Many of us use spreadsheet software to make our lives easier. It helps us automate challenging tasks to save time and effort. Yet it’s still a big struggle to choose the right spreadsheet program for your needs.
You’ll encounter several free spreadsheet apps in the market. Each has its unique strengths and weaknesses.
So which one is the best pick in the market today?
Our list below covers the best free spreadsheet software in 2024. We’ll explore their top features, pros and cons, and licensing plans.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know which spreadsheet software will work best for you.
Table of Contents
Our Top Spreadsheet Software Picks for 2024
Overall Best Spreadsheet |
Best for Collaboration |
Best Free Customizable Spreadsheet |
LibreOffice Calc |
Google Sheets |
Smartsheet |
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What is Spreadsheet Software?
A spreadsheet software is a computer program that helps you organize data and perform different operations efficiently. It contains various worksheets — a file made up of rows and columns — so you can manipulate big chunks of data.
Once you open a spreadsheet program, you’ll see several basic items, such as:
- Cells
- Row and column headers
- Formula bar
- Pre-built functions
In essence, a spreadsheet’s rows and columns are where you input qualitative and quantitative data. Its pre-built formula can also help you manage or analyze them using different operations like:
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- ANOVA test and regression analysis
- Sorting, filtering, and looking up data
With these functions, you’ll be able to perform school-related or business-related tasks more efficiently. You can solve problems, track inventory and employee hours, and analyze data with fewer errors.
7 Best Free Spreadsheet Software Worth Checking Out
Below are the best spreadsheet programs you can get for free in 2024.
1. LibreOffice Calc: Best Overall Spreadsheet Program
Pros:
- Open-source and free to use
- Compatible with different operating systems
- Highly customizable
- Comparable with Microsoft Excel
Cons:
- No available technical support
Best Features:
- Compatible with many file formats
- Integrates with third-party add-ons
- Simple interface
As a community-developed software, LibreOffice Calc is open-source and free to use. Anyone, including students, business owners, or freelancers, can download and install the program on their desktops without subscribing to anything.
The best feature of LibreOffice Calc is its compatibility with various file formats — old and new. You can open and save spreadsheets that go way back without any issues. You also have the option to open other spreadsheet programs’ formats.
LibreOffice Calc’s interface is also simple and intuitive, especially for beginners. You’ll know where different functions are and where to input your data. You can even customize the layout of the program to suit your needs.
Finally, LibreOffice Calc has a comparable list of functions to Microsoft Excel. But it also lets you integrate third-party extensions for more advanced features and functionalities.
Wondering what’s the difference between Excel vs. Google Sheets? Visit our guide to learn more.
2. Google Sheets: Best Free Online Spreadsheet for Collaboration
Pros:
- Easier collaboration
- Automatically saves data
- Convenient if you’re on-the-go
- Free to use
Cons:
- Slows down with big data
Best Features:
- Real-time collaboration
- Online and offline editing
- Version history
- Integrates with third-party add-ons
Cost: Free (personal use) or $12/month (business use)
If you’re looking for a new spreadsheet software that allows real-time collaboration, then Google Sheets may be for you. It lets you create and format data online with your peers.
Like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets is part of the Google Workspace suite. That means you can access it, along with other online programs like Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Forms, using your Google account.
Besides real-time collaboration, you can use Google Sheets offline. You can continue editing your data and have it reflected on your spreadsheet once you find the internet.
You’ll be able to track changes on your spreadsheet and the users who did them through its “Version History.” Another great thing about this feature is that you can always return to an earlier version when necessary.
Lastly, Google Sheets is compatible with third-party add-ons. Enabling these applications will allow you to do more with your spreadsheet.
3. Smartsheet: Best Free Spreadsheet Software for Windows 10 and Others
Pros:
- Easy to use and intuitive
- Sleek and clean user interface
- Ability to collaborate with other team members
- Allows integrations with a wide range of databases and SaaS
Cons:
- Limited data analytics features
Best Features:
- Ability to streamline workflows
- Has several available and customizable views
- Ability to collaborate with other users
- Keeps track of changes and users that did them
Smartsheet is an online project management software with a spreadsheet-like interface. Unlike LibreOffice Calc and Google Sheets, its strongest capability is streamlining workflows and collaboration among different users.
This software contains powerful features for project management. It has customizable views to suit your needs. You can switch from grid view to calendar view and Gantt Charts.
On top of this, you can see new updates and changes on your worksheet in real time. You can share milestones with other users and see their edit histories. You’ll also catch automated alerts to stay on track with your project.
Furthermore, Smartsheet excels in its data visualization tools. You can present and export your data in different suitable figures.
Take a look at the difference between Smartsheet vs. Google Sheets in our in-depth guide.
4. Gnumeric: Best Spreadsheet Software for Data Analysis
Pros:
- Powerful data analysis tools
- Tons of potential uses
- Free to use
Cons:
- Template designs can be improved
Best Features:
- Compatible with many file formats
- Supports scripting
Cost: Free
Another excellent and advanced spreadsheet in the market is Gnumeric. It contains unique features like auto-saving workbooks and pivot tables.
Gnumeric is also a great alternative to Microsoft Excel because it’s open-source and free, similar to LibreOffice Calc. But its interface may get a bit confusing and overwhelming.
Nonetheless, this spreadsheet software supports many file formats, like Microsoft Excel 2003 and 2007. You can import such data and edit them on Gnumeric.
But the best thing about Gnumeric is its powerful data analysis tools. You can sort, filter, arrange, and analyze your data using its pre-built functions. This makes things a lot faster and easier on your end.
Lastly, Gnumeric also supports scripting languages like Perl and Python. Through this, you can code and automate tasks to extend the software’s capabilities.
5. Apple Numbers: Best Free Spreadsheet for Mac and iOS
Pros:
- Great integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Easy to use
- Free on MacOS and iOS
Cons:
- Fewer functionalities than Microsoft Excel
- Limited to Apple users
Best Features:
- Beautiful spreadsheet templates
- Accessible via iCloud
- Opportunity for collaboration
Cost: Free (for Apple users only)
Numbers by Apple is an exclusive spreadsheet software for Apple users. You can access your files from one device to another using your iCloud account.
You’ll see over 30 pre-built templates for different tasks. You can create a worksheet for your financial decisions, a checklist for your deliverables, and more. You can also place tables, charts, texts, and photos onto your spreadsheet.
Since Apple Numbers is well-integrated with iCloud, you can work in real-time with your peers. You can use your Mac, iPad, or iPhone without experiencing any compatibility issues while working.
6. Zoho Sheets: Best Spreadsheet for Integration Support
Pros:
- Well-integrated with the Zoho suite
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Sometimes can lag
- Not optimized on mobile
Best Features:
- Compatible with various over 1,000 integrations
- Supports many file formats
Cost: Free or Contact Zoho’s customer support for a quick estimate
Zoho Sheets is an excellent spreadsheet software developed by Zoho. Therefore, giving you access to other Zoho applications and a complete set of productivity tools.
This spreadsheet program lets you create and edit different worksheets for free. But you may need its premium version to get the most out of its features.
With Zoho Sheets, you can collaborate with other integrations, visualize your data, and automate manual tasks. This lets you understand trends better and finish tasks faster.
On top of this, Zoho Sheets is compatible with different spreadsheet formats like .xls, .ods, .csv, and .tsv, allowing you to import data more efficiently.
You can also set macros and VBA codes to automate tasks. This way, you can lessen the manual effort and possible errors in your work.
7. WPS Office Spreadsheets: Best Spreadsheets for Data Source Compatibility
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Compatible with iOS and Android
Cons:
- Fewer functionalities than Microsoft Excel
- Full access to features with the paid version
Best Features:
- Compatibility with various data sources
- Has collaboration features
Cost: Free (standard) or $3.99/month (premium)
WPS Office Spreadsheet is an alternative spreadsheet program for Microsoft Excel. Not only is it free, but it also has an intuitive interface, especially for beginners.
You’ll find it easy to navigate the spreadsheet and look for various functionalities and charts. You can also create over 60 different charts and tables from your data.
Besides this, WPS Office Spreadsheets support various file formats like .xlsx, .xls, and .csv. You can also open, edit, and save a wide range of documents and access them on different devices.
Additionally, WPS Office Spreadsheets support popular data sources, including MySQL, Oracle, and SQL. Therefore, allowing you to import your data from almost anywhere easily.
You can also collaborate with your peers using this spreadsheet program, allowing you to share your worksheet through email or discuss it with them through its built-in chat feature. This way, you can get your ideas across more quickly and efficiently.
Pros and Cons of Using Spreadsheet Software
Many think spreadsheet programs are for computation and data analysis. However, there’s a lot more to it than you’d expect.
You can do countless things with a spreadsheet. You can use it for research, budget allocation, tracking deliveries, and more.
Regardless of the task, spreadsheet software saves you both time and effort, allowing you to organize data and perform tasks more accurately and efficiently.
Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of using a spreadsheet program:
Pros |
Cons |
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Pros of Using a Spreadsheet Software
Here’s a more in-depth look at the pros of using spreadsheet software for school, work, or your personal space:
1. Spreadsheet programs help you make better financial decisions
You can use spreadsheets to track your finances over time. Doing this will help you evaluate your financial patterns and resource allocation.
2. Spreadsheet programs help you track deliverables and deadlines
You can sort, filter, and organize big chunks of data using spreadsheets. For instance, you can arrange them by name, group information together, or track tasks and deadlines.
3. Spreadsheet programs help you store and analyze data
You can input and analyze qualitative and quantitative data on spreadsheets, allowing you to create surveys and graphs, monitor trends, and evaluate important insights.
Cons of Using Spreadsheet Software
Despite the pros of a spreadsheet program, there are also disadvantages you might want to consider:
1. Some spreadsheet software programs are difficult to understand and use
If you’re a novice to using spreadsheet programs, they can be overwhelming. You’ll encounter many new functions and features that will take time to familiarize yourself with and understand.
2. Some spreadsheet software doesn’t support important features
Although hundreds of free spreadsheet programs exist, some may have limited features and capabilities, which can limit your results and data interpretation.
3. Some spreadsheet software can be expensive
Your spreadsheet program’s features and capabilities depend on its licensing plan. Some software may cost more, especially if you need more advanced functions. Others may offer subscription-based services, which can be disadvantageous if you only use them for a short time.
Having several disadvantages is inevitable for any spreadsheet program. Nonetheless, their pros far outweigh their cons since they help you manage big chunks of data quickly and more accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Free Spreadsheet Software?
There are many options for free spreadsheet software in the market. The best one will ultimately depend on your needs and preferences. For instance, Google Sheets is superior if you value teamwork and collaboration.
Is There a Free Program like Microsoft Excel?
Yes, there are alternative free spreadsheet programs similar to Microsoft Excel. You can check out Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc, or Gnumeric and see which application best fits your needs.
Is There Free Spreadsheet Software?
Yes, you can get most spreadsheet software in the market for free. However, beware because they may have limited functions and capabilities compared to licensed programs.
What Is the Best Program to Use for Making a Spreadsheet?
The best spreadsheet program will depend on your specific needs since each has its own pros and cons. LibreOffice Calc is the best software if you’re looking for a program similar to Microsoft Excel. You can also go for Apple Numbers if you want a suitable application for your Mac or iOS device.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best free spreadsheet software is a big struggle because of the influx of similar programs in the market. They all have excellent features, capabilities, and licensing plans.
To choose an appropriate software program, you will need to assess your current needs before you can pick the right spreadsheet software. Otherwise, you might end up paying for something that isn’t worth your time and money.
Need a template? Check out our Spreadsheet Template Store!
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