Google Sheets vs. Excel: Are Google Sheets Better than Excel

Use Cases
Arushi Monga May 17, 2024

While thinking of organizing data, spreadsheet applications that commonly come to mind are MS Excel and Google Sheets.

Then, the debate arises between Google Sheets vs. Excel.

Should I use Google Sheets?

Should I use MS Excel?

This conundrum regarding Excel vs Google Sheets is common. In this blog, we will help you solve this dilemma.

Table of Content

  1. What is Excel?
  2. What is Google Sheets?
  3. What is the difference between Excel and Google Sheets?
  4. Features of Google Sheets & Excel
  5. How to use Google Sheets?
  6. Automate spreadsheets with free connectors Tools by Vaizle

What is Excel?

Excel is a spreadsheet and is Microsoft’s software solution. It has been used to organize data and analyze it in the form of charts, lists, etc. It also has built-in functions for advanced calculations. Statistical analysis and visualization of data are two powerful features that make it stand out.

What is Google Sheets?

It is Google’s spreadsheet software. It is available as a mobile app, desktop app, and also as a web app. It is the easiest spreadsheet to create and update online and share it with others for collaboration. It is cloud-based and is free. It also records your revision history. It helps in restoring the previous draft of the data.

What is the difference between Excel and Google Sheets?

To answer the Google Sheets vs Excel dilemma, consider the following aspects:

 “What do you intend to use the spreadsheet for?”

  • If collaborating with your employees, peers, or team is the main requirement, then the answer lies in Google Spreadsheets. Moreover, it is free to use. Its user interface is beginner-friendly.
  • If you are an individual user, then consider Microsoft Excel. Excel comes with powerful data analysis features. If you need to perform advanced statistical analysis and visualization of data, then Microsoft Excel will be your best bet.
AspectGoogle SheetsExcel
Data AnalysisGoogle Sheets offers an extensive library of formulas. When compared to MS Excel it lacks some statistical tests and functions.Microsoft Excel provides an extensive library of formulas, including advanced functions and statistical tests.
Data VisualizationSheets provides a decent selection of data visualization options. The data visualization options are not as advanced as those of Microsoft Excel.Microsoft Excel offers a wide range of data visualization options. For data sets that are complex, it has an intelligent “Recommended Charts” feature.
CollaborationGoogle Sheets is built for live collaboration. It has intuitive tools such as live chat and easily accessible version tracking.Collaboration in Excel may require additional setup and alignment of versions, with fewer intuitive collaborative tools.
SimplicityIt is very simple to use for beginners. The interface has fewer advanced tools with a clear and minimally cluttered interface.Excel contains many advanced features and tools. This results in a slightly cluttered interface and a steeper learning curve.
AutosaveIt automatically saves the data entered into Google Drive.It can automatically save the data entered into OneDrive.
SpeedHandling large quantities of data can slow down the Google Sheets platform.Excel can easily handle huge quantities of data. There is minimal impact on its performance.
Keyboard ShortcutsIt provides limited keyboard shortcuts, avoiding conflicts with browser shortcuts.It contains a multitude of built-in shortcuts with no conflicts, including shortcuts that Google Sheets lacks.
PriceGoogle Sheets is free for individual use, with business plans available as part of Google Workspace. Business Starter: $6/user/month business Standard: $12/user/month business Plus: $18/user/monthMicrosoft Excel offers a desktop app with a one-time fee, while Microsoft 365 requires a subscription, and device access may be limited. Excel desktop app: $159.99 (one-time fee for one device)Microsoft 365 Personal: $69.99/year Microsoft 365 Family (1-6 people): $99.99/year

Hopefully, the above table will solve your Excel vs Google Sheets conundrum.

Features of Google Sheets & Excel

Now let us take a look at the features of both these spreadsheet software to help you solve your Google Sheets vs Excel dilemma.

Features of Google Sheets:

  • Create and modify spreadsheets online
  • Collaborate easily with your team
  • Go back to previous versions of your sheet
  • Use formulas and functions to analyze your data
  • Basic charts and graphical presentation options are available
  • Import your sheet into other modes like Microsoft Word, etc.

Features of Microsoft Excel:

  • Create and modify worksheets
  • Perform advanced calculations and statistical analysis
  • Advanced data visualization features in the form of charts and graphs are available
  • You get unlimited storage with Excel.

How to use Google Sheets?

You can use Google Sheets either on your:

  • Desktop
  • Mobile Application
  1. To create a new spreadsheet, choose  “Blank”.
  2. Click on any cell and type your data.
  3. For calculations, you can use functions to add the data; you can use the “=SUM()” function.
  4. You can format the data by changing the style or adding borders to the cells.
  5. You can create multiple sheets within a single spreadsheet.
  6. You can share your sheet with your team by clicking the “Share” button. You have the option to give them access either to edit or just view the document.
  7. Google Sheets also come with templates for budgets, calendars, etc. So, you can start with these templates too.

Automate spreadsheets with free connectors Tools by Vaizle

Vaizle Connectors are marketing analytics tools that allow you to connect your marketing data from 7 different sources, such as Facebook Ads, Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Facebook Page, Instagram Page, LinkedIn Page, and YouTube Page data, to Google Sheets. This allows you to automate the process of collecting and analyzing your data, and to create customized reports that provide valuable insights into your marketing performance. These are the seven Free Vaizle Google Sheet Connector Tools that can help you export data to Google Sheets

  1. Free Facebook Ads to Google Sheet Tool
  2. Free Google Ads to Google Sheet Tool
  3. Free LinkedIn Ads to Google Sheet Tool
  4. Free Facebook Page to Google Sheet Tool
  5. Free Instagram Page to Google Sheet Tool
  6. Free LinkedIn Page to Google Sheet Tool
  7. Free YouTube Page to Google Sheet Tool

Vaizle connectors are easy to use and require no coding knowledge. You can connect your data in just a few clicks, and then schedule Vaizle to refresh your data regularly. Vaizle also offers a variety of customized reports, so you can start analyzing your data right away.

Vaizle connectors can be used by businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. They are a valuable tool for marketing teams, sales teams, and business owners who want to improve their marketing performance.

Here are some of the benefits of using Vaizle connectors:

  • Automate your marketing data collection and analysis: Vaizle connectors can save you a lot of time by automating the process of collecting and analyzing your marketing data. This allows you to focus on other important tasks, such as creating and executing marketing campaigns.
  • Gain insights into your marketing performance: Vaizle connectors can help you gain valuable insights into your marketing performance. By tracking your key metrics over time, you can identify which campaigns are working well and which ones need improvement.
  • Create customized reports: Vaizle connectors allow you to create customized reports that provide the specific information you need to make informed marketing decisions. You can also share your reports with your team or clients.

Related post: Step-by-Step Guide for Creating a Social Media Report with Vaizle Marketing Analytics Suite

If you are looking for a way to improve your marketing performance, Vaizle connectors are a great option. They are easy to use, affordable, and can provide you with valuable insights into your marketing.

Conclusion

To conclude, the answer to the Google Sheets vs. Excel debate mainly lies in the purpose of your usage. If you are looking to collaborate with a team, google Sheets is meant for it. If the data is bulky and requires advanced formulas and even statistical analysis, a beginner Microsoft Excel can be your choice. For a beginner, Google Sheets is easier to navigate.

Vaizle now offers exclusive access to all paid features for $1 only. Sign up for the 7-day trial and explore our range of tools — including social media, ad, and competitive SM analysis. Also, try our newly launched Ads to Google Sheet connectors to make your marketing journey insightful. Cancel or change plans anytime.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Sheets the same as Excel?

No, they are both different spreadsheet software. Google Sheets is beginner-friendly spreadsheet software and is meant for collaboration purposes. Microsoft Excel, on the other hand, offers advanced calculation capabilities.

What can Excel do that Google Sheets can’t?

Excel is more advanced spreadsheet software as compared to Google Sheets. It has the following advanced capabilities

1. Advanced statistical tests
2. Comprehensive keyboard shortcuts
3. Extensive data analytical tools
4. Higher-level functions for calculations

How is Google Sheets different from Excel?

Google Sheets interface is beginner-friendly. It also offers real-time collaboration opportunities, which Excel does not. You can choose whether others have the option to view or edit your file. The data is saved automatically to your Google Drive.

Do companies use Excel or Google Sheets?

Both. While Microsoft Excel has been most widely used, Google Sheets has become increasingly popular, too. The choice will depend on your objective to use the software.

Is Google Sheets free?

Google Sheets is free for individual use, with business plans available as part of Google Workspace. Here are the plans:

1. Business Starter: $6/user/month
2. Business Standard: $12/user/month
3. Business Plus: $18/user/month

About the Author

Arushi Monga

Arushi Monga

Arushi is a proficient SEO and ASO specialist with a 5-year track record working for B2B and B2C organizations. Currently, she is heading SEO strategy for Vaizle and helping businesses improve their online presence. A mountain girl at heart, she likes to recharge her creative abilities by taking long walks and listening to podcasts.

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