Google Sheets
GOOGLE SHEETS
- An internet connection
- A Google account (if you don't have an account, click here for details on how to set one up)
- A web browser
Differences between Google Sheets and Excel
As a part of Google Drive suite, Google Sheets online program was released in 2006. It emerged unexpectedly and introduced a totally different way of data and document management.
In spite of the growing popularity of Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel has preserved its image and users. There are individuals who use both tools, whereas other strictly choose a desktop or online solution. If you are not sure what spreadsheet program would be the best for your needs, here are some of the main differences:
- Google Sheets is totally free, so if you run on a tight budget, this is the right choice for you
- Microsoft Excel is not free but it has a lot of professional features that you cannot find in Google Sheets
- If you prefer desktop, offline solutions, and no internet required, Excel is for you
- For those who like to work on the go, Google Sheets is accessible everywhere
- However, Excel also has an online solution and a mobile app
- Excel can handle more data than Google Sheets so it is the right choice for those who deal with big data sets
- You can find more data visualisation features in Excel than in Google sheets
- Formulas are simply better in Excel, although there are a couple of very cool functions in Google Sheets that don't exist in Excel
- Collaboration is easier in Google Sheets because it can be a real time; also multiple people can work in the same sheet at the same time
Can Google Sheets do everything Excel can?
As you can see from the list above, Google Sheets cover most of the basic Excel spreadsheet features. You can use Google Sheets to store data, to make data visualisations, charts, to make formulas but all these features are limited, compared to Excel.
If you need to handle a bigger amount of data, create complex formulas and better looking charts, that the answer is no - Google Sheets cannot do everything Excel can.
Advantages and disadvantages of Google Sheets
On the other hand, Google sheets has other advantages and some people may find it as a better solution to Excel.
Advantages of Google Sheets (when to use it):
- Real time collaboration: if you work with a team on the same matter, you can use Google Sheets to add data at the same time, wherever you are
- It has very simple interface, so individuals with beginner computer skills would feel more comfortable working in Google Sheets
- Everything is saved automatically, no need to worry whether your computer will crash. If you have a slow or old computer, Google Sheets is a safer option
- When you store data and documents online, your computer doesn’t lose memory
- It is free to use
Disadvantages of Google Sheets (when to use Excel):
- If you deal with big data, Google Sheets may work slower than Excel
- Google Sheets doesn’t have a wide range of data visualisation options unlike Excel
- For complex accounting and bookkeeping, formulas in Google Sheets are not good enough
- Google Sheets documents are on the cloud, so if someone hacks your business email, your data may leak. If you worry about data safety, Excel is better for preserving important and confidential documents
Whatever your preference, we work with both platforms. To discuss and obtain a quote for a project, please use our contact form.