The Mac Equivalent of Excel: Understanding its Limitations

Microsoft Excel is a widely used spreadsheet software that has been a staple in many offices and homes for years. However, when it comes to using Excel on a Mac compared to a PC, there are some significant differences that users should be aware of.

One of the major limitations of Excel on a Mac is the lack of VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) functionality. Unlike its Windows counterpart, VBA was non-existent and in a sorry state in Excel for Mac 2016. This means that many advanced features and macros that are available on PC cannot be used on a Mac.

Another area where Excel on a Mac falls short is in its pivot chart capabilities. Pivot charts on a Mac are not interactive and do not change simultaneously with their source pivot table. This can make it difficult for users to analyze data quickly and easily.

Excel for Mac also does not support PowerPivot, which is a powerful data analysis tool that allows users to create complex reports and dashboards. Additionally, any pivot table having source data based on the Excel Data Model will be unfilterable if the spreadsheet is opened by a MAC user.

Keyboard shortcuts are another area where there can be significant differences between PC and Mac. While some shortcuts may work on both platforms, others may not. For example, the 'Paste only formulas' or 'Paste Link' shortcuts do not work on a Mac, and users will need to use alternative methods to achieve the same result.

Given these limitations, it's clear that Excel for Mac is not as robust as its Windows counterpart. However, Microsoft has made some efforts to bridge the gap in recent years. With the latest 16.x release of Microsoft Office for Mac, there are fewer differences between Excel on a PC and a Mac. Nevertheless, users who require advanced functionality may still find that some features do not work or are not supported.

For most users, however, Excel for Mac will be sufficient for their needs. The software is user-friendly and offers many of the same features as its Windows counterpart. With a little patience and practice, users can easily master the basics of Excel on a Mac and get started with using it to analyze data, create reports, and more.

In conclusion, while there are some limitations to using Excel on a Mac compared to a PC, most users will find that the software meets their needs. By understanding these limitations and taking the time to learn the unique features and shortcuts of Excel for Mac, users can get the most out of this powerful spreadsheet software.

Mac equivalent of excel