Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Determining Your Version of Excel.
The instructions for some of the tips you see featured in ExcelTips vary depending on the version of Excel you are using. If you are a relative newcomer to Excel, you may not know exactly how to determine which version you are using.
There are a couple of ways you can figure out which version you are using. The first is to watch Excel as you start the program. Depending on the speed of your system, you may notice the version in the splash screen that appears as Excel starts up. (I say that this depends on the speed of your system because I've seen some systems that are so fast, the splash screen is gone before anyone can fully see everything that is on it.)
Once you have started Excel, there is a better way to figure out your version: Choose About Microsoft Excel from the Help menu. Excel displays the About Microsoft Excel dialog box. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. The About Microsoft Excel dialog box.
Note that near the top of the dialog box you can see the version number you are using. When you are through reviewing the information, click OK to close the dialog box.
You can also use a single-line macro that will show you your Excel version:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: 
Sub MyVersion()
MsgBox Application.Version
End Sub
The macro pops up a dialog box that shows a number, such as 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, etc. The versions for which this tip was created are Excel 97 (8.0), Excel 2000 (9.0), Excel 2002 (10.0), and Excel 2003 (11.0). (If you get a larger number, you are using a later version of Excel and should really follow the link in the following paragraph to the tip applicable to your version of Excel.)
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2959) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Determining Your Version of Excel.
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2016-11-02 16:45:53
Roger Barrett
This advice was brilliant. I was able to find which version of EXCEL I was using immediately. However, the purpose of finding out my version date is that each time I go tp open a spreadsheet I am face with a message from "User Account Control" saying "Do you want to allow the app to make changes to your device? YES or NO.
2016-10-24 08:22:19
Evan
Thank you Mr. Moore. I still was not able to find the version with the explanation this web site gave. I went to HELP but was unable to find the rest of his explanation.
Your explanation was simple and direct. Thanks again
2016-07-27 18:09:26
Bryan Moore
open existing or create a new worksheet, click File, look for "Account" or "Help" at left, Account will show "Office 2013" etc. Click About to see full product number 15.0.xxx etc for 2013, and "64-bit" at the end, if applicable
Sorry, Jason, task manager does NOT show the version or 64-bit
2015-05-16 22:49:06
Jason
run excel. control alt delete. task manager. description, including 32 or 64 bit will accompany the excel icon.
2015-04-14 05:47:28
Frank
I agree with the above: too wordy. It is not because Microsoft software is continally changing that it should be complicated to find how to do things. One shortcut table with minimal instructions per version would be sufficient.
2015-02-27 11:23:49
Lee
Be less wordy. This requires only a short, simple explanation. Try to be more concise.
2014-11-28 12:12:58
Rick
It appears I have the 2013 version. In my case I went to the Microsoft logo in the lower left of my screen that opens All Programs, then Microsoft Office 2013, and saw the Excel 2013 icon.
2014-11-28 12:08:24
Rick
I have been all over F1-- it is the only access to "Help" I am aware of-- and cannot find this box.
2014-11-21 12:55:49
awyatt
You have a later version of Excel, John. ("Microsoft Home and Business 2010") This tip is for older -- much older -- versions than what you have. You need to click the link at the beginning and end of the tip that lead to a comparable tip applicable to you.
-Allen
2014-11-21 12:10:18
John Fuller
Your suggestion doesn't work.
I open up help, and it simply says "microsoft home and business 2010"
and Version 14.
No use at all
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
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