was the original name for excel

Microsoft Excel's Original Project Name Was Odyssey The spreadsheet software now known as Microsoft Excel started development in 1983-1984 under the internal code name "Odyssey." This name reflected Microsoft's ambitious goal to rival Lotus 1-2-3 on the Macintosh platform with its graphical user interface.

Development Backstory

Microsoft targeted the Mac first due to its GUI strengths, releasing Excel 1.0 in 1985. Other considered names included "Master Plan" and even the quirky "Mr. Spreadsheet," but "Excel"—submitted by a branch manager—won out for its connotation of superiority. A 2001 book, A History of the Personal Computer by Roy A. Allan, credits this unnamed manager's suggestion.

Path to Market Dominance

Excel launched on Mac in September 1985, gaining a Windows version in 1987 amid maturing OS tech. Lotus 1-2-3 lagged in GUI adaptation, letting Excel surge ahead with user-friendly tools—paving its way as the iconic spreadsheet giant still thriving in 2026.

TL;DR: Odyssey was Excel's code name; "Excel" was picked from staff ideas over funnier rejects like Mr. Spreadsheet.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.