Excel vs Google Sheets: Formula Differences You Need to Know

While Excel and Google Sheets share many similarities, there are important differences in their formula syntax and available functions that every user should understand.

Key Syntax Differences

Array Formulas

Excel: Use Ctrl+Shift+Enter or wrap in curly braces Google Sheets: Use ARRAYFORMULA() function

Excel: {=SUM(A1:A10*B1:B10)}
Google Sheets: =ARRAYFORMULA(SUM(A1:A10*B1:B10))

Reference Styles

Both platforms support A1 notation, but Google Sheets also supports R1C1 notation more seamlessly.

Unique Google Sheets Functions

QUERY Function

Google Sheets' most powerful unique function:

=QUERY(A1:C10, "SELECT A, B WHERE C > 100")

IMPORTRANGE

Link data between different spreadsheets:

=IMPORTRANGE("spreadsheet_url", "Sheet1!A1:B10")

GOOGLETRANSLATE

Translate text automatically:

=GOOGLETRANSLATE("Hello", "en", "es")

Unique Excel Functions

XLOOKUP (Excel 365)

More powerful than VLOOKUP:

=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array)

POWER QUERY

Advanced data transformation (not available in Google Sheets)

Dynamic Arrays

Excel 365 has superior dynamic array support with functions like:

• FILTER()

• SORT()

• UNIQUE()

  Date and Time Differences

  Excel: Uses 1900 date system (January 1, 1900 = 1)

Google Sheets: Uses 1899 date system (December 30, 1899 = 1)

This can cause issues when transferring data between platforms.

Performance Considerations

* Excel: Better for complex calculations and large datasets

• Google Sheets: Better for real-time collaboration and web-based data

  Best Practices for Cross-Platform Compatibility

  1. Test formulas in both platforms if sharing files

• Avoid platform-specific functions when possible

• Use standard functions like SUM, AVERAGE, VLOOKUP

• Be aware of date system differences

• Document any platform-specific features used

  Understanding these differences will help you work more effectively across both platforms and avoid common pitfalls when sharing spreadsheets.