers would be a good choice.
However, if you are into professional data analysis or often need to use complex formulas, Excel would be a better option. Whichever program you choose, you can be sure that you will be able to get the job done.
Can I Use MS Office on the Apple Devices?
Yes, you can use MS Office on Apple devices. There is a version of Office Suite available for macOS. It includes MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. The interface of the Office Suite is a bit different from the Windows version, but it is still reasonably easy to use. The desktop Mac apps require a licence.
Excel is also available for iPhone and iPad. You can download the app from the App Store for free, but editing access and premium features depend on your account, subscription, and screen size. Larger iPads can require a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan for editing.
What are the Other Alternatives to MS Excel for PC?
There are many other alternatives to MS Excel, with most of them being free to use. Some of the most popular options include:
Google Sheets: Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet application that is part of the Google Workspace suite. It has many features similar to Excel and is free to use. Since it’s a web-based application, it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Apache OpenOffice Calc: A free and open-source spreadsheet application that is part of the Apache OpenOffice suite. Apart from macOS, you can also use it on Windows and Linux. AndrOpen Office is a separate third-party Android port, not an official Apache mobile app.
LibreOffice Calc: Another free and open-source spreadsheet application that comes with the LibreOffice suite. It has a wide range of features similar to MS Excel and is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Mobile options differ: LibreOffice Viewer for Android has experimental editing, while related apps such as Collabora Office are separate products.
Conclusion
MS Excel has been the go-to spreadsheet application for many years. However, it is not the only option available. If you are an Apple user, you can simply use Numbers which is a perfectly viable alternative. There are also some other great free options like Google Sheets and LibreOffice Calc. As always, the best tool will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user, but Apple aficionados will certainly appreciate the innovation behind Numbers.
Numbers Logo Featured Image by: icns file contained in iWork ’08, Link