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The best spreadsheet software makes it simple and easy to use spreadsheets on a wider range of platforms than just Microsoft Excel.
Spreadsheets are extremely common in the business world, and used for everything from managing, displaying, and manipulating data. That's why most office software includes a spreadsheet program along with the ubiquitous word processor.
However, every company’s needs are different, so finding the best spreadsheet software depends on which features are most important for the required task.
There are basics that need to be met, and not all the options available are up to the task. The best spreadsheet software will be easy to use, flexible, and feature-rich; support engaging graphs and charts that are easy to create and personalize.
Additionally, collaboration has become an integral part of the modern working office, so these features need to be present.
Here therefore are the best spreadsheet software platforms currently available.
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Our expert review:
Today's Best DealsMicrosoft Excel is easily the most familiar and recognizable spreadsheet software out there, and these days is not just the clear market leader but also the best overall spreadsheet software currently available.
Excel was built for manipulating data and includes over 400 distinct operations. The formula autofill feature makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, while the arguments tooltip is a helpful mnemonic aid. It doesn’t provide definitions like Google Sheets does, but the Formula Builder serves this function well, with detailed descriptions.
Graphs and charts are easy to insert and personalize, with almost every element clickable and customizable. There’s no shortage of styles or templates, and everything integrates well with the rest of the Microsoft Office suite.
With Microsoft OneDrive, collaboration is simple and effective. Changes update automatically across all devices. While there’s no generalized chat feature as with Google Docs, threaded comments make it easy to discuss data.
All this functionality comes at a price: the sheer volume of features makes this software a bit daunting for first-time users, so expect something of a learning curve. That being said, there are a load of online resources to help as well as a range of Excel online courses.
Prices start at around $6 per user per month when billed annually with the Business Basics plan.
