Excel is Microsoft's spreadsheet program, a part of the Microsoft 365 suite of products. Here's a crash course in the basics of using Microsoft Excel. . Excel is one of the most important programs Microsoft offers. A part of the Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365) suite, Excel is a spreadsheet program with a seemingly vast array of features and capabilities. Not only is Excel a way to store and organize information into cells and sheets, but it's a "what if" machine, able to quickly perform all manner of calculations with that data. If you're new to Microsoft Excel, this article is for you. Here you'll find how to get started with Excel — everything from performing simple calculations to making pivot tables to specifying custom print areas and customizing your view.