Python in Excel: Does It Require Microsoft 365, or Can You Use Office 2024?
Updated: October 2026 | Reading time: 8–10 minutes
Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet applications for business, finance, education, and personal productivity. From creating budgets and financial forecasts to analyzing business data, Excel helps users organize information and make informed decisions.
Microsoft has expanded Excel's capabilities with Python in Excel, a feature that allows eligible users to write Python code directly in spreadsheet cells. This makes it possible to perform advanced data analysis, statistical calculations, and data visualization within the familiar Excel environment.
But there is an important licensing question: Does Python in Excel require Microsoft 365, or can you use it with Office 2024?
Quick answer: The built-in Python in Excel feature requires an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription. A standalone Office 2024 perpetual license does not include this integrated Python feature. However, Office 2024 can still be used for traditional Excel formulas, charts, PivotTables, and other supported spreadsheet functions.
In this guide, we explain Python in Excel requirements, compare Microsoft 365 with Office 2024, discuss alternative workflows, and help you choose the right Microsoft Office license for your needs.
What Is Python in Excel?
Python in Excel combines the spreadsheet features of Microsoft Excel with the programming capabilities of Python. Instead of moving your data into a separate programming application, you can write supported Python code directly inside Excel cells.
Python calculations run in the Microsoft Cloud, and the results can be returned to your workbook. This feature makes advanced analysis more accessible to people who already use Excel for their daily work.
What Can You Do with Python in Excel?
- Advanced data analysis: Clean, organize, summarize, and investigate structured datasets.
- Statistical calculations: Explore distributions, relationships, and trends in your data.
- Data visualization: Create supported charts and plots using Python libraries.
- Business forecasting: Apply suitable analytical techniques to historical business data.
- Data processing: Perform supported transformations and calculations on spreadsheet information.
- Analytical workflows: Combine Excel's spreadsheet interface with Python's data-analysis capabilities.
Microsoft provides supported Python libraries, including pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib, within its managed environment. This environment is different from installing Python locally on your computer.
For more information, visit Microsoft's official Introduction to Python in Excel guide.
Does Python in Excel Require Microsoft 365?
Yes, the built-in Python in Excel feature requires an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription. Installing Excel alone does not guarantee access. Your subscription, application version, platform, update channel, and account configuration must meet Microsoft's requirements.
Python in Excel is available on supported versions of Excel for Windows, Mac, and the web, subject to Microsoft's current availability rules and the requirements of your particular subscription.
An internet connection is also required because Python calculations run in the Microsoft Cloud rather than entirely on your local computer.
Which Microsoft 365 License Do You Need?
Microsoft documents Python in Excel availability for eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The precise eligibility conditions and available capabilities depend on the plan and platform.
Some qualifying subscriptions include standard Python compute, while premium compute and certain additional calculation modes may require a separate add-on license.
Before purchasing or upgrading, check Microsoft's current Python in Excel availability and licensing requirements.
Can You Use Python in Excel with Office 2024?
No, Office 2024 does not include the built-in Python in Excel service. Office 2024 is a perpetual-license product containing the Office applications and features included in the particular edition. It does not automatically provide subscription-based Microsoft 365 services.
This does not mean Excel in Office 2024 is unsuitable for professional work. It can still support many everyday and business spreadsheet tasks, depending on the edition and supported features.
Office 2024 can be used for:
- Standard Excel formulas and calculations.
- Charts, tables, and PivotTables.
- Budgeting and financial spreadsheets.
- Business reports and inventory management.
- Organizing and analyzing data using included Excel features.
- Creating and editing supported Excel workbooks.
If you specifically want to enter Python code directly into Excel cells and calculate Python formulas through Microsoft's integrated service, an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription is the appropriate choice.
Microsoft 365 vs Office 2024: Key Differences
Microsoft 365 and Office 2024 serve different needs. The best choice depends on the features you require and whether you prefer a subscription or a one-time purchase.
| Feature | Microsoft 365 | Office 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing model | Subscription | Perpetual license for included applications |
| Traditional Excel functions | Yes | Yes, according to edition |
| Built-in Python in Excel | Available with eligible subscriptions and supported configurations | Not included |
| Ongoing new feature updates | Provided according to the subscription and service | Generally does not receive new major features after release |
| Cloud-connected benefits | Depend on the subscription plan | Subscription benefits are not automatically included |
| Best suited for | Users who need eligible subscription features and ongoing updates | Users who prefer a one-time purchase and included Office features |
Note: Exact features and licensing conditions vary by edition, platform, and subscription. Confirm the current requirements before purchasing.
Who Should Choose Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 may be the better choice if you need Python in Excel, eligible subscription features, or ongoing feature updates.
1. Data Analysts and Researchers
Data analysts can use Python for supported statistical calculations, data transformations, and visualizations. Combining Python and Excel can make analytical work more convenient when your subscription supports the feature.
2. Business Owners and Finance Teams
Businesses that regularly prepare forecasts, reports, and detailed data analyses may benefit from eligible Microsoft 365 features and connected services.
3. Advanced Excel Users
If your workflow depends on writing Python code directly within a spreadsheet, Microsoft 365 is the option to investigate first.
4. Users Who Want Ongoing Feature Updates
Microsoft 365 receives ongoing feature updates according to the subscription and service. This can be useful if you want access to newer Excel capabilities as they become available to your plan.
Who Should Choose Office 2024?
Office 2024 can be a suitable option if you want the included Office applications without a recurring subscription for those applications.
1. Home and Personal Users
For household budgets, personal projects, spreadsheets, and everyday calculations, the included Excel features in a suitable Office 2024 edition may be sufficient.
2. Students and Occasional Excel Users
If you mainly use Excel for assignments, tables, charts, and conventional formulas, you may not need the built-in Python in Excel service.
3. Small Businesses
Organizations with established spreadsheet workflows may prefer a perpetual Office license if the included features meet their business requirements.
4. Customers Who Prefer a One-Time Purchase
Office 2024 can appeal to customers who prefer purchasing a qualifying Office edition once instead of paying a recurring subscription for the included desktop applications.
A perpetual license does not automatically include future major Office versions or Microsoft 365 subscription benefits. Always review the applicable license terms.
Explore Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024
If you want a one-time Office purchase for everyday productivity, spreadsheets, documents, and business work, consider comparing the available Microsoft Office editions at ustrustedtech.com.
One option is Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 – 1 PC Perpetual License. This edition is intended for one compatible PC and includes the applications specified in its product listing.
It may suit customers who prefer a perpetual Office license for traditional Excel workflows. However, it does not include the built-in Python in Excel service.
Before purchasing, review the exact product description, included applications, operating-system compatibility, activation conditions, and license terms.
View Office Home & Business 2024 – 1 PC Perpetual License
You can also compare other editions in our Microsoft Office collection to find an option that better fits your personal or business requirements.
Explore All Microsoft Office Licenses
Can You Use Python with Office 2024 Without Microsoft 365?
There is a difference between using Python alongside Excel and using Microsoft's integrated Python in Excel feature.
Although Office 2024 does not include the built-in Python in Excel service, you can use standalone Python tools to work with Excel-compatible files separately. The best approach depends on your technical skills and workflow.
Option 1: Run Python Separately
You can install Python on a compatible computer and use suitable libraries to analyze CSV files or Excel workbooks outside Excel. You can then export your results to a supported file format.
This approach requires separate software setup and some familiarity with Python. It does not enable Python formulas directly within Office 2024.
Option 2: Use External Automation
Depending on your needs, external scripts and automation tools can help transfer data between Excel files and other applications. Compatibility depends on the tools and Office edition.
Option 3: Choose Microsoft 365 for Integrated Python
If your goal is to write Python code in spreadsheet cells and receive results through Microsoft's built-in service, an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription is the straightforward choice.
How to Get Started with Python in Excel
If you have an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription, follow these steps to check whether Python in Excel is available.
- Confirm your subscription: Verify that your Microsoft 365 plan qualifies.
- Update Excel: Install a supported application version and check the required update channel.
- Open a workbook: Create a new workbook or open an existing Excel file.
- Check the Formulas tab: Look for the Insert Python option.
- Enter Python code: Follow the supported Python formula workflow.
- Check connectivity: Ensure you have an internet connection and the required connected experiences are enabled.
Microsoft also documents starting Python formulas by entering =PY in a cell and selecting the available Python function suggestion when supported.
If the option is missing, check your subscription, application version, platform, update channel, and account configuration.
For instructions and current availability, visit Microsoft's official Python in Excel documentation.
Does Python in Excel Cost Extra?
Not necessarily. Eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions include standard Python compute, subject to Microsoft's licensing rules and the availability of the feature on your platform.
Premium compute and certain additional calculation modes may require a separate Python in Excel add-on license.
It is important to distinguish between:
- The Excel application: The software and license you use.
- Python in Excel: The integrated feature available with eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
- Premium Python compute: Additional capabilities that may require an add-on.
Review Microsoft's Python in Excel add-on licensing FAQ for the latest details.
How to Choose the Right Microsoft Office License
Before buying Microsoft software, consider your actual workflow and the features you need.
- Need Python directly inside Excel? Investigate eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
- Need conventional spreadsheet functions? A suitable Office 2024 edition may be enough.
- Prefer a one-time purchase? Compare the applications and license terms included with Office 2024.
- Need ongoing feature updates? Consider the benefits of an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Buying for a business? Check user licensing, deployment needs, compatibility, and applicable terms.
The lowest-priced option is not necessarily the best value if it lacks a feature you need. Compare functionality, compatibility, and licensing conditions before making your decision.
Shop Microsoft Software at ustrustedtech
At ustrustedtech.com, you can explore Microsoft software options for personal productivity and business use.
If you are comparing Office editions, start with our Microsoft Office collection. If you prefer a perpetual Office purchase for one compatible PC, review Office Home & Business 2024 – 1 PC Perpetual License.
Check each listing for the exact applications included, device compatibility, activation requirements, and license conditions. If Python in Excel is essential, confirm that your chosen Microsoft 365 subscription meets Microsoft's requirements before buying.
Compare Microsoft Office Options
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Python in Excel work with Office 2024?
No. The built-in Python in Excel feature requires an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription. Office 2024 supports traditional Excel features included in the relevant edition, but not Microsoft's integrated Python in Excel service.
2. Do I need Microsoft 365 to use Python in Excel?
Yes. Microsoft requires an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription, along with a supported application version, platform, and configuration.
3. Can I use Python with Excel without a Microsoft 365 subscription?
Yes, you can use standalone Python tools to analyze Excel-compatible files separately. However, that is different from using Python formulas through the built-in Python in Excel feature.
4. Is Python in Excel included with Microsoft 365 Personal?
Microsoft documents availability for eligible Personal and Family subscribers, subject to supported platforms and current availability conditions. Check Microsoft's official documentation for your particular setup.
5. Does Python in Excel require an internet connection?
Yes. Python in Excel calculations run in the Microsoft Cloud, so an internet connection is required.
6. Is Python in Excel free with Microsoft 365?
Eligible subscriptions include standard Python compute. Premium compute and additional calculation modes may require a separate add-on license.
7. Can Office 2024 open a workbook containing Python formulas?
Opening a workbook and recalculating its Python formulas are different tasks. An Excel version that does not support Python in Excel may not calculate those formulas. Do not assume that a workbook created with Python in Excel will work fully in Office 2024.
8. Is Office 2024 good for normal Excel work?
Yes. A suitable Office 2024 edition supports traditional Excel tasks such as formulas, charts, tables, and other included spreadsheet functions.
9. Which is better for business: Microsoft 365 or Office 2024?
Microsoft 365 may be more suitable for businesses that need eligible subscription features, ongoing feature updates, and Python in Excel. Office 2024 may suit organizations that prefer a perpetual license and need the applications included in that edition.
10. Where can I buy Microsoft Office 2024 online?
You can review Office Home & Business 2024 or compare editions in the Microsoft Office collection at ustrustedtech.com.
Final Verdict: Microsoft 365 or Office 2024?
The right choice depends on how you use Excel.
Choose Microsoft 365 if you need Python in Excel. An eligible subscription provides access to Microsoft's integrated Python feature, with compute capabilities determined by your license.
Choose Office 2024 if you need traditional Excel functionality and prefer a perpetual Office license. It remains suitable for many personal and professional spreadsheet workflows, but it does not include the built-in Python in Excel service.
Before making your decision, compare the included features, license terms, device compatibility, and long-term requirements.
Explore the Microsoft Office collection or view Office Home & Business 2024 – 1 PC Perpetual License at ustrustedtech.com.
Licensing disclaimer: Microsoft and Excel are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. This article is for informational purposes and does not imply endorsement by Microsoft. Product availability and licensing conditions may change. Verify current requirements through official Microsoft documentation before purchasing.
