Google Sheets or Excel for a beginner data analyst?

I've been working with both Google Sheets and Excel for a few years now, mostly cleaning up patient data and building simple dashboards for our health NGO here in Kisumu. For someone just starting out, here's what I've noticed. Google Sheets wins when you're working with a team and need to share spreadsheets easily. It loads fast even on slow data bundles, which is a big deal when you're working from home in Kibera or Nakuru. But Excel has more powerful tools for heavy data work, and it works well offline - no internet needed. If you're just beginning, I'd say start with Google Sheets because it's free and you can learn the basics without worrying about installing software. Then move to Excel when you need the extra power. What would you pick for someone who is just starting out? Are you using one of these, or something else entirely?

Replies

Alex BarasaOct 20

You make a solid point about data bundles, my delivery hustle taught me that quick load times beat fancy features any day. I use Sheets to track rider payments and customer drop-off spots, and it does the job. Curious, what dashboard tool are you using with your patient data?

Baraka MushiOct 20

Amani nailed it with the QUERY tip - that function alone makes Sheets a solid starting point. Kwa mwanzo (for a beginner), I'd also say don't stress about picking the "right" one yet, just use whichever is easier to open on your phone or laptop. Once you feel comfortable sorting and filtering, you'll know when it's time to try Excel.

AmaniOct 20

Great insight from your work in Kisumu - that real-world context around data bundles and offline needs is exactly what beginners need to hear. For someone just starting, I'd add that Google Sheets' QUERY function is a game-changer for filtering patient data without needing SQL, and there are free templates from the Google Workspace Marketplace built for NGO reporting. What dashboard tool are you using alongside it?

Lydia AchiengOct 20

Sheets is a solid choice for starting out - especially when data bundles are tight. I'd say just pick the one that's easiest for you to open right now, and don't overthink it. Quick question though: what's the trickiest part of cleaning that patient data?

Joshua SsemakulaOct 20

I'd also say Sheets is a great starting point for the reason you mentioned - it loads fast even on slow bundles. Once you get comfortable with sorting and filtering there, Excel's PivotTables become much less intimidating. What kind of patient data are you cleaning up?

Aline UwaseOct 20

Sheets is such a good starting point for the reasons you mentioned, especially the load time on slow data. What dashboard tool are you using with your patient data in Kisumu?