Applies ToExcel for Microsoft 365

New to Python in Excel? Start with Introduction to Python in Excel and Get started with Python in Excel.  

Platform availability  

Python in Excel is now available to Enterprise and Business users running the Current Channel on Windows, starting with Version 2407 (Build 17830.20128), and Monthly Enterprise Channel on Windows, starting with Version 2408 (Build 17928.20216).​​​​​​​ It’s available in preview for Family and Personal users running the Current Channel on Windows starting with Version 2405 (Build 17628.20164). It's not currently available for the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.

Note: The Current Channel is the default update channel for Family and Personal subscriptions. If you've changed your update channel in the past, make sure you have the latest Current Channel build of Excel installed to access Python in Excel.

If you have an Education subscription, Python in Excel is available through the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Choose the Current Channel (Preview) Insider level and install the latest build of Excel. Python in Excel is available for Education subscriptions starting with Version 2406 (Build 17726.20016).

Tip: Choose the Beta Channel Insider level to access Python in Excel features that haven't yet been released to the Current Channel and Current Channel (Preview)

Python in Excel is rolling out to Excel for Windows first, and then to other platforms at a later date. This means the feature isn't available on the following platforms. 

  • Excel for Mac

  • Excel on the web

  • Excel for iPad

  • Excel for iPhone

  • Excel for Android

On unsupported platforms, workbooks containing Python can be viewed but Python cells display an error when recalculated. 

What’s included in your Microsoft 365 subscription?

Python in Excel for Microsoft 365 allows you to author Python formulas directly in the Excel grid, create advanced visualizations, and perform complex data analysis. You also have access to open-source Python libraries and enterprise-level security. 

With qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions, you can calculate Python formulas with standard compute and automatic recalculation mode. For faster calculations with premium compute and access to manual or partial recalculation modes, you must purchase the Python in Excel add-on license or request the license from your administrator. 

All Excel for Windows customers with Enterprise or Business Microsoft 365 subscriptions running the Current Channel can use Python in Excel at standard compute speeds without a paid license. 

If you have a Family or Personal subscription and are running the Current Channel, Python in Excel is available in preview. If you have an Education subscription, Python in Excel is available in preview while running the Current Channel (Preview) or Beta Channel. While Python in Excel is in preview, you can add or edit Python formulas with premium compute up to a limit. To gain full access to premium compute, you must enable the preview.

The Python in Excel add-on

The Python in Excel add-on license includes everything in Python in Excel for Microsoft 365, plus premium compute and more calculation mode options. Premium compute means faster Python formula calculation times. With the additional calculation mode options, you can switch between manual, partial, or automatic calculation modes to control when and how often your workbooks recalculate Python formulas. 

If you’re working on multiple computers, the Python in Excel add-on license may take 24 to 72 hours to take effect. To update your license manually, go to File > Account > Update License.

For details about pricing or how to purchase the add-on, see Python in Excel.

How does the Python in Excel add-on compare to what’s included in your Microsoft 365 subscription? 

Feature

Included with Microsoft 365 subscription

Python in Excel add-on

Write Python formulas directly in the Excel grid

  • ✔️

  • ✔️

Calculate Python in Excel formulas

  • Standard compute

  • Premium compute

Create advanced visualizations

  • ✔️

  • ✔️

Perform complex data analysis

  • ✔️

  • ✔️

Supported calculation modes

  • Automatic

  • Manual, partial, and automatic

Access Python libraries

  • ✔️

  • ✔️

Enterprise-level security

  • ✔️

  • ✔️

Share and refresh reports with coworkers

  • ✔️

  • ✔️

Python in Excel preview availability

The Python in Excel preview has ended for Enterprise and Business Microsoft 365 subscriptions. You're no longer able to opt into the preview for access to more premium compute with these subscriptions. To get more premium compute after reaching your monthly limit with an Enterprise or Business subscription, your admin must purchase a Python in Excel add-on license through the Microsoft admin center or by contacting their account representative.

Microsoft 365 license requirements 

Python in Excel is available for customers with a paid Microsoft 365 consumer, commercial, or education license that provides access to the Microsoft 365 desktop apps, such the Office 365 E3 and E5 licenses. Free consumer and perpetual consumer licenses do not support Python in Excel.  

Important:  Microsoft 365 connected experiences must be enabled to use the Python in Excel preview. 

Related articles 

Troubleshoot Python in Excel errors 

Data security and Python in Excel 

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