Split from this thread.
I am working with a very simple .xlsx file (301kb) that has no formulas active. The file was working normally (i.e. smooth scrolling, no lag on entry of data into cells) until the recent update to v16.32.
Now, when working in this very small file, Excel is lagging very noticeable on scrolling, panning, navigation through cells with the arrow keys or tab key, and text/data input is also lagging.
No other system components have been updated or changed with the exception of Microsoft Office updates. It is impossible to work on the file with current Excel behavior.
I too am experiencing poor performance from Excel for Mac V16.32.19120802 on an 84KB file with multiple worksheets used for tracking financial account registers and account balances. Similar to Michail's experience with scrolling, changing from one worksheet to another, clicking through cells, text and data entry. There are some active formulas, but nothing esoteric. I too am on Mac OS Catalina, Version 10.15.2
I have already attempted creating a new spreadsheet from the original template, and inputting the data from scratch rather than just copying and pasting from the previous file. I am seeing beachballing icons and extremely slow response from Excel, when no other programs are running in the background. Most surprising is that this poor Excel performance is occurring on a 6 month old iMac Pro, with 32Gb of ram, a 1TB SSD HD, with all current software updates. I have run the exact same 84KB Excel file on my 2013 MacBook Pro (Mojave OS), which is using the Excel version from the MS Office Home and Business 2011, with zero scrolling, beachballing or other slow response problems.
I've run complete diagnostics on the iMac Pro using TechTool Pro and EtreCheckPro. EtreCheck reported the following:
Diagnostics Information:
2020-01-02 20:13:05 Microsoft Excel.app - High CPU Use (5 times)
Executable: /Applications/Microsoft Excel.app
Event: cpu usage
Action taken: none
CPU: 90 seconds cpu time over 131 seconds (69% cpu average), exceeding limit of 50% cpu over 180 seconds
CPU limit: 90s
Limit duration: 180s
CPU used: 90s
CPU duration: 131s
Duration: 131.31s
Duration Sampled: 124.62s
Steps: 50
Hardware model: iMacPro1,1
Active cpus: 16
I have concluded that there appears to be a problem with Excel V16.32 when running on Mac Catalina OS. the EtreCheck iMacPro cpu resource diagnostic report includes 4 pages of highly technical diagnostic results, most of which is beyond my comprehension. I am willing to share the complete report with Microsoft Technical support if that could help isolate and resolve the poor performance that some of us are experiencing with the Excel product.