Google Sheets vs Excel: Is Microsoft Excel or G Sheets Best?

Are you thinking of adopting Microsoft Excel for your analysis? Or are you having a hard time comparing G Sheets vs Excel? Don't worry; we’ve got you covered!

In this Google Sheets vs Excel comparison, we’ll cover everything you need to know about both software and get you started on choosing the best one for your needs. Excited? Let’s get to it, shall we?    

Is Google Sheets the same as Excel?

Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel share many similarities in terms of functionality. They allow you to create, edit, and format spreadsheets, perform calculations, and visualize data. You can also use formulas and functions in both applications to manipulate data and automate tasks. So, in a way, they are similar.

However, there are important distinctions to consider. Google Sheets, also known as the Google version of Excel, is a web-based application that is part of the Google Suite. It is designed for collaboration and allows multiple users to work on a spreadsheet simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for team projects. 

On the other hand, Excel, which is the Microsoft equivalent of Google Sheets, is a desktop app that is part of the Microsoft Office suite, like Onedrive and Onenote. Though Excel also offers collaboration features, it is still not as smooth and real-time as Google Sheets.

What is the difference between Google Sheets and Excel?

The main difference between Excel and Google Sheets is that Google Sheets is a web-based application that is part of the Google Suite, while Excel is a desktop-based software within the Microsoft Office suite. This distinction affects how you access and collaborate on your spreadsheets. 

With Google Sheets, you can work on your spreadsheets from any device with an internet connection and easily collaborate with someone, making it ideal for team projects or remote work. You can check out our full Google Sheets review for more details. 

Conversely, Excel is primarily installed on a single device, although Microsoft has introduced cloud-based versions that offer some online accessibility and collaboration features.

Another notable factor to consider is each application's advanced features and capabilities. Microsoft applications such as Excel have a long-standing reputation as robust and powerful spreadsheet software. It has a wide range of advanced tools for data analysis, complex calculations, and automation. 

Excel also supports numerous third-party add-ins, such as power query, that further extend its functionality; these are covered in detail in our Microsoft Excel review. Although Sheets has made significant progress in recent years, it may not match Excel's depth and breadth of advanced features, but we hope it gets better in 2024.

Additionally, the learning curve can differ between Google Sheets and Excel. Google Sheets is generally more user-friendly and easier to learn, with a simpler interface and easier accessibility. 

Conversely, Excel has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive capabilities and features. Google Sheets might be preferable if you're already familiar with other Google tools or prefer a more straightforward interface. However, Excel's power and versatility might be more suitable if you work with large amounts of data or do advanced analysis.
 

How are Google Sheets and Excel the same?

When comparing the pros and cons of Google Sheets vs Excel, it's essential to highlight the similarities between these two popular spreadsheet software options. While they have unique features, Google Sheets and Excel share several commonalities that make them valuable tools for managing data and creating spreadsheets. Here are a few of them:

Core Spreadsheet Functionality:

Both Google Sheets and Excel offer the fundamental functionalities required for creating, organizing, and manipulating data in a spreadsheet format. You can perform some functions like posting data as values or applying or removing filters, creating multiple sheets within a workbook, inputting data, formatting cells, and applying various formatting options like font styles, cell colors, and borders. 

Both applications allow you to carry out basic data analysis functionalities using formulas and functions, making it easy to perform calculations and analyze data.

Data Visualization:

Both Google Sheets and Excel provide options for visualizing data. You can create charts, graphs, and pivot tables to present data in a visually appealing and understandable format. These visualizations help spot trends and communicate data effectively.

Formula and Function Support:

Google Sheets and Excel support various formulas and functions that allow you to perform complex calculations and automate tasks. 

Whether you need to sum up values, find averages, perform statistical analysis, or perform logical operations, both applications offer a comprehensive library of built-in functions to meet your needs.

Compatibility with Other Formats:

With Google Sheets and Excel, you can import and export files in various formats, including CSV, XLS, and XLSX. This compatibility ensures you can work with data from external sources or share your spreadsheets using different software.

Integration with Third-Party Services:

Both Google Sheets and Excel offer integration with third-party services and APIs, allowing you to extend the functionality of the applications. 

For example, you can connect Google Sheets or Excel to data sources like databases, web services, or even external add-ins, enabling you to automate data imports, access real-time data, or perform advanced analysis using specialized tools.

Google Sheets vs Excel comparison chart

The following table contains the difference between Excel and Google Spreadsheet at a glance: 

Google Sheets vs Excel pricing

Google Sheets offers a cost-effective solution, and individuals can use it for free as it's only $5/month for businesses. This affordable access and its cloud-based nature make it an attractive choice for startups and small businesses with limited budgets. 

On the other hand, Excel is a part of the Microsoft Office suite, which requires a subscription. The cost of Excel varies depending on the Office 365 plan chosen, with different pricing tiers (starting at $8.5) available for personal, business, and enterprise use. 

Winner: Google Sheets

While the subscription fee provides access to a suite of Microsoft applications, including Excel, it may be a more significant investment for entrepreneurs. Hence, Google Sheets is the cost-effective option.
 

Excel vs Google Sheets free versions

Excel and Google Sheets offer free versions, providing users with basic spreadsheet functionalities. The free version of Excel, known as Excel Online or the online version of Excel, allows users to access and edit spreadsheets via a web browser. While it lacks some of the advanced features of the desktop version, it still provides a solid foundation for basic spreadsheet tasks.

On the other hand, Google Sheets' free version is entirely web-based and provides a comprehensive set of features comparable to Excel Online. It offers collaborative editing, cloud storage, and compatibility with various file formats.

Winner: Google Sheets

Google Sheets free version offers more flexible functionalities and an outstanding user experience.
 

Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel customer support

Microsoft offers a comprehensive support system for Excel, including documentation, user forums, and dedicated support channels. Users can access a vast knowledge base, seek assistance from Microsoft experts, or engage with the Excel community for guidance and solutions.

Google Sheets provides support primarily through its Help Center, which offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and troubleshooting resources. Users can also seek assistance from the Google Sheets community forum or submit inquiries to the Google support team.

Winner: Excel

We go with Excel because, unlike Google Sheets, Excel users can easily get faster responses to their queries via different channels.
 

Knowledgebase & Learning

Excel has been around for a while, so they have many online tutorials, training courses, and certification programs. Users can access Microsoft's official learning platform, explore third-party training providers, or participate in community-driven initiatives to deepen their Excel knowledge completely free. The abundance of learning materials caters to entrepreneurs seeking to upskill in advanced Excel techniques.

Google Sheets also offers a range of learning resources, including tutorials, guides, and community forums. Google offers step-by-step instructions and tips to help users leverage the full potential of Google products, including Sheets.

Winner: Excel

There are more educational resources available for Microsoft Excel than Google Sheets.  

Microsoft Excel vs Google Sheets features & functionality

The easiest way to figure out which of these two fits your needs is to compare their features. Here are a few features you might want to know about:

Google Sheets or Excel for ease of use?

Google Sheets offers a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and simplicity, making it easier to learn and use. Its collaborative features and cloud-based nature allow multiple users to work on a spreadsheet simultaneously, enhancing productivity for team projects.

On the other hand, Excel's extensive functionalities and advanced features may make it initially more challenging for newcomers. However, its desktop version provides a wealth of customization options and powerful data analysis capabilities, making it a preferred choice for professionals who require complex calculations and in-depth data manipulation.

Winner: Tie

It ultimately depends on your level of expertise and the specific requirements of your tasks. Google Sheets is easier to get started with and offers seamless collaboration, while Excel provides a wider array of advanced tools and customization options for experienced users.
 

Excel Online vs Google Sheets

Having a hard time making a comparison of Google Sheets vs Excel online? Here’s what to consider: Google Sheets, being inherently web-based, offers instant access from any device with an internet connection. It also excels in real-time collaboration, as multiple users can simultaneously edit a spreadsheet and view changes as they occur.

Excel Online, on the other hand, is a lighter version of the desktop software that provides basic spreadsheet functionalities. While it offers cloud storage and access to files from anywhere, its collaboration features are not as seamless as Google Sheets.

Winner: Google Sheets

Google Sheets was natively created as a web application. Unlike Excel, which gives you access to basic features, you can access all the features online.
 

Google Sheets vs Excel desktop versions

Excel's desktop version is renowned for its extensive range of advanced features, making it the go-to software for complex data analysis, financial modeling, and automation. It supports powerful add-ins that can further enhance its functionality.

Google Sheets, on the other hand, provides a simpler and more user-friendly experience. While it may not offer the same advanced features as Excel, it covers most basic spreadsheet requirements and provides a seamless transition from the web-based version.

Winner: Excel Desktop Version

Excel Desktop Version has more robust features than Google Sheets.
 

G Sheets vs. Excel mobile apps

Google Sheets' mobile app retains the same user-friendly interface and collaborative features as its web-based counterpart. It offers a smooth, intuitive experience for basic spreadsheet tasks and quick edits.

Excel's mobile app provides comprehensive features, enabling users to perform complex calculations, apply formatting, and access a vast range of functions. While it may have a steeper learning curve for beginners, it offers a powerful toolset for advanced spreadsheet management.

Winner: Excel Mobile App

With the Excel mobile app, you have almost all of your advanced features anytime you need them.
 

Google Sheets vs. Excel formulas

Excel is renowned for its extensive library of formulas and functions, offering advanced mathematical, statistical, and logical operations. It provides robust support for complex calculations and offers a higher level of customization.

Google Sheets also offers a comprehensive range of formulas and functions, covering most standard requirements. While there are differences between Excel and Google Sheets formulas, Google Sheets caters well to basic and intermediate user needs.

Winner: Excel

Excel is notable for its ability to handle complex formulas seamlessly. 
 

Excel vs Sheets integrations

When it comes to Google spreadsheet vs Microsoft Excel spreadsheet integrations, it’s an easy choice. Google Sheets integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace applications such as Google Docs, Gmail, and Google Forms. It also supports various add-ons from the G Suite Marketplace, allowing users to enhance their spreadsheet capabilities with specialized tools.

However, you don't need to worry when using Excel as it boasts an extensive ecosystem of integrations thanks to its long-standing popularity and widespread adoption. It supports integration with various services and add-ins, allowing users to connect with data sources, automate workflows, and perform advanced analysis. 

Winner: Excel

Microsoft Excel offers integration with more everyday services than Google Sheets.
 

Is Google Sheets compatible with Excel?

Questions often arise on Google Sheets Excel compatibility. Yes, Google Sheets allows you to import and export files in various formats, including CSV, XLS, and XLSX. This compatibility ensures seamless file exchange between Google Sheets and Excel, making collaborating with users who prefer Excel easy.

Product limitations

While both Google Sheets and Excel excel in their respective areas, they do have some limitations to be aware of. Google Sheets may have performance issues when dealing with large datasets, as its processing power is limited by its web-based nature. There are also practical issues, like the fact that on Google Sheets you cannot have a keyboard shortcut. Conversely, Excel may have a steeper learning curve for beginners due to its extensive functionality.

Winner: Tie

The winner in terms of product limitations depends on your specific needs and priorities. Google Sheets is suitable for smaller datasets and collaboration, while Excel provides advanced capabilities despite its learning curve. 
 

Excel or Google Sheets for business and entrepreneurs

Excel, being a longstanding industry leader, offers a comprehensive set of features and functionalities tailored to the needs of business professionals. It excels in advanced data analysis, complex calculations, and customizable visualizations, making it a go-to tool for financial modeling, forecasting, and sophisticated reporting.

On the other hand, Collaboration in Google Sheets presents a compelling case for entrepreneurs seeking collaborative and cloud-based solutions, helping them to easily connect with team members, investors, or clients on a shared spreadsheet.

Winner: Tie

There is no definitive winner in this category as the choice between Excel and Google Sheets for businesses entrepreneurs depends on specific requirements and preferences. Excel shines in advanced analytical capabilities, while Google Sheets excels in collaborative work environments.

Is Excel better than Google Sheets? Key takeaways

After examining the similarities between Google Sheets and Excel and considering their respective strengths, it's clear that both spreadsheet applications share core functionalities and provide valuable data management and analysis tools. 

However, if you’re still asking, “Which is better Excel or Google Sheets?” Here’s your answer; When it comes to complex data analysis, financial modeling, and automation, Excel shines with its advanced features, extensive customization options, and robust data analysis tools. 

Now, why is Excel better than Google Sheets for analysis? As one of the best spreadsheet software, Its desktop version offers a powerful suite of functionalities that cater to the needs of professionals who require in-depth spreadsheet capabilities.

On the other hand, Google Sheets makes progress in enabling collaboration and making it easier to use for remote teams. The ease of use and integration with other Google Workspace applications enhance its collaborative capabilities. With Google Sheets, you don't need to worry about saving your files, as it automatically saves your google sheets to Google drive. 

Ultimately, the decision between Excel and Google Sheets boils down to your specific requirements. If you prioritize advanced features and sophisticated data analysis, Excel may be your better option. However, if collaboration and accessibility are key factors, Google Sheets offers a user-friendly interface and real-time collaboration features.

FAQs

Is there a Google version of Excel?

Yes, Google Sheets is Google's equivalent of Microsoft Excel. It serves as a web-based spreadsheet application that offers comparable functionalities to Excel. With Google Sheets, users can create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets online, just like they would with Excel. It is also a cost-effective alternative to Excel.
 

Is Google Sheets like Excel?

Yes, Google Sheets is like Excel. They both share many similarities, making them comparable spreadsheet applications. Both provide the ability to organize and analyze data, create formulas, generate charts, and perform various calculations. However, there are some differences in terms of specific features, interfaces, and formulas. 
 

Does Google Sheets have the same functions as Excel?

Google Sheets has a wide range of functions that are similar to those in Excel. While there may be some variations in syntax and specific functions, Google Sheets provides most of the commonly used functions found in Excel, making it a capable alternative for data analysis and calculations.
 

Is Google Sheets as good as Excel?

The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. Google Sheets excels in collaboration and accessibility with its web-based platform, real-time collaboration features, and integration with other Google Workspace applications. However, Excel offers advanced features and customization options, making it more suitable for complex data analysis and extensive calculations.
 

Do Excel formulas work in Google Sheets?

Many Excel formulas work in Google Sheets without any modifications. Google Sheets supports a large number of Excel formulas, allowing users to perform various calculations and data manipulations. However, there might be some differences or limitations in specific functions or formula syntax, requiring adjustments when transitioning between the two applications.