Dynamic Excel refers to versions of Excel that offer Dynamic Array Formulas, Excel 2021+ and Excel 365. We use the term Legacy Excel to refer to all other (non-dynamic) versions.

In fall 2018, Microsoft announced new functionality in Excel called "dynamic array formulas". Dynamic array formulas have the ability to natively work with multiple values and can "spill" these results onto the worksheet.

The new functionality is provided in two parts:

  1. New functions designed to leverage dynamic array behavior directly
  2. New formula engine that lets older formulas and functions use dynamic arrays.

This is a big upgrade and a radical change to the way Excel behaves in some circumstances, and it is only available in Excel 2021+ and Excel 365. Excel 2019 and older do not have dynamic arrays.

For a quick summary of dynamic arrays, see: Dynamic Array

Dynamic Arrays are available in Excel 2021+ and Excel 365.

Related articles

Dynamic array formulas in Excel

Dynamic array formulas in Excel

Dynamic Arrays are the biggest change to Excel formulas in years. Maybe the biggest change ever. This is because Dynamic Arrays let you easily work with multiple values at the same time in a formula. This article provides an overview with many links and examples.

Terms