They are two very similar programs, but not the same. There are many users who still do not know what the exact characteristics are, as well as the differences between both programs. In this post we are going to analyze both options: Google Sheets vs. Excel. Knowing both proposals well, we can decide which is the best for each situation and each user profile.
Making this comparison between the two programs can be very useful for those who usually work with spreadsheets more or less habitually. In fact, these are the two most used options for organizing and analyzing data. In the following paragraphs we will confront and compare both programs from different points of view. We hope this helps you make a decision.
Key features
Before undertaking the comparison, let's review the main characteristics of Google Sheets and Excel, something that already reveals interesting differences:
Google Sheets
This tool, created in 2006 and perfected over time, is accessible through Google. That is, we need to have a Google account to use it. And if we want to do it from a mobile device, we will also need to download and install the app, available for both Android as if to iOS.
In addition to the possibility of performing all the basic functions of spreadsheets (working with rows and columns, creating graphs, implementing functions, etc.), it offers us the following advantages:
- Integration with other Google products.
- Possibility of sharing the document with other users, and they can edit it.
- Automatic saving of changes.
- Access to the history of changes made to the document.
This is link to download Excel on your computer. Also offers mobile versions Android and to iOS.
Excel
Since the launch of its first versions, back in the 80s, and until very recently, it has always been the number one software for managing large volumes of data. Among the main functions of this Microsoft Excel program highlights the ability to organize and process different types of data within the same spreadsheet. These are its strong points:
- It helps us store large amounts of data in rows and columns.
- It allows you to execute a huge variety of functions and formulas.
- It can be used to create pivot tables, macros and graphs.
- Contains numerous pre-designed templates.
Data analysis
This being one of the main reasons why we resort to this type of programs, it is essential to assess which of the two offers better performance in this aspect. The truth is that, although both tools are very effective, it can be said that in this particular Excel is slightly better.
Is a difference in capacity. Google Sheets has a maximum limit of 1.000 rows, a figure that Excel more than multiplies. Not in vain Microsoft's option was designed with Big Data in mind. If we talk about the number of cells, the difference is also abysmal: Google's option includes a limit of 5 million, which in the case of Excel is 17.000 million.
Formulas and functions
Working with Google Sheets or Excel gives us a very similar experience. We can even say that their respective interfaces and integrated tools are very similar. However, the functions that each option incorporates are not the same.
Here too it must be said that The catalog of available functions is much larger in Excel. The truth is that Microsoft does not stop adding new formulas and functions with each update of your spreadsheet program. We will also find the basics in Sheets, but for professional work that requires a higher degree of precision, Excel is the most appropriate choice.
Cloud storage
This is one of the sections of our comparison in which Google Sheets is more recommended. All the changes that are made when we work with this tool are saved in the cloud automatically. This gives us the peace of mind of being able to access our files from any computer or mobile device at any time and recover our work.
The alternative that Microsoft Excel offers in this sense is instant synchronization. However, this is an option only available for Office 365.
Recorders
A basic question for many users. We must not forget that the graphical representation of data It is one of the most effective ways to present, explain and understand them. If we talk about graphics, both Google Sheets and Excel offer a lot of variety and also a lot of quality.
It is difficult to say which of the two options is better. It is true that Excel was the first software to incorporate this possibility, which has improved over the years with increasingly better diagrams, tables and graphs. However, in a short time Google Sheets has managed to match its offering, both in quantity and quality. We can even affirm that today Its variety of graphics is greater and more interesting.
Price
We reach the decisive point of the cost of each of the tools. And here the balance clearly tips in favor of Google Sheets, since it is a free service. As we have said before, to use it all we have to do is use a Google account. That's all.
On the other hand, to use Excel we need to subscribe to the service. Microsoft 365. Currently, various subscription plans are offered whose cost ranges between 69 and 149 euros per year. At first glance, it seems quite expensive.
Conclusions
After analyzing the comparison between Google Sheets and Excel, the question should be asked: Which is better? The answer, that is, the decision to opt for one program or another, will depend on the needs of each user.
It is not about avoiding the answer, we reason it as follows: Google Sheets has unquestionable advantages such as automatic saving in the cloud and has features that make it especially recommended for teamwork. For its part, Excel has much more advanced options and extensive experience that make it the most recommended program for professional uses. Depending on our situation and our objectives, we will have to choose one or another software.