Consider yourself as a data analyst, assigned with a task to figure out the massive dataset for your company.
What would you use– Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel?
Now, this question doesn’t have a clear answer because the choice depends on each person’s suitability. But, know what? This is where you are mistaken!
These tools are similar, not the same, so if you pick the wrong one, you might get frustrated in the long run.
For a very long time, MS Excel has been like a king in the field of data. But then, with advancements in technology, Google Sheets entered, all while MS Excel was being continuously upgraded.
Result?
Now, the tools both play tug-of-war in the minds of users leaving them with the question: Which one should I choose?
In this blog, we will erase this confusion by getting deep into the features, strengths, and limitations of Google Sheets and MS Excel. By the end, you’ll have clarity on which tool is more suitable for your needs.
Is there any difference between Google Sheets and MS Excel?
Before going into the details, let’s first clarify whether these tools are even different.
Yes, there are!
As mentioned before, both the tools are similar but not same. So there exist some significant differences.
No doubt that both of them are used extensively but their features vary greatly according to needs.
Hence, for long-term usage, it becomes significantly important to choose the right tools to maintain your productivity and efficiency level.
Let’s explore the differences in detail.
MS Excel vs Google Sheets
Feature | Microsoft Excel | Google Sheets |
Collaboration | Limited collaboration without cloud services like OneDrive | Real-time collaboration is seamless and built into the platform |
Data Capacity | Can handle large datasets(up to 10,48,576 rows and 16,348 columns) | Limited to 10 million cells per sheet |
Functions and Formulas | Advanced formulas, extensive library and support for VBA scripting. | Offers most basic formulas and lacks advanced features like VBA |
Speed and performance | Excellent for large datasets but requires high-performance hardware. | Slower with large datasets. |
Add-ons and Integrations | Supports Power Query, Power Pivot and Add-ins for advanced analytics. | Integrates easily with Google Workspace and third-party add-ons. |
Offline Access | Fully functional in offline mode. | Requires internet for full functionality but supports offline editing. |
Automation | Allows powerful automation with VBA macros, enabling highly customized workflows. | Uses Google Apps Script for automation, but it’s less advanced and versatile compared to VBA. |
Cost | Requires a subscription to Microsoft 365, making it a paid tool. | Free for individual users, with paid plans available for businesses. |
Data Visualization | Offers advanced charting options with extensive customization and integrates with Power BI for detailed dashboards. | Provides basic charting capabilities, suitable for simpler visualizations but not for complex dashboards |
Security | Offers enterprise-grade security with advanced encryption and local data storage options. | Relies on cloud infrastructure for security, which may raise concerns for sensitive data |
Important differences between the tools
1. Collaboration
Google Sheets: Google Sheets are better than MS Excel for collaboration purposes because it allows multiple users i.e. more than one user to edit simultaneously. Additionally, the changes are updated in real-time, making it smooth and better for remote teams.
MS Excel: Excel also supports collaborations but they are specifically cloud-based collaborations through OneDrive, and the experience isn’t as good as Google Sheets.
2. Data Handling Capacity
Google Sheets: Google Sheets have limited data handling capacity which is up to 1 crore cells, which can be restrictive for large-scale data analysis.
MS Excel: This has better data handling capacity. It can handle over a million rows and thousands of columns. So, clearly, Excel wins here.
3. Functions & Formulas
Google Sheets: This covers only essential formulas like SUM, AVERAGE, VLOOKUP, etc. The advanced features like array formulas or statistical tools are missing here.
MS Excel: Again MS Office wins here because it offers a wide range of formulas, including complex financial, statistical, and logical formulas.
All in all, Google Sheets ranks higher than MS Excel. But, does it mean you should not use Google Sheets?
No! According to your work range, you should select your tool. Below, we are listing the best case scenarios for the usage of the tools.
When to Use Google Sheets?
Google Sheets is best for:
- Small to medium-sized datasets.
- Real-time collaboration in remote teams. So, if your team needs instant updates and edits, go on with this!
- This allows very smooth integrations with Google Workspace like Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Forms makes for quick sharing and automation.
- If you’re working in a start-up or you are budget-conscious then go for this
When to Use MS Excel?
MS Excel is best for:
- Handling large datasets with advanced data analysis requirements.
- Professionals needing VBA scripting for automation. It supports Power Pivot, Power Query, and VBA, which are essential for in-depth data analysis and automation.
- Users who rely on offline access and advanced tools like Power Pivot or Power Query.
- Creating complex financial models or statistical analyses.
Performance in Data Analysis-
Which out of the two tools performs better while data analysis?
To answer this we need to concentrate specifically on the tools while they clean, visualize and automate Data.
1. Data Cleaning:
Excel performs better here with its advanced features like Text to Columns, Flash Fill, and complex formula support.
Google Sheets has basic cleaning tools but lacks depth for large datasets.
2.Data Visualization:
Excel’s charting capabilities are too good. It also offers advanced customization and integration with Power BI.
Google Sheets provides basic charts, suitable for simpler tasks but not for detailed dashboards.
3. Automation:
Excel supports VBA Macros,allowing powerful automation workflows.
Google Sheets uses Google Apps Script, which is less versatile than VBA but sufficient for simple tasks.
Advantages of MS Excel in Data Analysis
1. Advanced Tools: Power Pivot, Power Query, and Power BI for deep insights.
2. Speed: Handles large datasets more efficiently.
3. Customization: Offers more control over formatting, calculations, and charts.
Advantages of Google Sheets in Data Analysis
1. Collaboration: Best for team projects requiring real-time updates.
2. Cloud-Based: Accessible from anywhere, ensuring data availability.
3. Ease of Use: Simpler interface, great for beginners.
Conclusion– Which One is Better?
The choice between Google Sheets and MS Excel depends on your needs.
For collaborative projects with moderate data, Google Sheets can be your go-to tool.
While for advanced data analysis, automation, and handling large datasets, MS Excel is better.
Choose the tool that meets your data analysis requirements and start exploring its full potential.