human
What are the differences, and pros and cons, between Google Sheets and Excel
gpt
Here are some notable differences between Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel:

## Google Sheets:

- **Collaboration:** Google Sheets is superior when it comes to real-time collaboration. Multiple users can access and edit a spreadsheet simultaneously. Changes are saved automatically and can be tracked by user.

- **Cloud-Based:** Google Sheets is a fully cloud-based tool, so you can access your spreadsheets from any device with an internet connection.

- **Integration:** It seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace applications (formerly G Suite), like Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Drive.

- **Simplicity:** It tends to be more user-friendly, especially for basic usage. However, it does lack some of the more advanced features and capabilities of Excel.

- **Scripting:** Google Sheets supports JavaScript-based scripting (Google Apps Script), which may be easier for some users compared to Excel's VBA.

- **Cost:** Google Sheets is free to use, although there are paid plans for additional storage and features in Google Workspace.

- **Limitations:** Google Sheets has limitations in terms of the number of cells (5 million as of my knowledge cutoff) and complexity of calculations. This could be a downside for very large datasets or advanced analytical work.

## Microsoft Excel:

- **Advanced Features:** Excel has more advanced features, including more sophisticated data analysis tools, and a broader range of formulas and functions. This makes it more suitable for complex data manipulation and statistical analysis.

- **Power Query and Power Pivot:** Excel supports Power Query for data transformation and Power Pivot for data modeling, which are powerful tools for working with data.

- **VBA Macro Programming:** Excel supports Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for macro programming, which can automate complex tasks and processes.

- **Compatibility:** Excel has been the industry standard for many years, so it has better compatibility with third-party applications and is more frequently required in professional settings.

- **Local Storage:** Excel files are usually stored locally. You have the option to use Microsoft's OneDrive for cloud storage, but it's not as seamless as Google Sheets' cloud-based nature.

- **Cost:** Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite, which is not free. It requires either a one-time purchase or a subscription to Microsoft 365.

## Conclusion:

The best tool for you depends on your needs. If you require real-time collaboration and easy access from different devices, Google Sheets is a good choice. If you need more advanced data manipulation features or if you're working with very large datasets, Excel is likely a better fit.

Remember, this information might have changed after my last training data in September 2021, so please check for the most recent differences between the two.