The ability for any business to manage and utilize their data is a key to success. One of the best ways to do this is through the use of spreadsheet software. There are two main data-management spreadsheet programs that businesses have adopted. One is available through Google’s G Suite, known as Google Sheets, and the other is Microsoft Excel. Each program has value, and in this blog we will be looking at the difference between Google Sheets and Excel.
If you’re ready to learn more about the difference between Google Sheets and Excel, consider their variations and functionality in each of the following categories:
- Simplicity: If you’re looking for a simple spreadsheet solution for your business or team, Google Sheets is a very clean and easy-to-use solution that nearly anyone can adopt. It functions much like any other G Suite program. Many businesses find the capabilities of Google Sheets to be enough, but if not, Excel offers much more functionality that is capable of handling nearly any business’s needs.
- Storage Location: In general, traditional Excel files are stored locally on your computer’s hard drive, while Google Sheet documents are stored in the Google Cloud and accessible through your G Suite account. Microsoft Office now offers cloud solutions for their Office Suite, including Excel. The benefit of the cloud solution is that your data will be safe if your computer is lost or damaged; the main difference is Sheets are native to the cloud, but it’s an upgrade for Excel.
- Functionality: Both Excel and Google Sheets offer many of the same formulas and data-crunching options, but Excel definitely takes it to the next level. If your business needs to utilize very complicated figures, Excel may be the way to go.
- Collaboration: Depending on how your system is set up, both Excel and Google Sheets allows for collaboration, but it comes more naturally in Sheets. You can easily add users and all work on the document at the same time the less risk of overriding each other’s work.
- Data Management: If your spreadsheet solution needs to be able to hold thousands of rows of entries, Excel is the way to go. Sheets has a reputation of majorly slowing down when large amounts of data are at play, while Excel is designed to hold a large number of entries.
- Data Display: While both Excel and Google Sheets offer tools to help users visually display their data through charts, graphs, and the like – Excel has many more options available to users. If displaying your data in a professional and understandable way is important for your business, Excel is the more powerful option.
- Cost: Depending on your needs, the cost of your Google Sheets subscription will vary. Rates can be found here; but in general, the more storage space you need, the bigger your bill will be. Similarly, the cost of Excel will vary depending on your needs, and whether you bundle it with other Office products. You can see pricing for Excel here.
- Security: If your company handles any amount of private data, it’s imperative the systems you use are secure. Both Excel and Google Sheets have made great strides in protecting data, especially if your data is on the cloud. If you’re saving your data locally on your hard drive, it might be at greater risk.
When you compare the difference between Google Sheets and Excel, many businesses choose Excel because of its immense power and functionality. But, don’t count out Google Sheets yet, because it has come a long ways in recent years, and businesses are attracted to its simplicity and accessibility.
If you’re ready to learn more about what you and your team can do with a spreadsheet solution, consider taking one or more of our Excel classes at Digital Workshop Center. We offer classes for all levels designed to give you and you and your team the skills you need to quantify your data and create valuable reports. Learn more about our Excel classes here, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!