The birth of the Excel spreadsheet

In September 1985, Microsoft introduced Excel, an electronic spreadsheet program that revolutionised the way we organise and analyse data.

With its grid of rows and columns, it allows users to sort information, do calculations, and make charts with ease. Today it is used worldwide.

Spreadsheets might have a reputation for being dull, but this story features space tourists, knitting, and crazy competitions.

Mike Koss, an American software developer who played a key role in Excel’s creation, shares his fascinating story with Gill Kearsley.

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(Photo: Microsoft Excel logo. Credit: Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)