Which should you choose?<\/h3>\n\n- Choose Google Sheets if several people edit the same files at once, you want to spend nothing, or your company already runs on Google Workspace.<\/li>\n
- Choose Excel if your files are large, your formulas are heavy, or you often work without a connection.<\/li>\n
- Use both if different teams prefer different tools, and keep Excel and Google Sheets in sync<\/a> so nobody works from an old copy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The sections below go point by point, from price to automation. They hold whether you’re comparing a single Google sheet vs an Excel file or moving a whole team.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”key-differences” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
What are the key differences between Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel?<\/h2>\n
Excel has been the world\u2019s leading spreadsheet software for decades. It\u2019s estimated that 1.1 billion people use Excel<\/a> – that\u2019s 1 in 8 people across the globe.<\/p>\nMost people use Excel as a desktop app, usually purchased as a standalone tool, or part of the Microsoft 365 subscription (previously called Microsoft Office).<\/p>\n
With Microsoft 365, you also get access to a mobile version of Excel, as well as the web version. The online Excel links to your OneDrive account, so you can access your files from your online version or your desktop and vice versa, as long as you have triggered the autosave to OneDrive feature. It\u2019s important to note that the online version of Excel does lack many of the features you can usually access on the desktop version.<\/p>\n
In contrast, Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet app that you access via your web browser. That means there\u2019s no software to install or download; it\u2019s online only. You can access Google Sheets as long as you have any type of Google account.<\/p>\n
Any Google Sheets files you create will be automatically saved to your Google Drive. You don\u2019t have to worry about clicking the Save<\/strong> button. You can also access your files via your mobile, as long as you have internet access. Remember, Google Sheets does not have a desktop version, though you can turn on offline access in Chrome or Edge and keep working without a connection.<\/p>\nFor a long time, Excel was way ahead of Google in terms of features available and data processing capability. And although Microsoft Excel has 16 years over Google Sheets, the latter has caught up very quickly. Let\u2019s go through all of the key aspects of these spreadsheet tools and see which one comes out on top.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
1. Price comparison<\/h3>\n
The pricing of tools is often one of the most important factors when deciding on a tool. If you\u2019re working for a startup, opting for a cheaper tool is usually necessary.<\/p>\n
In the past, Google Sheets was cheaper, but Excel\u2019s pricing is getting more competitive.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Google Sheets<\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets is absolutely free with a personal Gmail account, along with the other core Google Workspace apps (formerly known as G Suite), including Google Docs and Google Slides.\n\nFor businesses, you can purchase Google Workspace plans<\/a>.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]The business plans mostly add more storage, business email addresses, admin controls, and support. Depending on the plan, they can also include Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, inside Sheets. \n\nOverall, access to Google Sheets is completely free. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Microsoft allows users to access their most popular Office applications online for free. This includes an online version of Excel. However, these applications are limited.<\/p>\n
You can\u00a0buy the Excel desktop app once<\/a>, on its own or in an Office Home & Business package, with no subscription<\/span>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]On the other hand, there is a range of Microsoft 365 subscriptions that provide access to all Microsoft applications, both on desktop and online, for a set annual or monthly price. You can subscribe to a Microsoft 365 Business plan<\/a> for a monthly fee per user. The entry plan, Business Basic, covers Excel for the web and mobile only; the desktop app starts with Business Standard.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Microsoft also offers special deals for students or those in the education sector, including free and discounted licenses.\n\nAs you can see, Excel\u2019s pricing is more complex, offering a range of different plans depending on your company size, industry, and more. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Our verdict? Best for price: Google Sheets.<\/h4>\n
Google Sheets is the more affordable option if you’re on a tight budget.<\/p>\n
Although Microsoft Excel does offer a free online version of its office apps, these are very limited. On the other hand, you can use Google Sheets for no cost at all, and get the same core spreadsheet features as on a paid Google plan.<\/p>\n
However, if you are a student, member of staff, or faculty member in the education sector, Excel does offer a fantastic deal you cannot pass up.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
2. Collaboration<\/h3>\n
Is teamwork a huge part of your everyday process? Focussing on easy sharing and ultimate collaboration? Let\u2019s take a look at the collaboration capabilities of both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration-gs” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Google Sheets was the first spreadsheet program that enabled users to collaborate online in real-time. Although being a web-based application may have its drawbacks when it comes to certain features, Google Sheets makes up for it with its collaborative abilities.<\/p>\n
As all your spreadsheets are online, you can share your files using a simple link. What\u2019s more, Google Sheets offers a variety of access types, so you have full control over your data. In one click, you can grant your colleagues or clients view, comment, or edit access to a file.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-4.png” alt=”google sheet vs excel \u2014 sharing a Google Sheets file with view, comment, or edit access” title_text=”Sharing a Google Sheets file with view, comment, or edit access” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
To make a Google Sheets file public or permanently accessible to multiple people, edit the file\u2019s access level, then copy the link and share it with others. You can send this link via message, add it to a webpage, or even share it in an internal messaging system. Anyone who clicks on the link will open the latest version of the file.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, Google Sheets makes it easy to communicate with others in real time. The comments feature<\/a> enables you to assign specific tasks to team members, mention users, edit comments, and resolve them. You can even apply these comments to specific cells.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-5.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 comments on a cell in Google Sheets” title_text=”Comments on a cell in Google Sheets” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Overall, Google Sheet\u2019s collaborative capabilities make it a super great option for team projects that require real-time collaboration.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration-excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Things are now changing as Microsoft plays catch up. Let\u2019s take a look at Excel\u2019s collaboration functions.<\/p>\n
Excel was originally built as a desktop app and designed for a single user working alone. However, over the years, Excel has introduced some collaborative features.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll need to sync the file to OneDrive, Microsoft\u2019s cloud storage platform to share your workbook with others and enable co-authoring. Only then can you share and collaborate on your spreadsheets with others.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-6.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 sharing an Excel workbook saved to OneDrive” title_text=”Sharing an Excel workbook saved to OneDrive” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Also keep in mind that you can only grant your collaborators edit or view access. Unlike Google Sheets, there is no comment-only access.\n\nOn the other hand, Excel does give you further security, with the option to lock a workbook with a password. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-7.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 protecting an Excel workbook with a password” title_text=”Protecting an Excel workbook with a password” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
It\u2019s also important to note that some file types (like CSV) and particular features on the desktop version may have trouble uploading to the cloud. Also, if you\u2019ve used certain features in the desktop version and then move the file online for collaboration, you risk losing certain aspects of your work.<\/p>\n
Want to check which features are compatible once your workbook is online? Check out a full list of the differences between Excel and Excel for the web<\/a>.<\/p>For the step-by-step version, here’s how to share an Excel file for multiple users<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Our verdict? Best for collaboration: Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
In summary, if online collaboration is important for you, Google Sheets still has a slight edge over Excel.<\/p>\n
Not only does Google Sheets make it super easy to control how you share your spreadsheets with others, but it also has an amazing comments feature that\u2019s designed to optimize close collaboration and editing.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
3. Data processing<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re working with huge amounts of data every day, then minimal data processing power is going to be a huge dealbreaker for you.<\/p>\n
In terms of pure processing power, the Excel desktop app beats Google Sheets hands-down.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
First of all, since Google Sheets is a web-based product, it can be significantly limited by the speed of your internet connection.<\/p>\n
For the typical spreadsheet, that\u2019s not a problem, but if you start to approach the maximum file size limit, it can slow down or crash. Google Sheets isn\u2019t built for vast volumes of data, and it may lag if you push it to the limits.<\/p>\n
Google Sheets has extended their total cell limit to 10 million cells<\/a>. However, a new Google Sheets file starts with only 1,000 rows, and you add more as you need them. Although there are workarounds for the cell limit, they are complex and time-consuming.<\/p>\nEven more recently, Google has\u00a0attempted to enhance its data processing capabilities, now enabling users to\u00a0connect to BigQuery directly from within spreadsheets<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-8.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 connecting Google Sheets to BigQuery” title_text=”Connecting Google Sheets to BigQuery” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Right off the bat, Excel\u2019s processing power is clearly more advanced. Each Excel worksheet holds up to 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns. In practice, your computer’s memory sets the limit first, and very large data sets may call for a different program (like the language and environment for statistical processing R<\/a>).<\/p>\nWith Excel, there are no internet latency issues, and you can work in heavy, multi-tab files limited only by your computer\u2019s memory.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, you can pull data from various databases straight from your Excel file, including PowerQuery<\/a>, Power BI<\/a>, and Power Pivot<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Our verdict: Best for powerful processing? Excel<\/h4>\n
For the average spreadsheet user, Google Sheets is likely to be sufficient for day-to-day data processing.<\/p>\n
However, if you work with large data sets, or you need to carry out complex calculations in files containing multiple worksheets, Excel is the better choice by far.<\/p>\n
“I love the collaboration functions and the simplicity of Google Sheets. The top-bar is simple and clean: you only see what you need. If you need advanced tools, you can access them on demand using add-ons from the Google Workspace Marketplace. The advantages of the Excel desktop app are that you can work with huge spreadsheets and you can work better offline.”<\/p>\n
Ausias Fuster, <\/em>Data Analyst, Sheetgo<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]4. Visual analysis<\/h3>\n
If your role entails lots of reporting, then visual analysis will be a key part of your data management process. Having a large range of different charts and graphs will be key to presenting your data in a more readable and digestible manner.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis-gs” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Google Sheets offers a wide variety of different graphs and charts to choose from – 32 to be exact. However, complex chart types such as 3D pyramids and pie-of-pie charts are missing from Google Sheets.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-9.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 chart types in Google Sheets” title_text=”Chart types in Google Sheets” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Google Sheets also has the impressive Pivot Table option.<\/a><\/p>\nGoogle Sheets makes it easy to customize your visualizations to meet your exact needs. What’s more, on plans that include Gemini, you can ask the AI assistant to suggest a chart for your data.<\/p>\n
Finally, you can save your graphs and charts separately from your spreadsheets, in PNG format or even PDF.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis-excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel almost doubles the graph and chart options available inside its desktop program.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-10.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 chart types in Excel” title_text=”Chart types in Excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Unsurprisingly, Excel has its Pivot Table option<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhen you add a graph or chart, a new menu dedicated to Chart Design<\/strong> appears, offering all the tools you need to customize it to your needs.<\/p>\nYou can even save your customized graph or chart as a template to save time and implement it again at a later time. And, like Google Sheets, you can save these separately from your spreadsheet.<\/p>\n
However, it\u2019s good to keep in mind that not all of the Excel desktop charts and graphs are available in the online version of Excel.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Our verdict? Best for visualization: Excel<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel has the best variety of graphs and charts to visualize your data. Furthermore, it has a lot more customization options thanks to its dedicated menu.<\/p>\n
If you aren\u2019t needing a ton of data visualization options, then Google Sheets works just fine. However, if you\u2019re needing powerful visualization tools, Excel is the best choice.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
5. Functions<\/h3>\n
Functions are a huge part of many spreadsheet user\u2019s everyday processes. They save us a huge amount of time and manual effort by automatically calculating or extracting key pieces of data for you.<\/p>\n
Although Excel has dominated the functions side of spreadsheet use, Google Sheets has recently caught up, even using its web-based nature to further optimize functions for users.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Google is constantly adding more functions, so it\u2019s worth checking for the latest updates. In fact, Google Sheets recently released 10 new functions<\/a>.<\/p>\nGoogle Sheets also\u00a0features a couple of innovative native functions that are not available in Excel, such as the\u00a0GOOGLEFINANCE function,<\/a> which<\/span>\u00a0pulls live stock market data directly into your spreadsheet.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Excel and Google Sheets tie when it comes to creating and releasing new functions. Although Google Sheets was the first to release the SORT and FILTER functions, Excel was the first to release XLOOKUP<\/a>.<\/p>\nExcel also offers more customization options, allowing you to pin frequently-used functions to the menu bar for quick access, for example. This is particularly useful for those dealing with functions on a day-to-day basis.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Our verdict: Best for functions? Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Although this is a close call, due to Google Sheets\u2019s recent ability to catch up with Excel\u2019s number of functions, Google Sheets wins here.<\/p>\n
Google Sheets has harnessed its web-based ability to create new functions like GOOGLEFINANCE and IMAGE to easily pull online data into your spreadsheets to optimize your data further.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
6. Additional features<\/h3>\n
Finding ways to take our data to the next level is always helpful. Both Excel and Google Sheets offer a variety of additional features that can simplify our work or further optimize our data. Let\u2019s take a look at which one offers the best additional features.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Google Sheets is more basic. If you want to use a specialist tool in Google Sheets, you might need to install an add-on.<\/p>\n
Having said that, the Google Workspace Marketplace<\/a> offers thousands of useful and powerful add-ons that are easy to install and use.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-11.png” alt=”google spreadsheet vs excel \u2014 add-ons in the Google Workspace Marketplace” title_text=”Add-ons in the Google Workspace Marketplace” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Immediately from looking at the Excel menus, it\u2019s clear to see that Excel offers a lot more built-in features.<\/p>\n
From What-if analysis to Macros, Excel has some really complex features made easy to help optimize your spreadsheet work.<\/p>\n
Since Excel has been around longer, numerous free resources and training tools are also available. That includes thousands of pre-built templates, such as these free templates for budgeting and personal finance<\/a>, as well as lots of add-ins.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-12.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 built-in features in the Excel menus” title_text=”Built-in features in the Excel menus” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Our verdict? Best for features: Excel<\/h4>\n
OK, so which tool leads the way for features, Excel or Google Sheets?<\/p>\n
Excel has a bigger range of inbuilt features, hands down. That\u2019s great for spreadsheet pros, but some users might find it overwhelming and complex.<\/p>\n
If you only need basic spreadsheet functions, you might find Excel\u2019s menus and interface cluttered. Google Sheets offers a simpler experience, with many of the same functions.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
7. Automation<\/h3>\n
Automation can be a game changer if you\u2019re repeating the same manual tasks in your spreadsheets.<\/p>\n
Macros are a really handy tool for this. They let you automate spreadsheet tasks by recording your keystrokes. You can then trigger a macro whenever you need to repeat the action.<\/p>\n
In the past, macros were only available in Excel, but you can now create a macro in Google Sheets too.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation-gs” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
You can record and save macros from the Extensions<\/strong> menu.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-13.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 recording a macro from the Extensions menu in Google Sheets” title_text=”Recording a macro from the Extensions menu in Google Sheets” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]For spreadsheet users with coding skills, you can program your own custom macros using Google Apps Script in Google Sheets. However, Google Apps Script is perceived as much more difficult to learn compared to Microsoft\u2019s VBA. However, as it\u2019s so similar to JavaScript, there is a lot more potential with Google Sheet\u2019s automation across different applications. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation-excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
You can record and save a macro directly from the View<\/strong> tab in Excel.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-14.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 recording a macro from the View tab in Excel” title_text=”Recording a macro from the View tab in Excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]For spreadsheet users with coding skills, you can program your own custom macros using VBA in Excel. It\u2019s general consensus that VBA is a lot easier to learn and use. However, it\u2019s limited to only Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. If you’d rather not write code, most Microsoft 365 business plans also include Power Automate, which builds no-code flows that move data between Excel and other apps.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation-verdict” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Our verdict: Best for automation? Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
If you\u2019re looking for an easy way to automate your spreadsheets, then we recommend using Excel.<\/p>\n
However, if you know your coding, especially Google Apps Script, then you can achieve a lot more across all your applications, as well as within Google Sheets.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re working with spreadsheets online, you can take automation to another level by creating connections between them<\/a>.<\/p>\nConnecting your spreadsheets allows you to move data from one Google Sheet to another<\/a>, or from one Excel workbook to another<\/a>, for example.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”gs-excel-together” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]8. Using Excel and Google Sheets together<\/h3>\n
If you can\u2019t decide between the functionalities of Excel and Google Sheets, you might want to use both spreadsheet formats at the same time. This is actually becoming pretty common as companies migrate to the cloud.<\/p>\n
When your team switches to Google Sheets, you may have some colleagues who are reluctant to leave Excel. That often includes accountants and data analysts who have created complex workbooks in Excel that they don\u2019t want to abandon.<\/p>\n
There are other reasons for working cross-platform. Perhaps you work with Google Sheets internally, but receive Excel files from an external client who only uses Microsoft. Or perhaps you export data from specialized software into Excel, but prefer the collaboration features of Sheets.<\/p>\n
Either way, you can work with both by setting up a synchronized system<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Sync Excel and Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Excel and Google Sheets aren\u2019t directly compatible. You can open an Excel file in Google Sheets or download a Google Sheet as an .xlsx file, but each conversion creates a separate copy, and the copies drift apart as soon as someone edits one.<\/p>\n
If you want to move data back and forth between Excel and Sheets smoothly, you\u2019ll need to connect your files and set up an automated system.<\/p>\n
Learn how to transfer data from Excel to Google Sheets<\/a> or from Google Sheets to Excel<\/a> automatically.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-15.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 syncing data between Excel and Google Sheets files” title_text=”Syncing data between Excel and Google Sheets files” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Google Sheets vs Excel online<\/h2>\n
In the browser, the gap narrows. Excel for the web is free with a Microsoft account, just as Google Sheets is free with a Google account, and both let several people edit one file at the same time.<\/p>\n
Google Sheets was built for the browser, so the online version is the whole product. You share any file from the Share<\/strong> button, and typing @ and a name in a comment sends that teammate an email.<\/p>\nExcel for the web is a lighter version of the desktop app. You save the workbook to OneDrive or SharePoint before you can share it, and from then on AutoSave shows everyone’s changes as they happen. Comments take @ mentions here too. The catch is features: Excel for the web can’t run VBA macros, and some desktop charts and data tools are missing.<\/p>\n
For work that stays in the browser, Google Sheets is the more complete option. Excel for the web makes sense when your team already pays for Microsoft 365 and keeps its files in OneDrive.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
AI in Google Sheets vs Excel: Gemini and Copilot<\/h2>\n
Both apps now have an AI assistant built in. Google Sheets has Gemini, and Excel has Copilot. You open either one in a side panel and ask in plain language: write or explain a formula, summarize a table, spot a trend, or suggest a chart.<\/p>\n
Which features you get depends on your plan. Gemini comes with many Google Workspace plans. Copilot is included in some Microsoft 365 plans and sold as an add-on for others. Both change often, so check what your own plan includes before AI tips the decision.<\/p>\n
Neither assistant can see data spread across other files. Gemini and Copilot work on the spreadsheet in front of them, so if your numbers sit in a dozen workbooks, some in Excel and some in Google Sheets, the answers only reflect part of the picture. Bringing that data into one place first, and keeping it updated, is what makes the AI answers worth trusting.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”gs-excel-better” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel: which is better?<\/h2>\n
As you can see from this side-by-side comparison, there\u2019s no clear winner!<\/p>\n
Both Excel and Sheets have their pros and cons. Excel is an advanced and mature piece of software, but Google Sheets has recently made huge strides to catch up. These days, there\u2019s very little difference for most spreadsheet users.<\/p>\n
With its simple interface, low price tag, and well-designed collaboration functions, Google Sheets is a user-friendly and affordable option for beginners and most business users. As it was purpose-built for the cloud, it works brilliantly if you prefer online spreadsheets.<\/p>\n
For those performing complex calculations and working independently, the desktop version of Excel is a more advanced and robust data management solution. It offers more customization options, and it\u2019s not affected by internet latency.<\/p>\n
If your team ends up using both, you don’t have to standardize on one. Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform, connects Excel and Google Sheets files, updates the data on a schedule, and keeps it ready for AI analysis.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Google Sheets vs. Microsoft Excel. The never-ending battle between the reliable workhorse and its web-based young competitor. How do the two compare? Recently, there have been a lot of new updates and features for both of these spreadsheet tools, each offering valuable new features to help optimize our data management processes. So which one is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":31632,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Every business is using spreadsheets<\/a>. For years, Microsoft Excel was the number one spreadsheet system to use. However, with the migration of software to the cloud, Google Sheets has emerged as a worthy opponent. Does it have a viable claim to the throne? Or is it a hollow imitation of Excel? Both have their advantages. So which system should your company be using?<\/span>\n\nWe took a research into the features of the two spreadsheet programs to determine which one is the better choice.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\nPrice comparison<\/b><\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets can't be beaten on price. The entire suite of Google Apps can be used if you pay $5 per user per month. That price can be compared with Office 365 for businesses, but only if you want online-only access to Office. The prices for the desktop versions of Office will cost you $8.25 per user per month and include the online version of Excel. If you pay by year, Google gives you a slight discount so they stay firmly ahead of Office on price. Even if you just buy Office for personal use, it\u2019ll set you back for hundreds of euros.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\nUsability Google Sheets<\/b><\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets has become so popular because it was the first spreadsheet program that enabled users to collaborate in real time. We take this function for granted now, but before Sheets, working on spreadsheets as a group was a huge pain. And if one person didn't have an updated version of Excel, you could just forget the whole thing.<\/span>\n\nWhen Sheets first came around, people preferred it to Excel because of its collaborative capabilities. While Excel's app had more processing power, Sheets made it super easy to work on projects as a team. But now, Microsoft has released Excel online, which offers many of the same capabilities. So are Sheets still preferred? Sheets are not only allowing you to collaborate on a document in real-time, but it also has a chat window that enables you to discuss changes with your team. It also auto-fills formulas, in typical Google fashion. BUT, Excel online has those features, too.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\nUsability Excel<\/b><\/h4>\nExcel released their cloud version, Excel Online, as they realized that the less-is-more mentality was catching on. Files are stored on OneDrive, which is equipped with the rest of the Online Suite. Similar to Sheets, Excel Online offers just a basic toolbar, collaborative functionality, and easy sharing options. The issue with the cloud product is that not all work done on the desktop version can be uploaded to the cloud. \u00a0<\/span>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/excel-vs-Google-300x169.jpg\")
\n\n\u00a0\nCollaboration<\/b><\/h4>\nThe Google Drive group of apps were holding a fantastic advantage on Excel. Their advantage was that their users had the ability to collaborate with others. However, now Excel Online and Sheets are both allowing simultaneous editing. This lets you easily leave comments and communicate with your colleagues so you don\u2019t have to email back and forth about changes.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\nData processing<\/b><\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets becomes difficult to work with once you are approaching their file size limit of 2 million cells within a single spreadsheet. It\u2019s just not built for that much data, and it tends to start getting very slow and ultimately crashes. Excel offline, on the other hand, can get up in the hundreds of thousands of rows before you\u2019ll need to consider using a different program (like the language R for statistical processing).<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\nFeatures & formulas<\/b><\/h4>\nIf there\u2019s something that you want to do with data, Excel can almost surely do it. Sheets is catching up, but if you need some really complex formulas to process your data, Excel is more likely to be able to help you.<\/span>\n\nGoogle Sheets is intentionally a stripped-down version of Excel. You can tell just by looking at the menu bars \u2014 Excel has a lot more options. Chart types, analytical tools, and add-ons such as Solver are missing in Google Sheets.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\nWhich spreadsheet system is better?<\/b><\/h4>\nAs you may have seen from the discussion above, both Excel and Sheets have their advantages. Sheets should be the right choice for people who do not want to spend too much. Sheets has an affordable price tag and puts its emphasis on collaboration which makes it great for teams and anyone who doesn\u2019t need to do heavy data processing.<\/span>\n\nExcel offline, on the other hand, will appeal to people who need the absolute best when it comes to a powerful spreadsheet app. If you\u2019re working with hundreds of thousands of cells of data, you need top-notch functions to perform complicated calculations, and you need to do it as fast as possible, Excel is the way to go. Excel online is a good option when working with other people who are experienced Excel users. With the online version you can work together on the same document similar to Google Sheets its feature. Conclusion, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice is yours, which one would you take<\/a>? Leave your choice in the comments below.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n\n \t- Google Sheets for the price sensitive with collaborative aspirations<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Excel online for teams who are experienced Excel users<\/span><\/li>\n \t
- Excel offline for people who need the most powerful spreadsheet app<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[28],"class_list":["post-5251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spreadsheets-tips","tag-spreadsheets"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5251"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":266373,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5251\/revisions\/266373"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The sections below go point by point, from price to automation. They hold whether you’re comparing a single Google sheet vs an Excel file or moving a whole team.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”key-differences” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
What are the key differences between Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel?<\/h2>\n
Excel has been the world\u2019s leading spreadsheet software for decades. It\u2019s estimated that 1.1 billion people use Excel<\/a> – that\u2019s 1 in 8 people across the globe.<\/p>\n Most people use Excel as a desktop app, usually purchased as a standalone tool, or part of the Microsoft 365 subscription (previously called Microsoft Office).<\/p>\n With Microsoft 365, you also get access to a mobile version of Excel, as well as the web version. The online Excel links to your OneDrive account, so you can access your files from your online version or your desktop and vice versa, as long as you have triggered the autosave to OneDrive feature. It\u2019s important to note that the online version of Excel does lack many of the features you can usually access on the desktop version.<\/p>\n In contrast, Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet app that you access via your web browser. That means there\u2019s no software to install or download; it\u2019s online only. You can access Google Sheets as long as you have any type of Google account.<\/p>\n Any Google Sheets files you create will be automatically saved to your Google Drive. You don\u2019t have to worry about clicking the Save<\/strong> button. You can also access your files via your mobile, as long as you have internet access. Remember, Google Sheets does not have a desktop version, though you can turn on offline access in Chrome or Edge and keep working without a connection.<\/p>\n For a long time, Excel was way ahead of Google in terms of features available and data processing capability. And although Microsoft Excel has 16 years over Google Sheets, the latter has caught up very quickly. Let\u2019s go through all of the key aspects of these spreadsheet tools and see which one comes out on top.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] The pricing of tools is often one of the most important factors when deciding on a tool. If you\u2019re working for a startup, opting for a cheaper tool is usually necessary.<\/p>\n In the past, Google Sheets was cheaper, but Excel\u2019s pricing is getting more competitive.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Microsoft allows users to access their most popular Office applications online for free. This includes an online version of Excel. However, these applications are limited.<\/p>\n You can\u00a0buy the Excel desktop app once<\/a>, on its own or in an Office Home & Business package, with no subscription<\/span>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] On the other hand, there is a range of Microsoft 365 subscriptions that provide access to all Microsoft applications, both on desktop and online, for a set annual or monthly price. You can subscribe to a Microsoft 365 Business plan<\/a> for a monthly fee per user. The entry plan, Business Basic, covers Excel for the web and mobile only; the desktop app starts with Business Standard.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Microsoft also offers special deals for students or those in the education sector, including free and discounted licenses.\n\nAs you can see, Excel\u2019s pricing is more complex, offering a range of different plans depending on your company size, industry, and more. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Google Sheets is the more affordable option if you’re on a tight budget.<\/p>\n Although Microsoft Excel does offer a free online version of its office apps, these are very limited. On the other hand, you can use Google Sheets for no cost at all, and get the same core spreadsheet features as on a paid Google plan.<\/p>\n However, if you are a student, member of staff, or faculty member in the education sector, Excel does offer a fantastic deal you cannot pass up.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Is teamwork a huge part of your everyday process? Focussing on easy sharing and ultimate collaboration? Let\u2019s take a look at the collaboration capabilities of both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration-gs” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Google Sheets was the first spreadsheet program that enabled users to collaborate online in real-time. Although being a web-based application may have its drawbacks when it comes to certain features, Google Sheets makes up for it with its collaborative abilities.<\/p>\n As all your spreadsheets are online, you can share your files using a simple link. What\u2019s more, Google Sheets offers a variety of access types, so you have full control over your data. In one click, you can grant your colleagues or clients view, comment, or edit access to a file.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-4.png” alt=”google sheet vs excel \u2014 sharing a Google Sheets file with view, comment, or edit access” title_text=”Sharing a Google Sheets file with view, comment, or edit access” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] To make a Google Sheets file public or permanently accessible to multiple people, edit the file\u2019s access level, then copy the link and share it with others. You can send this link via message, add it to a webpage, or even share it in an internal messaging system. Anyone who clicks on the link will open the latest version of the file.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, Google Sheets makes it easy to communicate with others in real time. The comments feature<\/a> enables you to assign specific tasks to team members, mention users, edit comments, and resolve them. You can even apply these comments to specific cells.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-5.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 comments on a cell in Google Sheets” title_text=”Comments on a cell in Google Sheets” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Overall, Google Sheet\u2019s collaborative capabilities make it a super great option for team projects that require real-time collaboration.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration-excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Things are now changing as Microsoft plays catch up. Let\u2019s take a look at Excel\u2019s collaboration functions.<\/p>\n Excel was originally built as a desktop app and designed for a single user working alone. However, over the years, Excel has introduced some collaborative features.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to sync the file to OneDrive, Microsoft\u2019s cloud storage platform to share your workbook with others and enable co-authoring. Only then can you share and collaborate on your spreadsheets with others.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-6.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 sharing an Excel workbook saved to OneDrive” title_text=”Sharing an Excel workbook saved to OneDrive” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Also keep in mind that you can only grant your collaborators edit or view access. Unlike Google Sheets, there is no comment-only access.\n\nOn the other hand, Excel does give you further security, with the option to lock a workbook with a password. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-7.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 protecting an Excel workbook with a password” title_text=”Protecting an Excel workbook with a password” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] It\u2019s also important to note that some file types (like CSV) and particular features on the desktop version may have trouble uploading to the cloud. Also, if you\u2019ve used certain features in the desktop version and then move the file online for collaboration, you risk losing certain aspects of your work.<\/p>\n Want to check which features are compatible once your workbook is online? Check out a full list of the differences between Excel and Excel for the web<\/a>.<\/p> For the step-by-step version, here’s how to share an Excel file for multiple users<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”collaboration-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] In summary, if online collaboration is important for you, Google Sheets still has a slight edge over Excel.<\/p>\n Not only does Google Sheets make it super easy to control how you share your spreadsheets with others, but it also has an amazing comments feature that\u2019s designed to optimize close collaboration and editing.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] If you\u2019re working with huge amounts of data every day, then minimal data processing power is going to be a huge dealbreaker for you.<\/p>\n In terms of pure processing power, the Excel desktop app beats Google Sheets hands-down.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] First of all, since Google Sheets is a web-based product, it can be significantly limited by the speed of your internet connection.<\/p>\n For the typical spreadsheet, that\u2019s not a problem, but if you start to approach the maximum file size limit, it can slow down or crash. Google Sheets isn\u2019t built for vast volumes of data, and it may lag if you push it to the limits.<\/p>\n Google Sheets has extended their total cell limit to 10 million cells<\/a>. However, a new Google Sheets file starts with only 1,000 rows, and you add more as you need them. Although there are workarounds for the cell limit, they are complex and time-consuming.<\/p>\n Even more recently, Google has\u00a0attempted to enhance its data processing capabilities, now enabling users to\u00a0connect to BigQuery directly from within spreadsheets<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-8.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 connecting Google Sheets to BigQuery” title_text=”Connecting Google Sheets to BigQuery” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Right off the bat, Excel\u2019s processing power is clearly more advanced. Each Excel worksheet holds up to 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns. In practice, your computer’s memory sets the limit first, and very large data sets may call for a different program (like the language and environment for statistical processing R<\/a>).<\/p>\n With Excel, there are no internet latency issues, and you can work in heavy, multi-tab files limited only by your computer\u2019s memory.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, you can pull data from various databases straight from your Excel file, including PowerQuery<\/a>, Power BI<\/a>, and Power Pivot<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”data-processing-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] For the average spreadsheet user, Google Sheets is likely to be sufficient for day-to-day data processing.<\/p>\n However, if you work with large data sets, or you need to carry out complex calculations in files containing multiple worksheets, Excel is the better choice by far.<\/p>\n “I love the collaboration functions and the simplicity of Google Sheets. The top-bar is simple and clean: you only see what you need. If you need advanced tools, you can access them on demand using add-ons from the Google Workspace Marketplace. The advantages of the Excel desktop app are that you can work with huge spreadsheets and you can work better offline.”<\/p>\n Ausias Fuster, <\/em>Data Analyst, Sheetgo<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] If your role entails lots of reporting, then visual analysis will be a key part of your data management process. Having a large range of different charts and graphs will be key to presenting your data in a more readable and digestible manner.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis-gs” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Google Sheets offers a wide variety of different graphs and charts to choose from – 32 to be exact. However, complex chart types such as 3D pyramids and pie-of-pie charts are missing from Google Sheets.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-9.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 chart types in Google Sheets” title_text=”Chart types in Google Sheets” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Google Sheets also has the impressive Pivot Table option.<\/a><\/p>\n Google Sheets makes it easy to customize your visualizations to meet your exact needs. What’s more, on plans that include Gemini, you can ask the AI assistant to suggest a chart for your data.<\/p>\n Finally, you can save your graphs and charts separately from your spreadsheets, in PNG format or even PDF.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis-excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Microsoft Excel almost doubles the graph and chart options available inside its desktop program.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-10.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 chart types in Excel” title_text=”Chart types in Excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Unsurprisingly, Excel has its Pivot Table option<\/a>.<\/p>\n When you add a graph or chart, a new menu dedicated to Chart Design<\/strong> appears, offering all the tools you need to customize it to your needs.<\/p>\n You can even save your customized graph or chart as a template to save time and implement it again at a later time. And, like Google Sheets, you can save these separately from your spreadsheet.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s good to keep in mind that not all of the Excel desktop charts and graphs are available in the online version of Excel.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”visual-analysis-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Microsoft Excel has the best variety of graphs and charts to visualize your data. Furthermore, it has a lot more customization options thanks to its dedicated menu.<\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t needing a ton of data visualization options, then Google Sheets works just fine. However, if you\u2019re needing powerful visualization tools, Excel is the best choice.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Functions are a huge part of many spreadsheet user\u2019s everyday processes. They save us a huge amount of time and manual effort by automatically calculating or extracting key pieces of data for you.<\/p>\n Although Excel has dominated the functions side of spreadsheet use, Google Sheets has recently caught up, even using its web-based nature to further optimize functions for users.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Google is constantly adding more functions, so it\u2019s worth checking for the latest updates. In fact, Google Sheets recently released 10 new functions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Google Sheets also\u00a0features a couple of innovative native functions that are not available in Excel, such as the\u00a0GOOGLEFINANCE function,<\/a> which<\/span>\u00a0pulls live stock market data directly into your spreadsheet.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Excel and Google Sheets tie when it comes to creating and releasing new functions. Although Google Sheets was the first to release the SORT and FILTER functions, Excel was the first to release XLOOKUP<\/a>.<\/p>\n Excel also offers more customization options, allowing you to pin frequently-used functions to the menu bar for quick access, for example. This is particularly useful for those dealing with functions on a day-to-day basis.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”functions-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Although this is a close call, due to Google Sheets\u2019s recent ability to catch up with Excel\u2019s number of functions, Google Sheets wins here.<\/p>\n Google Sheets has harnessed its web-based ability to create new functions like GOOGLEFINANCE and IMAGE to easily pull online data into your spreadsheets to optimize your data further.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Finding ways to take our data to the next level is always helpful. Both Excel and Google Sheets offer a variety of additional features that can simplify our work or further optimize our data. Let\u2019s take a look at which one offers the best additional features.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features-gs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Google Sheets is more basic. If you want to use a specialist tool in Google Sheets, you might need to install an add-on.<\/p>\n Having said that, the Google Workspace Marketplace<\/a> offers thousands of useful and powerful add-ons that are easy to install and use.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-11.png” alt=”google spreadsheet vs excel \u2014 add-ons in the Google Workspace Marketplace” title_text=”Add-ons in the Google Workspace Marketplace” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Immediately from looking at the Excel menus, it\u2019s clear to see that Excel offers a lot more built-in features.<\/p>\n From What-if analysis to Macros, Excel has some really complex features made easy to help optimize your spreadsheet work.<\/p>\n Since Excel has been around longer, numerous free resources and training tools are also available. That includes thousands of pre-built templates, such as these free templates for budgeting and personal finance<\/a>, as well as lots of add-ins.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-12.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 built-in features in the Excel menus” title_text=”Built-in features in the Excel menus” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”additional-features-verdict” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] OK, so which tool leads the way for features, Excel or Google Sheets?<\/p>\n Excel has a bigger range of inbuilt features, hands down. That\u2019s great for spreadsheet pros, but some users might find it overwhelming and complex.<\/p>\n If you only need basic spreadsheet functions, you might find Excel\u2019s menus and interface cluttered. Google Sheets offers a simpler experience, with many of the same functions.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Automation can be a game changer if you\u2019re repeating the same manual tasks in your spreadsheets.<\/p>\n Macros are a really handy tool for this. They let you automate spreadsheet tasks by recording your keystrokes. You can then trigger a macro whenever you need to repeat the action.<\/p>\n In the past, macros were only available in Excel, but you can now create a macro in Google Sheets too.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation-gs” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] You can record and save macros from the Extensions<\/strong> menu.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-13.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 recording a macro from the Extensions menu in Google Sheets” title_text=”Recording a macro from the Extensions menu in Google Sheets” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]For spreadsheet users with coding skills, you can program your own custom macros using Google Apps Script in Google Sheets. However, Google Apps Script is perceived as much more difficult to learn compared to Microsoft\u2019s VBA. However, as it\u2019s so similar to JavaScript, there is a lot more potential with Google Sheet\u2019s automation across different applications. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation-excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] You can record and save a macro directly from the View<\/strong> tab in Excel.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-14.png” alt=”excel vs google sheets \u2014 recording a macro from the View tab in Excel” title_text=”Recording a macro from the View tab in Excel” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]For spreadsheet users with coding skills, you can program your own custom macros using VBA in Excel. It\u2019s general consensus that VBA is a lot easier to learn and use. However, it\u2019s limited to only Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. If you’d rather not write code, most Microsoft 365 business plans also include Power Automate, which builds no-code flows that move data between Excel and other apps.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”automation-verdict” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] If you\u2019re looking for an easy way to automate your spreadsheets, then we recommend using Excel.<\/p>\n However, if you know your coding, especially Google Apps Script, then you can achieve a lot more across all your applications, as well as within Google Sheets.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re working with spreadsheets online, you can take automation to another level by creating connections between them<\/a>.<\/p>\n Connecting your spreadsheets allows you to move data from one Google Sheet to another<\/a>, or from one Excel workbook to another<\/a>, for example.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”gs-excel-together” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] If you can\u2019t decide between the functionalities of Excel and Google Sheets, you might want to use both spreadsheet formats at the same time. This is actually becoming pretty common as companies migrate to the cloud.<\/p>\n When your team switches to Google Sheets, you may have some colleagues who are reluctant to leave Excel. That often includes accountants and data analysts who have created complex workbooks in Excel that they don\u2019t want to abandon.<\/p>\n There are other reasons for working cross-platform. Perhaps you work with Google Sheets internally, but receive Excel files from an external client who only uses Microsoft. Or perhaps you export data from specialized software into Excel, but prefer the collaboration features of Sheets.<\/p>\n Either way, you can work with both by setting up a synchronized system<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] Excel and Google Sheets aren\u2019t directly compatible. You can open an Excel file in Google Sheets or download a Google Sheet as an .xlsx file, but each conversion creates a separate copy, and the copies drift apart as soon as someone edits one.<\/p>\n If you want to move data back and forth between Excel and Sheets smoothly, you\u2019ll need to connect your files and set up an automated system.<\/p>\n Learn how to transfer data from Excel to Google Sheets<\/a> or from Google Sheets to Excel<\/a> automatically.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-15.png” alt=”google sheets vs excel \u2014 syncing data between Excel and Google Sheets files” title_text=”Syncing data between Excel and Google Sheets files” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] In the browser, the gap narrows. Excel for the web is free with a Microsoft account, just as Google Sheets is free with a Google account, and both let several people edit one file at the same time.<\/p>\n Google Sheets was built for the browser, so the online version is the whole product. You share any file from the Share<\/strong> button, and typing @ and a name in a comment sends that teammate an email.<\/p>\n Excel for the web is a lighter version of the desktop app. You save the workbook to OneDrive or SharePoint before you can share it, and from then on AutoSave shows everyone’s changes as they happen. Comments take @ mentions here too. The catch is features: Excel for the web can’t run VBA macros, and some desktop charts and data tools are missing.<\/p>\n For work that stays in the browser, Google Sheets is the more complete option. Excel for the web makes sense when your team already pays for Microsoft 365 and keeps its files in OneDrive.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Both apps now have an AI assistant built in. Google Sheets has Gemini, and Excel has Copilot. You open either one in a side panel and ask in plain language: write or explain a formula, summarize a table, spot a trend, or suggest a chart.<\/p>\n Which features you get depends on your plan. Gemini comes with many Google Workspace plans. Copilot is included in some Microsoft 365 plans and sold as an add-on for others. Both change often, so check what your own plan includes before AI tips the decision.<\/p>\n Neither assistant can see data spread across other files. Gemini and Copilot work on the spreadsheet in front of them, so if your numbers sit in a dozen workbooks, some in Excel and some in Google Sheets, the answers only reflect part of the picture. Bringing that data into one place first, and keeping it updated, is what makes the AI answers worth trusting.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”gs-excel-better” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] As you can see from this side-by-side comparison, there\u2019s no clear winner!<\/p>\n Both Excel and Sheets have their pros and cons. Excel is an advanced and mature piece of software, but Google Sheets has recently made huge strides to catch up. These days, there\u2019s very little difference for most spreadsheet users.<\/p>\n With its simple interface, low price tag, and well-designed collaboration functions, Google Sheets is a user-friendly and affordable option for beginners and most business users. As it was purpose-built for the cloud, it works brilliantly if you prefer online spreadsheets.<\/p>\n For those performing complex calculations and working independently, the desktop version of Excel is a more advanced and robust data management solution. It offers more customization options, and it\u2019s not affected by internet latency.<\/p>\n If your team ends up using both, you don’t have to standardize on one. Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform, connects Excel and Google Sheets files, updates the data on a schedule, and keeps it ready for AI analysis.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Google Sheets vs. Microsoft Excel. The never-ending battle between the reliable workhorse and its web-based young competitor. How do the two compare? Recently, there have been a lot of new updates and features for both of these spreadsheet tools, each offering valuable new features to help optimize our data management processes. So which one is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":31632,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Every business is using spreadsheets<\/a>. For years, Microsoft Excel was the number one spreadsheet system to use. However, with the migration of software to the cloud, Google Sheets has emerged as a worthy opponent. Does it have a viable claim to the throne? Or is it a hollow imitation of Excel? Both have their advantages. So which system should your company be using?<\/span>\n\nWe took a research into the features of the two spreadsheet programs to determine which one is the better choice.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n1. Price comparison<\/h3>\n
Google Sheets<\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets is absolutely free with a personal Gmail account, along with the other core Google Workspace apps (formerly known as G Suite), including Google Docs and Google Slides.\n\nFor businesses, you can purchase Google Workspace plans<\/a>.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]The business plans mostly add more storage, business email addresses, admin controls, and support. Depending on the plan, they can also include Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, inside Sheets. \n\nOverall, access to Google Sheets is completely free. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”price-comparison-excel” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Our verdict? Best for price: Google Sheets.<\/h4>\n
2. Collaboration<\/h3>\n
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Our verdict? Best for collaboration: Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
3. Data processing<\/h3>\n
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Our verdict: Best for powerful processing? Excel<\/h4>\n
4. Visual analysis<\/h3>\n
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Our verdict? Best for visualization: Excel<\/h4>\n
5. Functions<\/h3>\n
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Our verdict: Best for functions? Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
6. Additional features<\/h3>\n
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Our verdict? Best for features: Excel<\/h4>\n
7. Automation<\/h3>\n
Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Microsoft Excel<\/h4>\n
Our verdict: Best for automation? Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
8. Using Excel and Google Sheets together<\/h3>\n
Sync Excel and Google Sheets<\/h4>\n
Google Sheets vs Excel online<\/h2>\n
AI in Google Sheets vs Excel: Gemini and Copilot<\/h2>\n
Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel: which is better?<\/h2>\n
Price comparison<\/b><\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets can't be beaten on price. The entire suite of Google Apps can be used if you pay $5 per user per month. That price can be compared with Office 365 for businesses, but only if you want online-only access to Office. The prices for the desktop versions of Office will cost you $8.25 per user per month and include the online version of Excel. If you pay by year, Google gives you a slight discount so they stay firmly ahead of Office on price. Even if you just buy Office for personal use, it\u2019ll set you back for hundreds of euros.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n
Usability Google Sheets<\/b><\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets has become so popular because it was the first spreadsheet program that enabled users to collaborate in real time. We take this function for granted now, but before Sheets, working on spreadsheets as a group was a huge pain. And if one person didn't have an updated version of Excel, you could just forget the whole thing.<\/span>\n\nWhen Sheets first came around, people preferred it to Excel because of its collaborative capabilities. While Excel's app had more processing power, Sheets made it super easy to work on projects as a team. But now, Microsoft has released Excel online, which offers many of the same capabilities. So are Sheets still preferred? Sheets are not only allowing you to collaborate on a document in real-time, but it also has a chat window that enables you to discuss changes with your team. It also auto-fills formulas, in typical Google fashion. BUT, Excel online has those features, too.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n
Usability Excel<\/b><\/h4>\nExcel released their cloud version, Excel Online, as they realized that the less-is-more mentality was catching on. Files are stored on OneDrive, which is equipped with the rest of the Online Suite. Similar to Sheets, Excel Online offers just a basic toolbar, collaborative functionality, and easy sharing options. The issue with the cloud product is that not all work done on the desktop version can be uploaded to the cloud. \u00a0<\/span>\n\n
\n\n\u00a0\nCollaboration<\/b><\/h4>\nThe Google Drive group of apps were holding a fantastic advantage on Excel. Their advantage was that their users had the ability to collaborate with others. However, now Excel Online and Sheets are both allowing simultaneous editing. This lets you easily leave comments and communicate with your colleagues so you don\u2019t have to email back and forth about changes.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n
Data processing<\/b><\/h4>\nGoogle Sheets becomes difficult to work with once you are approaching their file size limit of 2 million cells within a single spreadsheet. It\u2019s just not built for that much data, and it tends to start getting very slow and ultimately crashes. Excel offline, on the other hand, can get up in the hundreds of thousands of rows before you\u2019ll need to consider using a different program (like the language R for statistical processing).<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n
Features & formulas<\/b><\/h4>\nIf there\u2019s something that you want to do with data, Excel can almost surely do it. Sheets is catching up, but if you need some really complex formulas to process your data, Excel is more likely to be able to help you.<\/span>\n\nGoogle Sheets is intentionally a stripped-down version of Excel. You can tell just by looking at the menu bars \u2014 Excel has a lot more options. Chart types, analytical tools, and add-ons such as Solver are missing in Google Sheets.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n
Which spreadsheet system is better?<\/b><\/h4>\nAs you may have seen from the discussion above, both Excel and Sheets have their advantages. Sheets should be the right choice for people who do not want to spend too much. Sheets has an affordable price tag and puts its emphasis on collaboration which makes it great for teams and anyone who doesn\u2019t need to do heavy data processing.<\/span>\n\nExcel offline, on the other hand, will appeal to people who need the absolute best when it comes to a powerful spreadsheet app. If you\u2019re working with hundreds of thousands of cells of data, you need top-notch functions to perform complicated calculations, and you need to do it as fast as possible, Excel is the way to go. Excel online is a good option when working with other people who are experienced Excel users. With the online version you can work together on the same document similar to Google Sheets its feature. Conclusion, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice is yours, which one would you take<\/a>? Leave your choice in the comments below.<\/span>\n\n\u00a0\n
\n \t