Which software did Excel replace as the most popular spreadsheet?

Excel replaced Lotus 1-2-3 as the most popular spreadsheet software. When Lotus 1-2-3 was first released, it quickly became the dominant spreadsheet tool, especially in business environments during the 1980s and early 1990s due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. However, as Microsoft developed Excel and continued to enhance its functionality, including features such as advanced charting, a better user interface, and extensive support for data analysis, Excel began to gain popularity and ultimately overtook Lotus 1-2-3 in market share.

Lotus 1-2-3's decline can be attributed to several factors, including Excel's integration with other Microsoft Office applications, which enhanced productivity in office environments. As companies increasingly adopted Windows-based systems, Excel became the preferred spreadsheet software, leading to Lotus 1-2-3 becoming less relevant. This transition marks a significant shift in the computing landscape, with Excel establishing itself as the leading spreadsheet tool that is still widely used today. Other software options listed, like OpenOffice Calc, Google Sheets, and Quattro Pro, either emerged later or did not achieve the same level of dominance in the market as Excel.