When it comes to data tracking and report automation, spreadsheets software like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel are among the most commonly used tools.

In this article, we’ll compare Google Sheets and Excel templates based on their features and pricing to help you make an informed choice.

TL;DR: Which Template is Ideal for You?

• Choose Google Sheets, if:
  • You have limited budget, because its free with a Google account.
  • You often forget to save changes, because all changes are saved automatically.
  • You love aesthetic spreadsheets, as many styles and designs are available in the marketplaces.
  • You work in a remote team, everything is stored in the cloud! 🙂
• Choose Microsoft Excel, if:
  • Your organisation subscribed to Microsoft Office suites.
  • You don’t need frequent collaboration with your team.
  • You are already familiar with Excel environment.

Functionality

Both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets is widely used for tasks like budgeting, project management, data entry, invoice, and more.

Google Sheets primary advantage lies in the cloud-based technology, ensuring everything is stored in cloud so you’ll never lose your important data. You can access your data anywhere and anytime, as long as you have internet access.

However, Google Sheets can struggle with complex formulas and calculations, often resulting in crashes during heavy data processing.

Excel, on the other hand, is more robust when it comes to formulas and supports advanced data visualization. This makes it an ideal choice for heavy data processing, financial modeling, and advanced applications.

Usability

Google Sheets is perfect for beginners as they are simple and easy to learn. Excel, however, offers more advanced options, which can be a steep learning curve for new users.

One feature that Microsoft Excel wins over Google Sheets is the structured table, whereby user can query table using field names. Although Google introduced a similar feature in 2025, feedback indicates that it still has some limitations to address.

Collaboration

Collaboration is where Google Sheets truly shines. Multiple users can edit the same template in real time, and changes are automatically saved in the cloud. You can easily share a file via a link and control access permissions.

Excel has made strides in collaboration with Microsoft 365, allowing multiple users to work on files in the cloud. However, its real-time collaboration features may not be as seamless or intuitive as Google Sheets.

Pricing

Google Sheets is completely free to use with a Google account. Additional features come with Google Workspace subscriptions, but the free version suffices for most basic users.

Excel requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, which provides access to its templates and other Microsoft Office tools. While the pricing might be a drawback for some, it’s a worthy investment for those needing Excel’s advanced capabilities.

Template Collection

One can easily find Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel templates online, many of which are FOC (free-of-charge).

However, in recent years, Google Sheets has attracted a growing number of creators to develop spreadsheet products. Its compatibility with macOS and various operating systems, along with its cloud-based functionality, makes it an appealing platform for remote and collaborative teams.

Hence, you can easily find your favourite spreadsheets templates online and it can adapt to your use case.

Conclusion

Choosing between Google Sheets and Excel templates ultimately depends on your priorities:

• Choose Google Sheets if you prioritize collaboration, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use for simple tasks.
• Choose Excel if you need advanced functionality, extensive template options, and the ability to handle complex data.

Both platforms offer excellent templates to streamline your workflows. Assess your needs, try both, and pick the one that aligns best with your goals.