How to download and install Numbers on Mac
Numbers is Apple’s free spreadsheet app, and it comes only from the Mac App Store. New Macs usually have it already. Here is how to install Numbers or get it back after deleting it, and what to do on an older Mac.
Numbers
- macOS 26 for the latest version
- Free
- Extras with Apple Creator Studio
The links go to the developer’s website (apps.apple.com). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.
Before you download
Look in Applications first: Numbers often comes installed on new Macs. The latest version needs macOS 26. On an older Mac, the App Store may offer the last version of Numbers that works on your system.
Numbers is made by Apple and comes only from the Mac App Store. Apps with a similar name on other websites are not Apple’s.
How to install Numbers
- Open the App Store and search for Numbers, or open its page with the button on this page. Check that the developer is Apple.
- Click Get, then Install. If you had Numbers before, the button is a cloud icon instead. Sign in with your Apple Account if asked.
- Wait for the download to finish: Numbers appears in Applications.
- Open Numbers and choose a template, or open a spreadsheet you already have.
What to set up after the first launch
- Where spreadsheets are saved. With iCloud Drive on, Numbers saves to its own Numbers folder in iCloud Drive, so your spreadsheets are on your iPhone and iPad too. You can save anywhere on your Mac instead.
- Excel files. Numbers opens
.xlsxfiles. To send a spreadsheet to someone with Excel, choose File › Export To › Excel. - Updates. The App Store updates Numbers. To have it done by itself, turn on automatic updates in the App Store’s settings.
- Apple Creator Studio. The subscription adds premium templates and AI features. Creating, editing and sharing spreadsheets don’t need it.
If Numbers won’t install or open
- The App Store says Numbers needs a newer macOS. Update macOS in System Settings › General › Software Update. If your Mac can’t run it, accept the last compatible version if the App Store offers it.
- The download stalls. Check that there is enough free space, restart the Mac and try again from the App Store.
- You deleted Numbers by mistake. Install it again from the App Store as above. Deleting the app doesn’t delete your spreadsheets in iCloud Drive or on your Mac.
Alternatives to Numbers
Keep your Mac tidy
System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches apps build up over time and shows how much space they take. And if you decide to remove Numbers, the Uninstaller takes its files with it.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Is Numbers free?
Yes. Numbers is free for every Mac. The optional Apple Creator Studio subscription adds premium templates and AI features, but you don’t need it to work with spreadsheets.
Can I get Numbers without the App Store?
No. Apple offers Numbers for Mac only in the Mac App Store. Without installing anything, you can use Numbers in the browser at icloud.com with your Apple Account.
Can Numbers open Excel files?
Yes. Numbers opens .xlsx files and exports to Excel, CSV and PDF. Most formulas carry over, but Excel macros don’t run in Numbers.