Python stands as one of the most widely used programming languages today, embraced by both businesses and students. Meanwhile, Excel remains a crucial tool for organizing, manipulating, and analyzing various data forms. However, up until this point, finding a simple way to seamlessly integrate these two worlds has proved challenging.
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce the Public Preview of Python in Excel, a breakthrough that enables the harmonious blending of Python and Excel analytics within the confines of the same Excel grid, facilitating an uninterrupted workflow.
Python in Excel amalgamates the robust data analysis and visualization capabilities of Python with the familiar features of Excel that you’ve come to appreciate. This amalgamation empowers you to manipulate and delve into data within Excel using Python plots and libraries. Subsequently, you can harness the might of Excel’s formulas, charts, and PivotTables to further refine your analytical insights.
A Seamless Experience
Now, intricate data analysis becomes attainable within the familiar Excel environment by directly accessing Python through the Excel ribbon. No intricate setup or installation procedures are necessary. With the assistance of Excel’s built-in connectors and Power Query, you can effortlessly import external data into Python in Excel workflows.
To make this initiative possible, we have joined forces with Anaconda, a premier enterprise-grade Python repository esteemed by millions of data practitioners globally. Python in Excel leverages Anaconda Distribution for Python operations on Azure, featuring renowned Python libraries such as pandas for data manipulation, statsmodels for advanced statistical modeling, and Matplotlib and seaborn for data visualization.
Effortless Collaboration
Share workbooks and Python analytics effortlessly through your preferred tools such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook. Collaborate with ease using comments and @ mentions, co-authoring with colleagues just as you typically would within Excel. Team members can refresh Python in Excel analytics to access the latest information, even if they don’t have Python in Excel activated.
Automatic Enterprise-Level Security
Safeguarding your data remains our paramount concern. Hence, we have woven security and privacy into the core design of Python in Excel. This feature operates on the Microsoft Cloud, offering enterprise-level security as part of an M365 integrated experience.
Discover more about our Data Security here
Insights from Customers and Partners
McKinney – “The capability to run Python in Excel streamlines McKinney’s reporting workflows. Previously, we performed data manipulation, filtering, and aggregation in a Jupyter Notebook, then created visuals in Excel. Now, we can oversee the entire workflow within Excel. This enhancement renders Excel even more potent and democratizes Python usage across the organization. Python support stands as the most thrilling update for Excel in my career!” – Greg Barnes, Executive Director of Data and Analytics
McGraw Hill – “McGraw Hill is dedicated to universal education, and our partnership with Microsoft has enhanced student access to Excel tools, fostering career readiness. Python ranks among the most sought-after skills highlighted by colleges and universities. We’re excited that the Excel + Python combination will furnish educators and students with a potent gateway to expedite analytics, intensify collaboration and learning, and ultimately pave the way for brighter futures.” – Rebecca Olson, Sr. Portfolio Director
KPMG – “KPMG and Microsoft are jointly investing in advanced cloud-based tax technologies. At KPMG, we’re enthusiastic about the potential impact of Python in Excel for our Tax clients. Supported by the data and security assurances delivered by the Microsoft cloud, Python has the capacity to elevate the Excel experience for advanced analytics, furnishing companies with transparency, simplicity, and deeper insights into their financials.” – Tejas Varia, Principal, Tax Data & Analytics
And this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more exciting news!
Elevate your data analysis and narrative prowess with Python in Excel.
Getting Started with Python in Excel
Python in Excel is gradually rolling out to the Public Preview for participants in the Microsoft 365 Insiders program’s Beta Channel. The initial launch will occur on Excel for Windows, commencing with build 16818, followed by other platforms at a later date.
To embark on your journey with Python in Excel, join the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Opt for the Beta Channel Insider level to access the latest Excel application builds.
Once you’ve installed the most recent Insider build of Excel, open a blank workbook, and follow these steps.
- Click on Formulas in the ribbon.
- Choose Insert Python.
- Click the Try preview button in the ensuing dialog.
Not seeing it yet? It’s likely on our end, not yours. Features are gradually released to ensure a smooth experience. We highlight features you might not have access to due to their gradual rollout to more Insiders. Although rare, we reserve the option to remove a feature entirely based on your feedback, even if you, as an Insider, have already had the opportunity to test it.
During the Preview phase, Python in Excel is included in your Microsoft 365 subscription. After the Preview, certain features will be limited without a paid license. Further details will be provided before General Availability.
Enlist in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Be the first to witness the upcoming in Microsoft 365 apps and services, voice your opinions, and become part of our Insider community!
Register for notifications about Python in Excel’s future availability.
What’s on the Horizon
As mentioned earlier, we’re unveiling Python in Excel as a Public Preview for the Insiders Beta Channel, so expect new capabilities to emerge shortly. Stay tuned for updates in various aspects: enhanced editing experiences (like autocomplete and syntax highlighting), default repairs, improved error handling, comprehensive help and documentation, and much more. Additionally, to prevent misuse, the system presently enforces certain data size and computational limitations, which will be closely monitored and adjusted.
We’re eagerly anticipating your feedback! Both Excel and Python users can provide feedback directly within the application (navigate to Help > Feedback), suggest enhancements on our Feedback portal, or engage with our team on GitHub.
Further Resources
Introduction to Python in Excel