Is excel still worth learning as a skill in 2026?
Our take
As we look ahead to 2026, the relevance of mastering Excel and other Microsoft software remains a pressing question for many upcoming IT students. The inquiry posed by a user reflects a broader concern: in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, should we still invest time in learning traditional tools like Excel? The answer is a resounding yes, particularly when considering the foundational skills Excel provides that can be applied across various professional domains. As you explore ways to enhance your Excel proficiency, resources like How to deal with a bulky spreadsheet that is starting to hit the limits of Excel? and Resources that help you get better at laying out Excel spreadsheets? can provide valuable insights.
While it's true that emerging spreadsheet technologies are reshaping the data management landscape, Excel's versatility and widespread use in industries cannot be understated. The platform is deeply embedded in the fabric of business operations, often serving as the go-to tool for data analysis, financial modeling, and project management. The question of whether Excel will ever be replaced is complex; while alternatives may offer novel features, they often do not have the same level of integration and familiarity that Excel provides. Thus, rather than viewing Excel as merely a legacy tool, it can be seen as a foundational skill that equips you with a strong understanding of data manipulation and analysis.
For those with only a basic knowledge of Excel, it's advisable to focus on learning advanced functions and formulas, such as VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and automated computing techniques. These skills not only enhance your ability to analyze data but also position you as a more competitive candidate in the job market. The time it takes to develop a solid foundation in Excel varies, but with dedicated practice, many can achieve proficiency in a matter of weeks. Becoming adept at using Excel professionally may take longer, as it involves mastering the nuances of the software and applying it in real-world scenarios.
Moreover, Excel's capabilities extend beyond traditional spreadsheets; creative applications, such as creating pixel art, demonstrate the platform's versatility and the fun you can have while learning. This human-centered approach to skill acquisition emphasizes that learning should not only be practical but also enjoyable. By infusing creativity into your learning process, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of Excel, making it easier to apply in professional contexts.
Looking ahead, the conversation around Excel and its relevance will continue to evolve. As AI and machine learning technologies become integrated into spreadsheet tools, we may anticipate a shift in how we interact with data. The integration of AI could enhance the analytical capabilities of spreadsheets, offering users powerful insights with less manual effort. The question then becomes: how will you adapt your learning to harness these innovations while maintaining a strong grasp of foundational skills? As you navigate your educational journey, consider how you can blend traditional tools like Excel with emerging technologies to future-proof your skill set.
So I'm an upcoming IT student and I've been wondering if it's still relevant to learn excel and other Microsoft software in 2026. Also I thought learning it will really help in the long run, like getting a job and other stuff.
My only problem is that:
- With only basic knowledge about excel, what stuff should I be learning that will benefit me in the long run? (I heard they were formulas like automated computing and other higher level stuff).
- Will excel EVER be replaced? (Like are there other spreadsheet software that can possibly outperform excel?)
- How long does it take to know the basic foundation of using excel, and how long does it take to fully able to utilize it professionally?
Some questions might be dumb but I really want to have some practical skills that can help me in the future, plus I also wanna try excel pixel art, they look so cool.
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- How to deal with a bulky spreadsheet that is starting to hit the limits of Excel?Hello all, I have been venturing on quite the Excel journey the past year or so. I made a corporate spreadsheet that is approaching 500k formulas and that is starting to get serious speed issues at this point. It is 2026, so I conversed with ChatGPT several times regarding the speed issue, but realized I am way better off asking the experts here anyways. What is the problem So, my spreadsheet imports flat databases with specific information regarding objects that need further analysing. The imported flat databases run from say A tot CC or something, from which I probably draw about 12-15 datafields that are used for further analysis. It 'may' be more in the future. Afterwards, said data gets 'enriched' (manually) by things that aren't in the database, also because said data needs a human eye that cannot be automated. So far, so good. Right now, each object gets analysed from several different angles. As it stands, my spreadsheet runs from A until NA or something on the Formula Page. Many columns receive data from preceding columns, that are in the turn the result of many (slightly complex) logical IF or IFS tests, many of which are nested 3 or 4 deep. Often, they work in conjunction with X.LOOKUP to retrieve values, as the columns on the formula page are not equal. For example: A until BC on the Formula Page may analyze 150 objects, BD until DD may analyse 100 objects (from the same dataset, so narrower), and so forths. Thus a lot of X.LOOKUP is required, also because the first 'block' comes up with values that need to be found with X.LOOKUP. Also, values need to be retrieved from the flat database 'import' page with X.LOOKUP. Finally, X.LOOKUP is an insurance compared to FILTER, as I am not fully convinced that empty values in the flat database always contain a space (" "). To get to the point I use many IF, IFS, AND, and if need be, OR, formulas. Thinks: tens of thousands, probably in excess of 100k. These are compounded with X.LOOKUP, or X.LOOKUP gets used copiously without those. Here too, think tens of thousands. These formulas are - as much as possible - in array format, even though I find it controversial to do that as I consider how it can create a chain of updates throughout the spreadsheet. 'Dependencies' is the name of the game, with one object receiving many possible alterations / adjustments due to manual input data, for which the spreadsheet needs to provide. Right now, when I update a value, it may take up to 4 seconds to update the spreadsheet, which is already beyond the annoyance point for me. This leads me to these (hopefully) simple questions: Is it smart to use array formulas, knowing that each thing I change should only impact that one object line (for example, row 488) and none other? It is important to mention that object 1 does not influence object 488, or any other. Any manual data field only effects the object in the row it is in. In my mind, array formulas do not make sense in that regard, as it can result in a cascade of updates, but apparantly array formulas are 'way more efficient'. Is use of a VBA library the way to go to reduce lag and create more of an instant spreadsheet again? I am not able to code in VBA yet, but I am in the slow process of learning it regardless. Alternatively: should I use LET whenever a repeated lookup is needed in the same formula? Really looking for to your answers! submitted by /u/EvolvedRevolution [link] [comments]
- Resources that help you get better at laying out Excel spreadsheets?When I have the opportunity to see someone else's sheets, sometimes I feel like "oh that's a better way to lay out the inputs v data/calcs. I'm comfortable with the data and formulas used, but I always feel like I could use improvement in laying out my information for others to understand. My brain thinks about in one sequence but that may not be the same for others. Are there any resources you've used that helped you get better at synthesizing the building of your workbooks? submitted by /u/brooklyn735 [link] [comments]