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Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel

Not sure which of these tools fits your work? Compare Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel to see what you can do with each, what you'll pay and what to check before you choose.

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Find the right fit

Check if these tools match how you work. Confirm the plans, limits and renewal prices with each provider before you choose.

Compare features and pricing for Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel
What matters to youGoogle SheetsMicrosoft Excel
Best suited to
  • Businesses analyzing operational data
  • Project and task management
  • Financial modeling and reporting
  • Collaborative data analysis
  • Financial analysts
  • Data analysts
  • Businesses managing large datasets
  • Students and professionals working with spreadsheets
Starting priceFrom $0.00 / free plan availableFrom $6.99 / free plan available
CategoryOffice SoftwareOffice Software
Ratings shown4.7 / 5 (1 reviews shown)4.9 / 5 (1 reviews shown)
Features to compare
  • Shared spreadsheet editing
  • Formulas and pivot tables
  • Charts and filtered views
  • Comments and version history
  • Google Forms response collection
  • Formulas and structured tables
  • PivotTables and chart-based analysis
  • Conditional formatting
  • Power Query data import and transformation
  • Shared workbook collaboration
Strengths
  • Free for personal users
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Powerful integrations with Google Workspace
  • Built-in AI analysis with Gemini
  • Accessible from any device
  • Financial analysts
  • Data analysts
  • Businesses managing large datasets
  • Students and professionals working with spreadsheets
Considerations
  • Limited advanced analytics compared to dedicated BI tools
  • Requires internet connection for most features
  • Complex workbooks need careful maintenance and auditing
  • Advanced tools and connectors differ between versions

Before you decide

  1. Which tool fits the way you work?
  2. What will it cost you now and when you renew?
  3. Can you try it on a real task before you choose?

Questions you may have when comparing Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel

What's different about Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel?

Google Sheets lists Shared spreadsheet editing, Formulas and pivot tables and Charts and filtered views. Microsoft Excel lists Formulas and structured tables, PivotTables and chart-based analysis and Conditional formatting. Start with the features you would actually use, then check which plan includes them. A shorter feature list doesn't necessarily mean a tool can't do something you need.

Which one will cost me less?

Compare the total for your team, not just the starting price. Check the billing period, currency, number of users, usage limits and renewal rate, then add any extras you need. If you try a free plan or trial, check what happens when you reach its limits.

How do I choose between Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel?

Pick a task you do often and try it in both tools. If you need Spreadsheet Software, start there. See which feels easier to use and works with the tools you already rely on. Before you pay, check the plan limits and whether you can get the support you need.