Google Sheets vs. Microsoft Excel. The never-ending battle between the reliable workhorse and its web-based young competitor. How do the two compare?<\/p>\n
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 the best spreadsheet program?<\/p>\n
Spoiler alert – there is no clear winner. In fact, depending on your spreadsheet needs and the type of work you carry out, the winner will be different.<\/p>\n
In this article, we\u2019ll deep dive into the crucial aspects of these spreadsheets to see where each program outcompetes the other. Then, depending on your spreadsheet needs, you can figure out which option works best for you. Google Sheets? Microsoft Excel? Or perhaps a combination of the two?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s get started.<\/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”]
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.<\/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\u00a0currently purchase a standalone desktop version of Excel<\/a> for $159.99 or as part of the Office Home & Business 2021 package for $249.99<\/span>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-2.png” alt=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 2″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 2″ _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″] 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 as little as $6.00 per user, per month.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-3.png” alt=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 3″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 3″ _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”]Microsoft also offers special deals for students or those in the education sector, offering free licenses or licenses starting at just $2.50 per month.\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 access the very same features as you would with any 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 Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 4″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 4″ _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 Microsoft Excel 5″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 5″ _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=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 6″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 6″ _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=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 7″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 7″ _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>[\/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, when you open up a Google Sheets file, you only see the first 1,000 rows. 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 Microsoft Excel 8″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 8″ _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. The desktop version of Excel can store up to 17 million cells before you\u2019ll need to consider using 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 Microsoft Excel 9″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 9″ _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\u2019s more, you can use the Explore feature to partially automate the creation of a chart based on your existing 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=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 10″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 10″ _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 Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 11″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 11″ _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=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 12″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 12″ _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 Microsoft Excel 13″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 13″ _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 Miscrosoft\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=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 14″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 14″ _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.[\/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. While it\u2019s fairly straightforward to export a Google Sheets file to Excel, the reverse isn\u2019t possible \u2014and you can\u2019t simply copy-paste ranges of cells from one format to the other.<\/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 Microsoft Excel 15″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 15″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][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>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]1. 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_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Excel-vs-GS-1.png” alt=”Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel 1″ title_text=”Excel vs GS – 1″ _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”]It\u2019s important to note that the business plans do not offer anything extra when it comes to Google Sheets. The business plans increase your online storage capacity, the number of business emails you can use, and upgraded support. \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 Microsoft Excel: which is better?<\/h2>\n