Best Free Excel Alternative?

new boy · 23 Jun 2017 at 18:54

I often use excel to work things out. Nothing heavy, just if I've got to do a load of maths, or work out how much I've spent on a personal project I like to dump it all onto a spreadsheet (And there is something about excel I find strangely enjoyable lol)

I don't really want to pay for excel to be honest, as I only use it maybe once a month and I could probably do it on pen and paper if I could actually find a pen when I need one

I'd like to think I'm pretty competent with excel formulas for a home user. Really I would like all the formulas to work exactly the same as they do at home.

What would you recommend?

SupraWez · 23 Jun 2017 at 19:12

https://www.libreoffice.org/ or https://www.openoffice.org/

Both are complete free office suites that include spreadsheets

new boy · 23 Jun 2017 at 19:18

SupraWez said:
https://www.libreoffice.org/ or https://www.openoffice.org/

Both are complete free office suites that include spreadsheets

Going to try LibreOffice, thanks!

andshrew · 23 Jun 2017 at 19:28

Excel Online is free.

AHarvey · 23 Jun 2017 at 20:33

excel online is also limited.

As alternatives I use Libre and Google Sheets. Libre Office is great and my understanding is that OpenOffice is pretty dead.

throw in Thunderbird for email and some free VOIP software we use and all of our call centre PC's run this setup.

The1nonly1 · 23 Jun 2017 at 21:25

Google Sheets. Use this all the time and can be accessed from any device you are signed into on.

gpuerrilla · 23 Jun 2017 at 21:39

The1nonly1 said:
Google Sheets. Use this all the time and can be accessed from any device you are signed into on.

This.

wesley · 24 Jun 2017 at 23:17

The1nonly1 said:
Google Sheets. Use this all the time and can be accessed from any device you are signed into on.

This x2

Cyber-Mav · 25 Jun 2017 at 20:27

The1nonly1 said:
Google Sheets. Use this all the time and can be accessed from any device you are signed into on.

X3

stewski · 25 Jun 2017 at 20:30

Generally I am a fan of open source/free software and would advise Libre for local spreadsheets.
However in this case, why not buy an Office 2016 code online, I got mine for around £10.

warren_1979 · 1 Jul 2017 at 10:29

Go Libre as OO is effectively dead as all the devs have jumped ship to Libre.

Hades · 3 Jul 2017 at 21:41

stewski said:
Generally I am a fan of open source/free software and would advise Libre for local spreadsheets.
However in this case, why not buy an Office 2016 code online, I got mine for around £10.

This. I just bought mine for £60 before realising you can get them for £10.

Doh!

/Facepalm

joeyjojo · 4 Jul 2017 at 08:13

warren_1979 said:
Go Libre as OO is effectively dead as all the devs have jumped ship to Libre.

This, LibreOffice is the right one.

Google sheets etc. are convenient but the terms are a bit nasty.

When you upload, submit, store, send or receive content to or through our Services, you give Google (and those we work with) a worldwide license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works (such as those resulting from translations, adaptations or other changes we make so that your content works better with our Services), communicate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute such content. The rights you grant in this license are for the limited purpose of operating, promoting, and improving our Services, and to develop new ones.

etc. etc.

Probably OK if it's not sensitive data but given the choice I avoid Google anything.

Armageus · 4 Jul 2017 at 08:25

stewski said:
Generally I am a fan of open source/free software and would advise Libre for local spreadsheets.
However in this case, why not buy an Office 2016 code online, I got mine for around £10.

Hades said:
This. I just bought mine for £60 before realising you can get them for £10.

A £10 code is likely no more legal than downloading a shady copy. Either buy and download direct from Microsoft or buy a "retail" copy (Which I think is just a printed key these days - no media).

If a legal copy of Microsoft Office is too expensive, then as already suggested then Libreoffice is a great alternative that has 99% of the features most people need, and is compatible with all but the most complicated documents)

Hades · 4 Jul 2017 at 08:50

Armageus said:
A £10 code is likely no more legal than downloading a shady copy. Either buy and download direct from Microsoft or buy a "retail" copy (Which I think is just a printed key these days - no media).

If a legal copy of Microsoft Office is too expensive, then as already suggested then Libreoffice is a great alternative that has 99% of the features most people need, and is compatible with all but the most complicated documents)

My £60 version was bought from one of the largest companies in the world and is completely legit (not sure if mentioning it is against the rules in this context as it is computer related). The £10 versions are also on there. Granted what you say may be true. But the £10 seller on their marketplace had sold thousands of them judging by the feedback.

Given the extremely high profile of this company I am surprised it's not on Microsoft's radar. Which leads me to believe that it may also be legit (but can't obviously guarantee that).

stewski · 4 Jul 2017 at 18:03

Armageus said:
A £10 code is likely no more legal than downloading a shady copy. Either buy and download direct from Microsoft or buy a "retail" copy (Which I think is just a printed key these days - no media).

If a legal copy of Microsoft Office is too expensive, then as already suggested then Libreoffice is a great alternative that has 99% of the features most people need, and is compatible with all but the most complicated documents)

Well it was downloaded and verified on a Microsoft domain, using my outlook.com account seemed good enough to me!