Microsoft Access vs Excel, what are the differences between them?
This post helps you finger it out.
Check the differences between Microsoft Access and Excel below.
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What Is Excel?
Microsoft Excelis the leadingspreadsheet softwareprogram developed by Microsoft.
It features easy data visualization, calculation, and analysis.
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Excel uses a large number of boxes called cells that are ordered in rows and columns.
it’s possible for you to use charts and graphs to present your data in a well-organized way.
What Is Access?
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Microsoft Accessis a professional database software app also developed by Microsoft.
This program lets you easily create desktop databases and quickly create customizable database applications.
Guide on Google Sheets app free download for Android and iOS devices.
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A workaround way for Google Sheets download for Windows 10/11 PC is also provided.
Microsoft Access vs Excel Differences
1.
Availability
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel system is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

It is a part of the Microsoft Office suite and is also available as a standalone app.
Microsoft Excel app for Android and iOS is completely free to download and use.
Microsoft Excel also provides an online version which is completely free to use.

you’ve got the option to go tohttps://office.live.com/start/excel.aspxto use the Excel online version.
It saves your spreadsheets in OneDrive.
you might easily share your spreadsheets with others and work together at the same time.
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Microsoft Access
Unlike Excel, Microsoft Access is for PC only.
you’re able to only download and use Microsoft Access for Windows.
All Microsoft Office suites include Excel, but not all Office suites include the Access app.
you’ve got the option to buy aMicrosoft 365 subscriptionto get the most up-to-date version of Microsoft Access.
Microsoft Access is also sold separately and you might buy the standalone Access app from Microsofts official website.
Microsoft Access 2019 is the latest version available as a one-time purchase.
It is compatible with Windows 11. to decide which program to use.
Microsoft Excel vs Access Data Storage
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program.
Microsoft Access is a database program.
Excel saves data in a single table or worksheet and it is called flat or nonrelational data.
Both Access and Excel let you connect to various external data sources.
Access lets you view, query, and edit external data without importing it.
Whereas Excel doesnt let you edit the data.
Microsoft Access vs Excel Data Analysis
Access lets you view data in more ways.
you could also use expressions in queries to calculate values.
In Excel, it’s possible for you to use formulas to calculate values.
As for pivoting and charting, Excel provides more advanced features than Access.
If you want to create extensive PivotTable reports or charts, you should choose Microsoft Excel.
Access vs Excel Collaboration
Both Access and Excel integrate with Windows SharePoint Services and web link file sharing.
But Access provides more ways to collaborate with multiple users on a SharePoint Services site.
But for a shared Excel file, only one user can edit it at a time.
Access is more suitable in collaborative environments.
But they have some differences.
Access saves your work continuously while Excel uses theAutoRecoverfeature to preserve your work at set intervals.
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File Formats
The primary format of Excel is .xls.
It also has some other file extensions, e.g.
.xlsm, .xlsb, .xltm, .xlam, etc.
Microsoft Excel can also read CSV, DBF, DIF, SYLK, and other legacy formats.
For Access 2003 and earlier, it saves the database file in .mdb format.
Microsoft Excel is easy to learn and use.
You dont need any programming language to use Excel.
On the contrary, Microsoft Excel is hard to master.
You need a programming language to use most of its features.
Excel is used by many financial and statistical analysts while Access is used by many small business owners.
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Conclusion
Microsoft Access and Excel have some similarities and differences.
This post mainly introduces the differences between Microsoft Access and Excel app.
Now you should know which program to use.
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