Excell or Excel: What’s the Correct Spelling and Why It Matters

Is it Excell or Excel? This common spelling confusion trips up students, professionals, and even native speakers. While both terms look similar, only one is grammatically correct in standard English. The word Excel—used as a verb meaning “to perform exceptionally well”—is also the name of Microsoft’s popular spreadsheet software. On the other hand, Excell with a double “l” is usually a typo or a rare proper noun. 

Understanding the correct spelling, its verb usage, and grammar rules can help you avoid embarrassing writing mistakes, especially in resumes, reports, and emails. In this guide, we’ll clarify which form to use, explore real-life examples, and break down why this spelling mistake is so easy to make—and even easier to fix.

Quick Answer: Is It Excel or Excell?

•  Excel (one “l”) is the correct spelling when referring to the verb “to excel” or Microsoft’s spreadsheet software.
  
• Excell (two “l”s) is generally a misspelling—unless it’s a proper noun, like a brand or surname.
  

Remember: Excel with one “l” applies in almost all contexts. See the quick-reference table:

Word	Meaning	Correct?
Excel	To outperform; Microsoft software
Excell	Misspelling; brand or surname?	/*

*Valid only when used as a proper noun (e.g., “Excell Communications”).

What Does Each Term Mean?

Excel (with one “L”) – The Real Word

• As a verb, it means to perform exceptionally or stand out.
  
• Named for Microsoft’s spreadsheet program, widely used in business, finance, science, and education.
  

Excell (with two “L”s) – Is It Even a Word?

• It’s not an English word—mostly a common typo or error.
  
• Only legitimate when you see it as a proper noun (surnames like “John Excell” or businesses like “Excell Industries”).
  

“I meant to say I excel at coding, not excell.”
Typo-turned-meme in grammar groups.

Where the Word “Excel” Comes From

Etymology & Evolution

• Originates from Latin excellere: ex- (“out”) + cellere (“lift, rise”).
  
• Entered English in the 15th century; earliest use: “to surpass in deeds or achievements.”
  

Fun Fact: Shakespeare used similar terms in his plays to convey excellence and greatness.

‘Excel’ as a Verb: Meaning and Usage

Forms & Examples

• Present: excel – “Astronauts excel under pressure.”
  
• Past: excelled – “She excelled in physics and chemistry.”
  
• Present participle: excelling – “They are excelling at innovation.”
  

Use “excel” in:

• Formal writing – essays, business proposals.
  
• Informal speech – podcasts, casual conversations.
  

Tip: Ensure your subject matches tense: He excels, She excels, They excel.

Why We Double the “L” in Excelled and Excelling

English has this grammar quirk: when a one-syllable verb ends in consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC), you double the final consonant before adding -ed or -ing.

excel → ends in C-V-C: so we get excelled, excelling.

Base Verb	Rule Trigger	Past Tense	Present Participle
excel	CVC	excelled	excelling
run	CVC	ran	running
stop	CVC	stopped	stopping

Grammar Deep Dive: When verbs are longer or stressed differently, doubling may not apply. Example: listen → listening, not listening.

Real Examples in Context

“Excel” as a Verb

1. Business: “She continues to excel in project management.”
   
2. Academics: “He excelled in his STEM subjects.”
   
3. Performance: “The athlete is excelling this season.”
   

“Excel” Referring to Software

• “Open Excel to track quarterly sales.”
  
• “Excel macros saved me hours of work.”
  

Insight: Use capitalization to clearly indicate the software.

Why Do People Use Excell?

• Auto-correct or spell-check errors.
  
• Wrong association—people remember double letters from words like “parallel”.
  
• Brand names or surnames: e.g., Excell Construction, Anna Excell, etc.
  

 Tip: If it’s not a name or brand, it’s probably a typo.

Real-World Uses of Excell (Proper Nouns)

1. Surname
   
   • Richard Excell, a 19th-century hymn composer.
     
   • Contemporary figures like Julie Excell in education.
     
2. Business Names
   
   • Excell Industries – construction materials.
     
   • Excell Communications – a regional telecom firm.
     

These are exceptions. Most people see Excell and think: typo ahead!

Common Synonyms for “Excel” (a Writing Boost)

Use alternatives to sound polished and avoid repetition:

• Perform exceptionally – thrive, flourish
• Outshine peers – surpass, outperform, outshine
• Master skill – dominate, shine, excel

 Example in action: “Our team thrived on the challenge, clearly outshining competitors.”

Grammar Tip: When to Use Excel in Writing

• Verb: “We excel at customer service.”
• Software: “Fax your Excel report.”
• Spelling check: Spell “excel”, never two “l”s—except in past tense forms (excelled/excelling).

Case Study: Excel in Job Interviews

Let’s say you claim: “I excel at data analysis.”

• Why it works: It shows competence and confidence.
• Be precise: “I excel at pivot tables and regression analysis in Excel.”
• Support: “I automated a report that saved 20 hours monthly.”

In summary: Use excel actively, back it up, and show results.

Quick Reference Table

Topic	Correct Form	Notes
Verb Infinitive	excel	“They excel at chess.”
Past Tense	excelled	Doubling “l” due to CVC spelling rule
Present Participle	excelling	Same doubling rule
Microsoft software	Excel	Always capitalized
Misspelling / Typo	Excell	Unless it’s a name/brand
Synonyms	thrive, outshine	Avoids repetition and enriches writing

Conclusion: Master the Spelling and Meaning of ‘Excel’

Spelling matters—especially when a single letter can change a word from correct to completely wrong. Excel is the right word when you’re referring to performing well or using Microsoft Excel. It’s a verb with clear grammar rules: excelled, excelling—thanks to basic spelling conventions. On the other hand, Excell is often just a typo, unless you’re referring to a specific brand or name.

To avoid confusion, double-check your writing, understand the verb usage, and remember: one “L” excels—two “L”s fail (unless it’s a name). Whether you’re crafting a professional document or updating a spreadsheet, knowing the correct spelling makes all the difference. Precision in language, like precision in numbers, always pays off.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of Excell or Excel?

Excel means to perform extremely well or surpass others. Excell is usually a spelling mistake or a proper noun like a surname or brand.

2. How do you spell Excel at something?

The correct spelling is “excel at something” with one “l.” Example: “She excels at painting.”

3. Do you use Accel or Excel?

You excel, not accelerate, when you want to say someone is doing exceptionally well. Accel is short for accelerate and is used differently.

4. What is the meaning of I Excel?

“I excel” means I do something extremely well or outperform others in a specific area or skill.

5. What means in Excel?

“In Excel” refers to working within Microsoft Excel, the spreadsheet software used for data analysis, budgeting, and more.