32-bit vs 64-bit Excel—which is better? It all comes down to the need for memory, data size, and compatibility.
Not sure which version of Microsoft Excel 365 is right for you? You’re in good company! Before Excel 2010, Microsoft only released 32-bit software. But with the advantages of 64-bit PCs, they began offering both 32-bit and 64-bit versions starting with Excel 2010.
Having two options can be confusing, but this guide will make it clear. I’ve compared both versions and laid out the key differences to help you pick the best fit for your needs. Let’s dive in!
What Are 32-Bit and 64-Bit Versions of Excel?
The need for two different Excel apps, 32-bit, and 64-bit, is mainly to add backward compatibility to this spreadsheet app. Since more personal and business computers are now made with the 64-bit computer architecture, Microsoft eventually had to develop and publish a 64-bit edition of Excel. However, if you’re using a dated PC with 32-bit architecture, the latest Excel app would still work thanks to the 32-bit version.
The 32-bit version uses the 32-bit CPU architecture. Therefore, it can use a reduced amount of system resources, like processor bandwidth and system memory. It can only use a maximum of 2 GB RAM. So, you can’t readily open and process a large workbook in this version. Also, when you open a medium size dataset, the app shows reduced performance. Its software programming architecture prevents it from using more than 2 GB of system memory.
The 64-bit Excel app is the latest version that can use over 4 GB of RAM. It can use up to 18.4 million petabytes of RAM, so highly suitable for big data analytics. This version can also efficiently use the improved CPU features and performance to speed up processing large datasets.
32-Bit vs 64-Bit Excel: Installation
Nowadays, Microsoft only allows you to install the Microsoft 365 suite of apps as a package installer. It’s available on the Microsoft 365 Home page of your subscription.
When you use the Install Microsoft 365 apps button, Microsoft detects your system configuration and provides the appropriate version between 32-bit and 64-bit packages.
If you’re using a 64-bit Windows OS PC with more than 4 GB RAM, Microsoft 365 will install the 64-bit Excel by default.
However, if you wish to install the 32-bit version, you can visit the Apps & devices section using your Microsoft 365 account.
Below the Office section, click on the Version drop-down arrow and select 32-bit.
Hit the Install Office button to get a 32-bit package installer for a 64-bit PC.
To learn which Excel version you’re using now on your PC, open any Excel workbook.
Press the Alt + F + D + A keys one after the other to open the About Microsoft Excel window.
At the end of the Build number, you should be able to locate whether it’s the 32-bit or 64-bit version.
32-Bit vs 64-Bit Excel: The Key Differences
Here’s a simple table highlighting the major differences between these two Excel versions:
| Features | 32-Bit Excel | 64-Bit Excel |
| Memory usage | Compatible with up to 4 GB RAM | No limits on RAM usage; can use up to 18,400 exabytes of memory |
| System requirements | Compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit systems | Requires a 64-bit operating system |
| Performance with large data | Slower with large datasets, prone to crashes | Handles large datasets more efficiently |
| Maximum RAM usable | Up to 2GB | Depends on the system’s available memory |
| Excel features | Basic functionality for regular tasks | Better support for memory-intensive features like PowerPivot |
| Add-ins | May struggle with memory-heavy add-ins | Better support for memory-intensive add-ins |
| Coding in Excel VBA | API calls in VBA use standard Declare statements | Requires the PtrSafe keyword in Declare statements |
| ActiveX control and COM add-ins | 32-bit objects are not supported in 64-bit Excel | You need to convert 32-bit source codes for existing binaries to use in 64-bit Excel |
| File size limit | Can open files up to 2GB in size | Can open files much larger than 2GB |
| Compatibility | Compatible with more third-party add-ins | Some older add-ins may not be compatible |
| Performance with complex calculations | Slower with complex calculations | Faster calculations with large data sets |
| Operating system | Can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit OS | Requires a 64-bit operating system |
| Excel object model | Limited memory for object models | Can handle larger and more complex objects |
| Compatibility with older systems | More compatible with older systems | Requires a more modern system |
Pros and Cons of Different Excel Versions
Find below the upsides and downsides of the two Excel versions:
32-Bit Excel
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports more add-ins, especially older ones that might not support 64-bit Excel. | Limited to using up to 2 GB of RAM, which reduces performance with large datasets. |
| Highly stable with small to medium-sized datasets. | Frequently struggles with large files and complex calculations, potentially causing slowdowns or crashes. |
| Integrates easily with other 32-bit Microsoft applications. | Microsoft’s focus on updates and new features is increasingly directed at the 64-bit version. |
| Ideal for affordable PCs with less memory and CPU capacities. | Limited or no access to Excel features that are exclusive to the 64-bit version, like handling unlimited rows and columns in Power Query. |
| Works well with older Windows versions and Office integrations that require 32-bit software. | Complex calculations and operations are generally slower compared to 64-bit Excel. |
64-Bit Excel
| Pros | Cons |
| It can use up to 8 TB of RAM to handle large datasets and complex calculations. | Some older add-ins and macros designed for 32-bit Excel might not work in 64-bit Excel. For instance, Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 isn’t available. |
| Performs faster calculations on large workbooks, especially useful for Power Query, Power Pivot, and large PivotTables. | Doesn’t perform well on older and affordable PCs. |
| Microsoft increasingly focuses updates and new features on the 64-bit version. | Might face compatibility issues with legacy 32-bit applications and older software ecosystems. |
| Less likely to crash or experience lags with very large files. | Might not work well with older versions of Windows. |
| Ideal for advanced users working with data analytics tools within Excel, including large data imports and transformations using Power Query. |
32-Bit vs 64-Bit Excel: Which Is Better?
Find below the best-suited usage environments for two Excel versions:
Home Users and Small Businesses
The 32-bit Excel app is usually suitable for you if it’s for personal, home, and small business. It runs smoothly on lower-spec computers and has fewer compatibility issues with older systems and third-party add-ins. Most basic Excel tasks like budgeting, inventory tracking, and small data analysis don’t need the processing power of the 64-bit version. Plus, the 32-bit version takes up less space and is easier to install on devices with limited storage.
Power Users and Large Enterprises
If you’re an Excel power user or using it in an enterprise-level setup, you should go for the 64-bit Excel over the 32-bit option. It allows you to work on a massive dataset. Since you already have a high-performance 64-bit PC, you can efficiently utilize the system memory and processing capacity to process, transform, and analyze a gigantic dataset. It also allows you to use advanced Excel tools, like data connections, 3D Map, Power Pivot, Get & Transform, Power View, and Power Query.
In enterprise-level projects, you often need to use Hardware Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for Excel to comply with regulatory requirements. DEP is always enforced in 64-bit Excel so suitable for such projects.
📚 Read more: You might also want to read these high-priority Excel tutorials if you’re trying to enrich your Excel skills:
Conclusions
Now you know which Excel version to choose between 32-bit and 64-bit Excel apps. In a nutshell, it’s better to install the 32-bit version on an affordable PC to process a small dataset. Contrarily, you’ll be able to utilize the full potential of a high-performance 64-bit PC if you use the 64-bit Excel version.
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