Use both Excel & Sheets: Best practices (2024)

FAQs

How to sync Excel with Google Sheets? ›

Google Sheets vs Excel: What is the difference? Both of them structure data in tabular format. In other words, the data is in the form of rows and columns. The major difference between Excel and Google Sheets is that you can share the link of Google Sheets with anyone and they can edit the file.

Use AutoSave

The coauthoring features work best when AutoSave is enabled. For workbooks saved in OneDrive or SharePoint, it's enabled by default. If you want to make changes without saving them or making them visible to others, try opening your workbook in read-only mode.

Data analysis

Google Sheets has a large library of formulas, but lacks some statistical tests and functions. It's a good choice for basic data analysis, but it may not be suitable for more complex analyses. Excel is a powerful tool for data analysis, with a wide range of functions and features.

You can import data from an Excel file to a new (or existing) Sheets file. Your Excel file won't be changed, even as you change the Sheets file. In Sheets, create a new or open an existing spreadsheet. Import.

Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel are similar programs and share many common features. Google Sheets is a better program for beginners than Microsoft Excel, but other aspects of the software set it apart from its competitors. Google Sheets is best for: Collaboration.

In addition, Google Sheets lacks some of Excel's most notable functions. This includes Macros, graphs, data visualizations, keyboard shortcuts linked to documents for Excel, add-ins, and filtering, which are staples of Excel use.

Important: "Shared Workbooks" is an older feature that allows you to collaborate on a workbook with multiple people. This feature has many limitations, and has been replaced by co-authoring. Excel co-authoring is available in Microsoft 365 Apps Excel desktop client and Excel for the Web for Microsoft 365 subscribers.

How can I be a good coauthor? ›

There are endless opportunities for conflict, and co-writing isn't always the productivity hack it's advertised to be. That said, working with another writer can also be deeply rewarding, a lot of fun, and a unique way to improve your craft. It's also a writing process that comes with built-in accountability.

Advanced features of Excel vs. Google Sheets. Microsoft Excel has many functionalities you can't find in Sheets, like complex macros and data visualization. Excel is a better option for power users.

The majority of businesses rely on Microsoft Excel to meet their numerous and diverse spreadsheet needs. Excel, however, is less than ideal for business needs, due to the program's great inherent error risks and high management overhead.

If you have known information on your spreadsheet, you can use VLOOKUP to search for related information by row.

Automation via Google Scripts: Setting Up Auto-Convert

Google Apps Script is a powerful tool that allows you to automate various tasks within Google Workspace, including the conversion of Excel files to Google Sheets.

In Excel, click on the Data tab and select From Web. A pop box will appear. Paste the URL from the Google Sheets doc into the box. Click OK, and when the data appears, click Load.

Hit the Settings cog in the top right, then Settings in the dropdown menu. Once you're on the Settings screen, look for an option called Convert uploads to Google Docs editor format. With that box checked, any Excel document you upload to Google Drive will automatically be covered to a Google Sheet.