Whether working in finance, software development, or fashion, all project managers face the same challenge at some point—representing and managing data. The bigger and more complex a dataset is, the harder it is to handle.
This is where spreadsheet software solutions step into the spotlight. With their customizability and versatility, these tools make handling figures and values a breeze. Besides providing a space for entering and sorting data, they help you calculate it with formulas.
There are a lot of spreadsheet tools on the market, and finding the perfect one can be challenging. We went through dozens of options, analyzed their main features, advantages, and drawbacks, and hand-picked the 14 best spreadsheet software for streamlining your data management and other PM-related processes!
14 Best Spreadsheet Software (Free & Paid)
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in a Spreadsheet Software Tool?
There are certain key characteristics your next spreadsheet software solution should have, such as:
- Customizability: It should allow you to adjust columns and rows, create tables, add visuals, and use colors to create a unique space that aligns with your company’s goals and brand. The platform should have a convenient editing toolbar to enable this
- Versatility: You should be able to use the software for various purposes, whether creating project budget plans, generating financial reports, or outlining goals
- Ease of use: Using the software shouldn’t require months of training and going through tutorials
- Scalability: It should be able to handle larger and more complex datasets that may emerge as the company grows
- Template support: It should allow you to use templates that make creating and editing spreadsheets faster and easier
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 14 Best Spreadsheet Apps to Use
We used the criteria discussed above to compile a list of the top 14 spreadsheet platforms that offer the most value. These platforms combine reliability, ease of use, and functionality and can be used in any industry. 💪
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is a comprehensive project management platform. One of its many uses is creating clean, well-organized, and collaborative spreadsheets and databases, all thanks to ClickUp Table view.
This view lets you design functional spreadsheets for managing documents, projects, clients, and your team. Thanks to its 15+ views, you can represent and work with any data type, from formulas and task progress to costs, prices, and ratings. You can up your spreadsheet game by attaching documents and links to your table.
ClickUp helps you manage your data by letting you create relationships between tasks, thus ensuring optimized workflows and determining priority. You can connect clients to specific projects and team members to bug reports and establish task dependencies.
The platform also offers fantastic spreadsheet templates that make your work easier. Try ClickUp’s Project Management Spreadsheet Template to break down your project into tasks, add assignees, track phases, and monitor deadlines.
ClickUp best features
- Table view
- Data visualizations for any type of work
- 1,000+ templates
- Helps you connect tasks for a streamlined workflow
- Excellent collaboration features
ClickUp limitations
- Some users experienced glitches
- The number of options can be overwhelming
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever: $0
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,700+ reviews)
2. Microsoft Excel
Easily one of the most popular spreadsheet programs ever, Microsoft Excel offers an array of features for storing, manipulating, and visualizing data.
You’ll be most interested in the formula bar located above the columns. This is where you tell Excel what kind of math you want it to do. The tool offers 450+ formulas for handling data, the most popular ones being SUM, IF, COUNT, MAX, and AVERAGE.
Sounds complicated? Don’t worry because Excel explains every formula in detail. Plus, it directs you on how to use it, and if you make a mistake, Excel will inform you about it by displaying an error value like #####, #DIV/0!, or #NAME?.
Excel is also fantastic for visualizing your data with charts and graphs. You only need to select the desired data and let the program do its magic.
Microsoft Excel best features
- Renowned spreadsheet program
- 450+ formulas
- Basic functions are easy to use
- Simple chart and graph creation
Microsoft Excel limitations
- Several users mention that the platform freezes due to large/complex datasets
- The platform doesn’t look the same on all operating systems
Microsoft Excel pricing
- Check the website for different pricing packages
Microsoft Excel ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,500+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (18,500+ reviews)
3. OnlyOffice
OnlyOffice has an Excel-like interface and even lets you upload and edit Excel spreadsheets. The platform allows real-time editing, which ultimately leads us to its main benefit—collaboration.
OnlyOffice lets you and your team work on spreadsheets together, leave comments, and chat to ensure everyone’s in the loop regarding the project’s latest twists and turns. You can also browse version history and retrieve specific info.
The platform gives you spreadsheet superpowers with 400+ formulas and functions. Use table templates to make your work easier, analyze data with Pivot tables, visualize info with graphs and charts, insert files, password-protect your sheets, automate tasks, save sheets as PDFs, and much more!
OnlyOffice best features
- Familiar interface
- Works both offline and online
- Excellent collaboration options
- 400+ functions and formulas
- Prioritizes security
OnlyOffice limitations
- Some users stated that loading files takes longer than expected
- Could benefit from more integrations
OnlyOffice pricing
- Docs Cloud:
- Business: $8/month per user
- VIP: Contact for pricing
- Docs Enterprise:
- For Home: $149 (one-time payment for up to 10 users)
- For Business: Customizable, pricing starts at $1,500 for up to 50 users
OnlyOffice ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (50+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (300+ reviews)
4. Airtable
Want to mix the good old spreadsheet look with the functionality of databases? Grab a seat at one of the best free spreadsheet software, Airtable!
Airtable has a spreadsheet-like interface with grids of columns and rows. But, the platform is more than spreadsheet software—it revolves around databases.
You can connect your Airtable databases to external tables, accommodate all kinds of file types and sizes, isolate data subsets, and look at data from different viewpoints, all the while maintaining data integrity.
Airtable is an excellent platform for collaboration since multiple people can edit and manage databases simultaneously. You can enjoy the standard spreadsheet software options like creating graphs, charts, and pivot tables from your data, performing calculations, and filtering information.
Airtable best features
- Flexible environment for data manipulation
- Intuitive interface
- Focuses on databases
- Supports a large number of file types and sizes
- Multiple views
Airtable limitations
- There’s a learning curve for advanced features
- More pricing plans would be a nice addition for some users
Airtable pricing
- Free: $0
- Plus: $10/month per seat
- Pro: $20/month per seat
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
*All listed prices refer to the yearly billing model
Airtable ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,800+ reviews)
5. Smartsheet
What do you get when you mix a project and work management platform with spreadsheets? You get Smartsheet, a versatile program with a signature grid interface.
Entering data is easy, and you can add custom columns and rows to create a space that matches your company’s needs to the letter.
With Smartsheet, you can generate project-related reports right from its Grid view. Automate tasks, collect data through forms, create task dependencies, and use templates to make your work smarter instead of harder!
The Grid View supports numerous column types like contacts, dates, and symbols. It lets you attach documents and use row hierarchy and conditional formatting to organize your data. This view is adaptable to multiple scenarios, from managing projects and clients to ensuring compliance and reviewing client feedback.
You can use Smartsheet to analyze workflows and processes to determine your team’s efficiency and plan future endeavors with confidence.
Compare Smartsheet Vs Asana!
Smartsheet best features
- Familiar Grid view
- Powerful project and task management features
- Task automation
- Conditional formatting
- Supports different data types
Smartsheet limitations
- Mastering advanced options takes time
- Some users mentioned that permission level settings could be upgraded
Smartsheet pricing
- Free: $0
- Pro: $7/month per user (up to 10 users)
- Business: $25/month per user (minimum of three users)
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
*All listed prices refer to the yearly billing model
Smartsheet ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (13,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (2,900+ reviews)
6. Stackby
Want a spreadsheet-database hybrid that emphasizes collaboration and lets you create and automate workflows?
Stackby relies on no-code databases with a familiar spreadsheet look. You can use it like a regular spreadsheet platform—enter data, calculate, and create reports. But, with Stackby, you can also turn your spreadsheet into a robust no-code relational database.
The platform lets you collect data through forms and offers views like Grid, Kanban, and Calendar. Use 25+ column types, connect your tables, and leverage conditional formatting and advanced filtering options.
The best part is you don’t have to update your data manually—simply connect your tables to APIs and let the database do the work for you.
Based on the data in your databases, you can build dashboards with visuals like graphs, charts, or goal trackers.
Stackby best features
- Helps you build no-code databases
- Lets you connect tables to APIs
- Various column types
- Multiple views
- Simple, user-friendly interface
Stackby limitations
- Several users mentioned that they get signed out of the platform often
- More API connections would be beneficial
Stackby pricing
- Free: $0
- Personal: $4/month per user
- Economy: $8/month per user
- Business: $16/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
*All listed prices refer to the yearly billing model.
Stackby ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (50+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (70+ reviews)
7. SeaTable
Another database-spreadsheet combo, SeaTable is packed with features that make organizing and manipulating data feel like a day at the beach!
SeaTable lets you enter new data using forms, API, or integrations. It supports all kinds of data, from text, dates, and numbers to images, emails, files, and URLs.
You’re in complete control of everything going on in your database. You can filter data, customize permission settings, edit colors, switch between views, share work with coworkers and third parties, and turn your data into charts and graphs.
SeaTable also offers impressive automation options. Optimize repetitive tasks using scripts in Javascript and Python, make calculations across all rows and columns (like in Excel), create customized notifications for certain actions, and execute specific processes at scheduled times.
SeaTable best features
- A database-spreadsheet mix
- Multiple ways of entering data
- Excellent automation features
- Customized notifications
SeaTable limitations
- You need to know Javascript and Python to maximize the platform’s benefits
- Some users mention that the UI could benefit from a makeover
SeaTable pricing
- Free: 0€
- Plus: 7€
- Enterprise: 14€
- Dedicated Cloud: Contact for pricing
SeaTable ratings and reviews
- GetApp: 4.6/5 (20+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (20+ reviews)
8. Quip
Think of Quip as a dynamic fusion of spreadsheets, documents, and chat options. It blends together powerful features for streamlining sales processes and boosting real-time collaboration.
Being a Salesforce subsidiary, it’s no surprise you can get all Salesforce lists, data, and reports directly from Quip, ensuring you’re working with the latest info.
With Quip spreadsheets, you can manage your sales and CRM data, share it with coworkers and clients, perform calculations, automate processes, and take advantage of templates and integrations to make your work even easier. Permission settings let you decide who can do what in which spreadsheet.
The platform is equipped with 400+ functions and shortcuts to help you and your team get more things done in less time.
Quip best features
- A part of the Salesforce ecosystem
- Focuses on sales and CRM
- Streamlines processes and improves collaboration
- Task automation
Quip limitations
- Several users stated that the platform can crash when handling large datasets
- A more customizable user interface would be a nice addition
Quip pricing
- Starter: $10/month per user
- Plus: $25/month per user
- Advanced: $100/month per user
*All listed prices refer to the yearly billing model.
Quip ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (1,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (150+ reviews)
9. EtherCalc
A simple, web-based, free spreadsheet software that doesn’t require creating an account might sound like a dream. EtherCalc makes it a reality!
All you need to start using the platform is to visit its website. Once you create your spreadsheet, you can share it with others and work together in real time.
This isn’t a robust database platform that lets you automate tasks, connect sheets, or integrate with other programs. It is a simple spreadsheet platform with a clutter-free interface, perfect for those who don’t need bells and whistles.
EtherCalc is ideal for inventory management and creating survey forms, but it can also come in handy for brainstorming sessions.
It lets you import .csv, .ods, and .xlsx files and use different column types like text, math, date & time, depending on the data you want to represent. You also have dozens of formulas to choose from and manage your data like a pro!
EtherCalc best features
- Simple interface
- Doesn’t require an account
- Supports real-time collaboration
- Lets you import files
- Dozens of functions and formulas
EtherCalc limitations
- Some users mention that the platform has difficulties opening larger files
EtherCalc pricing
- Free
EtherCalc ratings and reviews
- TrustRadius: 9.9/10 (3 reviews)
10. Zoho Sheet
Coming from Zoho, a comprehensive software suite for businesses, Zoho Sheet lets you create and manage functional spreadsheets and work on them with your team.
The platform packs over 350 pre-defined functions, allowing you to manipulate various data types for any purpose, whether doing inventory, planning a budget, or completing a project-related task.
With 1,000+ integrations, Zoho Sheet lets you automate your spreadsheets and import data from various sources, including Excel.
The software prioritizes collaboration, so you can work on spreadsheets with coworkers and comment, make changes, and discuss tasks and projects within them. You can keep control of every spreadsheet by blocking cells for selected collaborators, setting permissions, and reviewing previous versions.
Zoho Sheet has a revolutionary feature—an AI assistant named Zia. Zia is there to answer all questions regarding your data and spreadsheets, and the best thing is it understands plain English!
Zoho Sheet best features
- Part of the Zoho ecosystem
- 1,000+ integrations and 350+ pre-defined functions
- Outstanding collaboration options
- AI-powered assistant
Zoho Sheet limitations
- Several users report that editing spreadsheets in the mobile app can be laggy
- Limited storage capacity can be a problem for those working with large datasets
Zoho Sheet pricing
- Contact for pricing
Zoho Sheet ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (140+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (150+ reviews)
11. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a free, offline office suite, and many users see it as an excellent alternative to Microsoft Office. The spreadsheet program within the suite is called LibreOffice Calc.
The platform offers 300+ functions for managing small and large datasets, and if you don’t know how to use some of them, the built-in wizard can help.
The feature that stands out is DataPilot. It lets you pull raw data from different databases and turn it into meaningful info you’ll present in your spreadsheet.
Although it’s an offline program, Calc boasts multi-user support. Share your spreadsheets with others, allow them to enter their data, and minimize the risk of miscommunication and data duplication.
By default, Calc saves documents in the .odt format. But with many people still using Excel, Calc lets you keep your spreadsheets in the .xlsx format! You can also export spreadsheets to PDFs.
LibreOffice Calc best features
- 300+ functions
- DataPilot lets you manipulate raw data
- Multi-user support
- Lets you save spreadsheets in multiple formats
LibreOffice Calc limitations
- Some users mentioned that the auto-save option isn’t reliable
- The interface could benefit from an upgrade
LibreOffice Calc pricing
- Free
LibreOffice Calc ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (20+ reviews)
12. Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365, is a software suite consisting of popular programs like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive. While Excel is often synonymous with spreadsheets, other applications within the Microsoft 365 family can also help you create and handle spreadsheets, although that isn’t their primary purpose.
For example, if you’re working on a Word document and need to add a spreadsheet to it, you don’t have to launch Excel. Instead, you can insert an Excel spreadsheet, enter your data, and use Excel’s functions directly from Word!
You can do the same in PowerPoint and enrich your presentations with Excel spreadsheets.
When you add an Excel spreadsheet to Word or PowerPoint, Excel’s toolbar appears at the top of the screen, giving you full access to the program’s functions and formulas.
Microsoft 365 best features
- A bundle of programs for different purposes
- Lets you combine spreadsheets with documents/presentations
- User-friendly interface
- Encourages collaboration
Microsoft 365 limitations
- Users report occasional minor bugs
- Mobile experience could be improved
Microsoft 365 pricing
- For Business:
- Business Basic: $6.00/month per user
- Business Standard: $12.50/month per user
- Business Premium: $22.00/month per user
- Apps for Business: $8.25/month per user
- For Home:
- Personal: $69.99/year (one user)
- Family: $99.99/year per (up to six users)
Microsoft 365 ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (4,900+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (13,000+ reviews)
13. Google Sheets
Google Sheets is another widely-used spreadsheet platform with an Excel-like interface.
The platform offers an array of formulas and functions that let you manipulate various types of data with ease. Since it’s cloud-based, Google Sheets enables real-time collaboration, allowing you to work with your team regardless of location.
The platform is a part of Google’s ecosystem, so you can pull your data from Google Forms or add spreadsheets to your Google Docs or Google Slides.
Another essential quality of Google Sheets is its versatility. You can use it on your computer, laptop, tablet, and mobile device, meaning you can create and edit spreadsheets even when you’re on the go!
Google Sheets automates repetitive entries with Smart Fill—it detects patterns and suggests the most appropriate solutions, which is another convenient and time-saving option.
Google Sheets best features
- Works perfectly with platforms from the Google family
- Available in offline mode
- Entry automation
- Can be used on all devices
- Various formulas and functions for creating and editing spreadsheets
Google Sheets limitations
- May fall short when handling complex or large datasets
- Auto-save doesn’t always work
Google Sheets pricing
- Free for personal use (with a Google account)
- Business Starter: $6/month per user
- Business Standard: $12/month per user
- Business Plus: $18/month per user
Google Sheets ratings and reviews
- GetApp: 4.7/5 (12,700+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (12,700+ reviews)
14. MultiRow
If working in JavaScript, you know the pain of scrolling through wide grids to get the desired information. MultiRow DataGrid helps you customize your grid and choose which columns and rows to display in a stacked format.
Besides giving you flexibility in layout designs, MultiRow lets you group fields based on their hierarchical structure, merge cells, freeze specific rows/columns, and use your keyboard to navigate your grids. You can also use advanced filtering options to get to the right information with ease.
MultiRow best features
- Makes grids easier to navigate
- Excellent customization options
- Eliminates the need to scroll through large datasets
- Advanced filtering options
MultiRow limitations
- Not an ideal platform for beginners
MultiRow pricing
- Contact for pricing
MultiRow ratings and reviews
- No reviews
Summarize this article for me pleaseSpreadsheet Software: A Must in Your PM Toolbox
Spreadsheet software solutions can wear many hats—they can be used to plan project goals, create task lists, calculate project budgets, draw charts and graphs, track time, and much more.
The right spreadsheet tool can turn you into a PM superhero and help you and your team handle projects with more efficiency and less stress.
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
