Microsoft Excel vs. Microsoft SQL Server

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Microsoft Excel
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application available as part of Microsoft 365 (Office 365), or standalone, in cloud-based and on-premise editions.
$6.99
per month
Microsoft SQL Server
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database.
$1,418
Per License
Pricing
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft SQL Server
Editions & Modules
Excel with Microsoft 365
$6.99
per month
Excel for 1 PC or Mac
$139.99
perpetual license
Subscription
$1,418.00
Per License
Enterprise
$13,748.00
Per License
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft SQL Server
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft SQL Server
Considered Both Products
Microsoft Excel
Chose Microsoft Excel
Integrates well with Power BI, since the company for both apps is Microsoft.
Chose Microsoft Excel
Excel Analyzer is very easy to use however earlier i was using google sheet which is totally online platform so didn't feel secure with my confidentials data.
Chose Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel It's the choice of professionals who delve into intricate financial models, statistical analyses, and other complex analysis. Its strength lies in its depth, offering a vast array of functions and features that can handle the most demanding tasks. Its pivot …
Chose Microsoft Excel
I find Microsoft Excel easier to use than either LibreOffice Calc or Google Docs because I use Excel regularly and know where to find the functions that I need. I find that other companies have an easier time opening Excel files than others.
Chose Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is more functional for different purposes, such as also showing, filtering and sharing tables with text. Think of action lists, meeting minutes or spreadsheets with quantitative input. SPSS is more focused on statistical analysis, performing built in analysis, …
Chose Microsoft Excel
My preference will always be Google Sheets, however, as the interface in Sheets is faster, smoother, and more aesthetically pleasing. Excel is part of the package with Outlook, and that tends to be the main reason why I’ve encountered companies who choose Excel over Sheets, but …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Excel is one of the tools I use for everyday work but fits alongside all the other programs I use. I keep Excel as a way of tracking projects from start to finish as well as document content strategy and audits. There are not many programs like Excel that I can think of other …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Lists allows for users to keep lists, but the functionality cannot be compared to Microsoft Excel. There are far more options for data manipulation, analysis, and creating outputs in Excel. Anything that can be done in Lists can be done easily in MS Excel. The key …
Chose Microsoft Excel
The integration Microsoft Excel has within the other Microsoft applications makes it top choice for me. I have worked in Google Sheets, however I prefer working in desktop version of software with full capabilities. Microsoft Excel provides this.
Chose Microsoft Excel
It isn't as collaborative or detail oriented as other platforms, or at least it doesn't market itself to be used that way. But it is still useful in its own ways
Chose Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel has its "niche" use cases, but it was the other way around. Its been many years since Microsoft Excel became the niche, while Google Sheets now is the mainstream data analysis application. I use Microsoft Excel today only because I am forced by my company to do …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Arcsight by OpenText, Google Sheets, Oracle Aconex, Oracle Analytics Cloud, Oracle BPM Suite, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Primavera Unifier, Primavera EXPRESS, PrimaveraReader, Oracle Primavera Submittal Exchange and Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management
Chose Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is superior to these as it has a wider range of functions and is used corporately
Chose Microsoft Excel
Like I've put in previous questions, Microsoft Excel seems more advanced. I'm always going to prefer using Microsoft Excel if it's just me working on a task. If I have to work with other then Google sheets is going to be preferred. The online version of Microsoft Excel seems to …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that is used for analyzing and organizing complex data. It offers advanced capabilities for data analysis, financial modelling and complex calculations. Excel can be used in offline form making it use flexible for users who want to use it …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets sync nicely with Google Workspace and can be accessed easily online. But Google Sheets is clunky and no where near the gold standard which is Microsoft Excel.
Chose Microsoft Excel
I think it stacks up very well, Clickup ha a better user interface however Microsoft Excel has a more sophisticated back end and formula approach. In my opinion, Clickup however does provide less of a need to 'learn' formulas as there is more of a click application approach …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Excel stands out from Google Sheets and Apple Numbers with its extensive range of advanced functions, including financial, statistical, and data analysis tools, surpassing the capabilities of its competitors. As the universally recognized industry standard, Excel offers better …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel stacks up against them with better User Interface, this plays a more crucial role than any of the functionality that other software offers.
Its ability to have a lot of functions for handling day to day task and analyzing data and automating the task.
Microsoft …
Chose Microsoft Excel
No any comparison, Excel are far better.
Chose Microsoft Excel
PowerPoint is excellent for displaying information in a far more visually engaging, relatable manner. However, where it is lacking is the ability to get to that point in analyzing competing deal information, building formulas around it, things of that nature.

Apple has its own …
Chose Microsoft Excel
Compatibility is the main issue. It is frustrating to send an Excel workbook to someone who can't open it. Also, user interfaces are not as slick and intuitive.
Chose Microsoft Excel
i have used many Microsoft products like Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Windows, Yammer etc., but I can say that every product is different from each other and each product solves different professional day-to-day work problems quite efficiently, although I …
Chose Microsoft Excel
I find that Microsoft Excel ranks higher than Microsoft Powerpoint because of it's ability to handle large amounts of data the fact that it has keys tools to helps streamline information. It does however not have the same capabilities as Microsoft Powerpoint when it comes to …
Microsoft SQL Server
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
You could consider i did use Mysql since i worked with some websites that were using a mysql database. I could not give a side by side comparision since i don't use those like i use the Microsoft SQL , but so far it worked well. I prefer Microsoft SQL due to support and info …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
UI of the Microsoft SQL Server makes it easy to use and learn. The better technical support and documentation give it an extra edge over other databases. The Microsoft ecosystem provides additional advantages, as we can seamlessly use other Microsoft products, such as Power …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is faster and more compatible, but it does cost more, so you're paying for those features. I use the others in many other places where critical transaction processing time and compatibility aren't of great concern.
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL is slower than MySQL and Access but far more feature-rich and reliable. Access is almost obsolete nowadays, so not too many people are considering it, but unless budget or an open-source ethos is a factor, Microsoft SQL is superior in every way. Many commonly used …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server providers a more user friendly experience when it comes to Microsoft SQL Server components management via its unique SQL Server management Studio. It is also a production ready, resilient, highly available and tested database management system (DBMS). The …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
The first database application taught when I was in school was Microsoft SQL Server. Microsoft SQL Server was used where I first started, so I had the opportunity to improve myself in MySQL. SQL is also used in my current workplace. It is widely used in very large projects due …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
We have a few different DB's in the organization, including: Pervasive, Oracle, Db2, MySQL. Many of them are of limited use for one specific application. These don't really compare to MS SQL server. Oracle is heavy and cumbersome and overkill for smaller apps. Pervasive - …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a comprehensive solution as transactional database, data warehouse, analytics, reporting, and ETL. It also integrates with the cloud well (Azure). The ease of use and setup makes this better than Oracle Database because the query syntax is also different …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
I think both tools are really powerful and close to each other but since I moved to Europe I realized that most of the companies have been using SQL Server which in my opinion means something. The support from Microsoft I also consider a bit better and you can also find more …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft was the original creator of the SQL database, and thus, they still rule the market and drive innovation when it comes to data warehousing systems. It's comparable in price and allows you to retain the structured datasets that you lose when you change to a NoSQL …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
[Microsoft] SQL Server has a much better community and professional support and is overall just a more reliable system with Microsoft behind it. I've used MySQL in the past and SQL Server has just become more comfortable for me and is my go to RDBMS.
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle are both extremely powerful and scalable enterprise relational database platforms. Microsoft SQL sets itself apart with its ease of use and licensing and support model. Microsoft is good company to work with and they provide clear and …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
It just boils down to why learn anther product when you are going to run across it so seldom. Developers determine what database engine I am going to need so I just tend to pick products for implementation that use a well know product that has lots of support resources …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
The most known and widely used competitor of Microsoft SQL is most probably the open-source MySQL. If given the choice I would personally choose MySQL over Microsoft's SQL Server, mainly because it is totally free and open source, but also because it integrates better with …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server was our first choice as we are a Microsoft partner.
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
[Microsoft SQL Server] offers a full solution, Inhouse Applications and hosted application continue to use SQL as backend database. Allows easy creation of development environments and continuous feature release.
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
All of the platforms have their own benefit. I was not the decision maker in selecting Microsoft SQL Server, as it was already being utilized when I joined the company, 7 years ago. I can say that I feel more comfortable with utilizing this platform as opposed to the other ones.
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
The free version is very powerfull and easy to install and use for small companies.
Going to Professional and Standard, gives you all the support and the flexibility needed. It is known within the Database Administrator crew, and you can get support very easily over the …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Native to Windows and being required for other MS apps puts it above others in terms of usage. If we were not heavily dependent on Microsoft applications or OS, we might have considered other database solutions. It's an expensive solutions but it is a solid reliable solution. …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
I was not too impressed with Oracle. Following the manual prohibited installation. They did provide a phone number and explained the manual was wrong and provided me with the correct information with which I was able to install the product. This was awhile back and I do not …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is one of the fastest RDBMS systems available in the market. Pricing is a bit on the higher side but all the features it provides pretty much justifies it. It can be integrated with a large number of frameworks thus enabling to work on multiple frameworks …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is still the industry standard for the type of development we do, and the types of applications that we use. Almost every developer or analyst we hire has at least a reasonable grounding in the use of SQL servers, and it is almost universally compatible …
Best Alternatives
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft SQL Server
Small Businesses
Stackby
Stackby
Score 8.9 out of 10
InterSystems IRIS
InterSystems IRIS
Score 8.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Google Sheets
Google Sheets
Score 8.9 out of 10
InterSystems IRIS
InterSystems IRIS
Score 8.1 out of 10
Enterprises
Google Sheets
Google Sheets
Score 8.9 out of 10
SAP IQ
SAP IQ
Score 6.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft SQL Server
Likelihood to Recommend
9.2
(0 ratings)
7.9
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.9
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.4
(0 ratings)
7.6
(0 ratings)
Availability
10.0
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Performance
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
7.9
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Configurability
10.0
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft SQL Server
Likelihood to Recommend
I find it easier to use than Google Sheets , though it's easier to collaborate with other teams using Google Sheets. I also feel like Microsoft Excel is more suited to deal with complex formulas. The best way to put it, if I have a project that I'm solely working on, I'm going to use Microsoft Excel. If it's going to be shared, then I'm using Google Sheets.
Read full review
Microsoft SQL Server is ideal for highly available SQL workloads by using SQL Server Always On availability groups. Microsoft SQL Server might not be appropriate for solutions which require a very low resource footprint, since it requires significant CPU cores and RAM memory as well as high IOPS, always depending on the usage scenario.
Read full review
Pros
  • Excel is the most fully featured spreadsheet software you are likely to find.
  • The software is compatible with a large number of file formats so using data from nearly any source is possible.
  • It can handle large data sets.
  • It can save your files in a variety of file formats.
Read full review
  • Easy to configure and use with Visual Studio and Dot Net
  • Easy integration with MSBI to perform data analysis
  • Data Security
  • Easy to understand and use
  • Very easy to export database and tables in the form of SQL query or a script
Read full review
Cons
  • Excel offers collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on the same spreadsheet, but managing changes made by different users can be challenging. Excel could improve its features by offering more granular control, better tracking of changes, and more robust conflict resolution tools.
  • Itcan be a barrier to productivity when importing and exporting data from other applications or file formats. To improve its features, it should offer better support for standard file formats and more robust error handling and reporting tools.
  • Excel can be challenging for finance students and working professionals, but it can be improved by offering more robust tutorials, better documentation, and more user communities and support forums.
Read full review
  • The import/export process can be tricky to follow with lots of steps and could be better for importing flat files
  • Obtaining help from Microsoft is cumbersome and often other internet sources are better and quicker
  • The documentation is not great and again it's generally better to obtain help elsewhere if needed
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Excel remains the industry standard for spreadsheets and has maintained simple and straight-forward formula writing methods. Although there is a learning curve to do more complex calculations, there are countless help sites and videos on the Internet for almost any need.
Read full review
I think it is unlikely that sql server has disappointed someone, it is likely that someone will come initially discouraged if the needs and problems that occur are very challenging, but definitely have a SQL oriented system means having a solid base to work and on which maintain the their data securely
Read full review
Usability
Overall I think the usuability is great and offers everything it should. I have never not be able to use it for what I wanted it for. However, it is so detailed and offers so much it can be difficult to use. Better descriptions or explanation to all the information could be helpful
Read full review
SQL Server mostly 'just works' or generates error messages to help you sort out the trouble. You can usually count on the product to get the job done and keep an eye on your potential mistakes. Interaction with other Microsoft products makes operating as a Windows user pretty straight forward. Digging through the multitude of dialogs and wizards can be a pain, but the answer is usually there somewhere.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
I have rarely, if ever, had issues with its availability.
Read full review
Its does not have outages.
Read full review
Performance
Excel load and performs calculations immediately. It integrate well with all Microsoft Office applications and does not slow them down.
Read full review
SSAS data cubes may some time slow down your Excel reports.
Read full review
Support Rating
I have not had to use it often, but it is good.
Read full review
We managed to handle most of our problems by looking into Microsoft's official documentation that has everything explained and almost every function has an example that illustrates in detail how a particular functionality works. Just like PowerShell has the ability to show you an example of how some cmdlet works, that is the case also here, and in my opinion, it is a very good practice and I like it.
Read full review
In-Person Training
No answers on this topic
It was good
Read full review
Online Training
No answers on this topic
very hands on and detailed training
Read full review
Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
Other than SQL taking quite a bit of time to actually install there are no problems with installation. Even on hardware that has good performance SQL can still take close to an hour to install a typical server with management and reporting services.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Excel is one of the tools I use for everyday work but fits alongside all the other programs I use. I keep Excel as a way of tracking projects from start to finish as well as document content strategy and audits. There are not many programs like Excel that I can think of other than Google Sheets and I find Excel is far better.
Read full review
Microsoft SQL is slower than MySQL and Access but far more feature-rich and reliable. Access is almost obsolete nowadays, so not too many people are considering it, but unless budget or an open-source ethos is a factor, Microsoft SQL is superior in every way. Many commonly used tools, like Crystal Reports, support it.
Read full review
Scalability
Each user can use it to whatever level of expertise they have. It remains the same so users can contribute to another's work regardless of whether they have more or less expertise
Read full review
SQL server does handle growing demands of a mid sized company.
Read full review
Return on Investment
  • It helps to me gather my thoughts, organize my research, and most importantly prioritize information in an easy to digest manner depending on what I am most interested to see at that time.
  • It helps me quite a bit to talk my clients through the financial implications of various office leasing transactions under consideration and coach them in a way that is very unbiased and fact-driven which I like.
  • It helps me to be more thoughtful as well when thinking about the various different situations in which I use Excel. And because it ultimately results in my clients getting comfortable ultimately pulling the trigger on a given deal, it directly leads to more commission in my pocket which I love!
Read full review
  • Increased accuracy - We went from multiple users having different versions of an Excel spreadsheet to a single source of truth for our reporting.
  • Increased Efficiency - We can now generate reports at any time from a single source rather than multiple users spending their time collating data and generating reports.
  • Improved Security - Enterprise level security on a dedicated server rather than financial files on multiple laptop hard drives.
Read full review
ScreenShots