Microsoft Excel vs. Google Sheets: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

Microsoft Excel is a robust, feature-rich spreadsheet software, while Google Sheets is a web-based, collaborative spreadsheet application.

Microsoft Excel vs. Google Sheets

Key Differences

Microsoft Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite, known for its extensive range of features and tools for complex data analysis and visualization. Google Sheets, a part of Google Workspace, emphasizes ease of use and real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a document simultaneously.

Nov 22, 2023

In terms of accessibility, Microsoft Excel requires software installation on a computer and offers a desktop-based interface. Google Sheets operates entirely in the cloud, accessible through a web browser, making it platform-independent and more accessible from various devices.

Nov 22, 2023

When it comes to advanced functionalities, Microsoft Excel stands out with its superior data analysis capabilities, including more complex formulas, pivot tables, and various data manipulation tools. Google Sheets, while offering many similar features, is designed for simpler, more straightforward tasks and collaborations.

Nov 22, 2023

Excel’s integration with other Microsoft Office tools like Word and PowerPoint is seamless, making it a preferred choice for users heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Google Sheets integrates efficiently with other Google services like Google Drive and Docs, appealing to users reliant on Google’s ecosystem.

Nov 22, 2023

The storage and sharing of documents differ significantly; Excel files are stored on local storage or cloud services like OneDrive, requiring manual sharing. Google Sheets are stored on Google Drive, inherently designed for easy sharing and collaborative editing in real-time.

Nov 22, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Platform

Desktop-based software.

Web-based application.

Nov 22, 2023

Collaboration

Limited real-time collaboration.

Strong real-time collaboration features.

Nov 22, 2023

Advanced Features

More complex data analysis tools.

Simpler, user-friendly features.

Nov 22, 2023

Ecosystem Integration

Integrates with Microsoft Office suite.

Integrates with Google Workspace tools.

Nov 22, 2023

Accessibility

Requires software installation.

Accessible through a web browser.

Nov 22, 2023

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Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets Definitions

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel offers tools for creating charts, graphs, and pivot tables.

Our market research data was visualized using pivot tables in Microsoft Excel.

Nov 18, 2023

Google Sheets

Sheets provides essential spreadsheet functionalities with a user-friendly interface.

I created a simple budget planner on Google Sheets.

Nov 18, 2023

Microsoft Excel

Excel is used for storing, organizing, and manipulating numerical data.

I track my monthly expenses in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Nov 18, 2023

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet program for data organization.

We shared our event planning details on Google Sheets.

Nov 18, 2023

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel supports macros and VBA for advanced data tasks.

We automated our data entry process using macros in Microsoft Excel.

Nov 18, 2023

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Google Sheets

Google Sheets allows real-time editing and sharing via the web.

I shared our travel itinerary with friends through Google Sheets.

Nov 18, 2023

Microsoft Excel

Excel is a part of Microsoft Office suite, known for complex data functions.

I organized our budget using advanced formulas in Microsoft Excel.

Nov 18, 2023

Google Sheets

Google Sheets integrates well with other Google applications like Docs and Drive.

Our survey data in Google Sheets was easily imported into a Google Docs report.

Nov 18, 2023

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program for data analysis and visualization.

We used Microsoft Excel to create the annual sales report.

Nov 18, 2023

Google Sheets

Sheets is part of Google Workspace, emphasizing collaboration and accessibility.

Our team simultaneously edited the project timeline in Google Sheets.

Nov 18, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Do Excel and Sheets offer pivot table functionality?

Yes, both offer pivot tables, with Excel having more advanced options.

Nov 22, 2023

Is real-time collaboration possible in Excel?

Limited, primarily via OneDrive, while Sheets offers extensive collaboration.

Nov 22, 2023

What is Microsoft Excel?

A spreadsheet software from Microsoft for data analysis and reporting.

Nov 22, 2023

Can Excel and Sheets files be converted between each other?

Yes, both can be converted, but some features may not be compatible.

Nov 22, 2023

Is Google Sheets free to use?

Yes, Sheets is free with a Google account.

Nov 22, 2023

Can I import data from external sources in both Excel and Sheets?

Yes, both can import data, with Excel supporting a wider range of formats.

Nov 22, 2023

What is Google Sheets?

A web-based spreadsheet application part of Google Workspace.

Nov 22, 2023

Does Excel support macro and VBA?

Yes, Excel supports macros and VBA for automation.

Nov 22, 2023

Are there template options in both Excel and Sheets?

Yes, both offer a variety of templates for different use cases.

Nov 22, 2023

How do Excel and Sheets handle large datasets?

Excel handles large datasets better, while Sheets is more suited for smaller datasets.

Nov 22, 2023

Are Google Sheets accessible offline?

Yes, with the Google Chrome browser extension.

Nov 22, 2023

Does Excel have better charting options than Sheets?

Excel generally offers more sophisticated charting and data visualization tools.

Nov 22, 2023

Can I use Excel on multiple platforms?

Excel is available on Windows, macOS, and as a limited mobile app.

Nov 22, 2023

How does data security compare in Excel and Sheets?

Both offer robust security features, with differences in cloud vs local storage.

Nov 22, 2023

How do Excel and Sheets differ in mobile app functionality?

Excel's mobile app has more limited features compared to its desktop version, while Sheets' mobile app closely mirrors its web functionality.

Nov 22, 2023

Can I track changes in both Excel and Sheets?

Sheets has superior real-time change tracking, while Excel's is more limited.

Nov 22, 2023

Can I create custom functions in Excel and Sheets?

Excel allows custom functions through VBA, while Sheets uses Apps Script.

Nov 22, 2023

Are there collaboration limits in Excel and Sheets?

Excel has limitations in simultaneous collaboration, whereas Sheets excels in this aspect.

Nov 22, 2023

Is cloud storage the default for Excel?

No, local storage is default, but cloud storage is available through OneDrive.

Nov 22, 2023

Do both Excel and Sheets offer data filtering and sorting?

Yes, both have comprehensive data filtering and sorting capabilities.

Nov 22, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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