When it comes to personal finance, the right tools make all the difference. Two giants dominate the world of spreadsheets: Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Both are powerful — but which one is better for building and maintaining a budget?
In this article, we’ll compare the two platforms based on features, usability, integrations, and — most importantly — how well they help you manage your money.
What Makes a Great Budgeting Tool?
Before we compare, here are the key things to look for in a budgeting spreadsheet:
- 💡 Easy-to-use interface
- 📈 Chart & graph support
- 🔄 Automation and formulas
- 🔗 Integrations with banks or budgeting apps
- 🧩 Templates and customization
Now, let’s see how Google Sheets and Excel stack up.
Google Sheets for Budgeting
✅ Pros
- Cloud-based: Access from any device, anytime
- Real-time collaboration: Perfect for couples or shared budgets
- Free to use: Available with any Google account
- Templates: Tons of free personal finance templates available online
- Google integration: Sync with Calendar, Gmail, Notion, and Google Finance
⚠️ Cons
- Fewer advanced financial features
- Heavily reliant on internet access
- Slower performance with large datasets
Excel for Budgeting
✅ Pros
- Advanced formulas and macros: Ideal for deep financial analysis
- PivotTables & Power Query: Strong tools for organizing complex data
- Data security: Offline access and robust password protection
- Templates & financial models: Especially useful for business owners or investors
⚠️ Cons
- Requires Microsoft Office license (not free)
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited real-time collaboration (unless using OneDrive)
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Google Sheets | Microsoft Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid (Office 365) |
| Access | Web-based | Desktop + Cloud |
| Best For | Beginners, Sharing | Advanced users, Business |
| Templates | Abundant & Simple | Advanced & Professional |
| Collaboration | Excellent (real-time) | Basic (OneDrive only) |
| Automation & Macros | Basic support | Extensive capabilities |
| Mobile Usability | Great | Moderate |
So… Which One Should You Use?
Use Google Sheets if:
- You’re new to budgeting and want a simple, free solution
- You need to share and collaborate on a budget with others
- You want access anywhere without installing anything
Use Excel if:
- You love detailed control and advanced financial tools
- You work with complex financial models or business budgets
- You’re already paying for Microsoft Office
Bonus Tip: Combine Both!
Some users prefer to start in Google Sheets for planning and migrate to Excel when things get more detailed. You can import/export between platforms easily!
📌 References
- Microsoft Excel – Official Site
- Google Sheets – Official Site
- Tiller Money – Sheets-based Budgeting Tool
- Smart Money Tech Budget Series
Smart Money Tech 