Tracking live stock prices in Excel can transform how you analyze the markets. Excel offers a powerful way to track real-time data. You do not need to toggle between platforms. This is true whether you’re an active trader, a long-term investor, or a finance student.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to get live stock prices in Excel. You’ll learn to set up dynamic dashboards. You will also use built-in tools and formulas to enhance your financial decision-making—all without writing a single line of code.
Why Excel is Ideal for Real-Time Stock Market Tracking
Excel, especially the Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021+ versions, offers real-time stock data integration that’s both simple and robust. Here’s why it’s a top choice for traders and analysts:
- Versatile & Customizable: Create watchlists, portfolios, and trend charts with built-in tools
- Built-in Stock Data Type: No need for third-party plugins—Microsoft’s native support pulls real-time data
- Free for Microsoft 365 Users: No extra cost to access this feature
- Time-Saving: Use shortcut keys, templates, and formulas to boost productivity
- Professional-Level Capabilities: Easily build dashboards, alerts, and performance metrics
Step-by-Step: How to Get Live Stock Prices in Excel
Step 1: Prepare Your Excel Worksheet
To start, make sure you’re using Microsoft 365. Alternatively, use Excel 2021 or later. Real-time stock data is only available on these versions.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Open a new Excel sheet.
- In one column, enter your desired stock tickers (e.g., RELIANCE, TCS, INFY, ADANIENT).
- Select the column with tickers.
- Go to Data tab → Click “Stocks” under Data Types.
- Excel will now recognize and convert the tickers into linked stock data.
Step 2: Pull Live Data Using Excel Formulas
Once the tickers are linked to the Stocks data type, you can extract live values like
- Current Price
- Previous Close
- 52-Week High
- Market Cap
- P/E Ratio
Example Formula:
=[@Ticker].Price—This shows the latest price of the stock.
Tip: Use Ctrl + T to convert your list into a table for cleaner formulas and dynamic referencing.
Step 3: Build a Real-Time Excel Stock Dashboard
Bring your data to life with interactive visuals and logic.
Add the following elements to your Excel dashboard:
Dynamic Charts
- Use Line Charts for price movement
- Use Sparklines for mini trend visuals next to each stock
Conditional Formatting
- Turn cell colors red for losses, green for gains
- Visually flag stocks below or above set price points
Excel Formulas for Insights
- Calculate Percentage Change:
=(CurrentPrice – PreviousClose) / PreviousClose - Buy/Sell Logic with IF Statements
- Explore more in our downloadable Excel formulas PDF
Step 4: Save, Share & Sync Your Excel Tracker
Once your tracker is ready:
- Save it locally or in the cloud (OneDrive/SharePoint)
- Share as a view-only file to prevent accidental edits
- Set Auto-Refresh or Manual Refresh via Data → Refresh All
Bonus Tips: Excel Hacks for Traders
Boost your efficiency with these keyboard shortcuts:
| Action | Shortcut |
| Create Table | Ctrl + T |
| Refresh Stock Data | Alt + F5 |
| Navigate Fast | Ctrl + Arrow Keys |
| Insert Current Date | Ctrl + ; |
| Insert Current Time | Ctrl + Shift + : |
For automation, advanced users can integrate Power Query or macros.
FAQs About Excel Live Stock Prices
1. How to get live stock prices in Excel without using code?
Use Excel’s built-in “Stocks” data type under the Data tab. No coding or plugins are needed—just select and convert the ticker symbols.
2. Is this feature free in Excel?
Yes, Microsoft 365 and Excel 2021+ users get access to real-time stock data without extra cost.
3. Can I use Excel formulas to track percentage changes?
Absolutely. Try this percentage formula in Excel:
=(NewPrice – OldPrice) / OldPrice
4. Can beginners use this, or is it for advanced users only?
Even if you’re just starting to learn Excel online free, this guide is beginner-friendly. As you grow, you can explore advanced Excel features.
5. How often does Excel refresh stock prices?
Excel auto-refreshes periodically. For manual updates, press Alt + F5 or go to Data → Refresh All.
Conclusion: Excel Empowers Smarter Market Decisions
With real-time access to live stock prices in Excel, you can make faster decisions. You are better equipped to build a stock portfolio tracker. You can also analyze trends or learn as part of an advanced Excel course. It’s a low-effort, high-impact tool for any market participant.
Ready to level up your tracking?
Download Excel formulas PDF or explore our Learn section to deepen your skills.
The Excel Varsity 