Excel vs Airtable
type: Article
description: Excel is a traditional spreadsheet tool optimized for calculations and financial analysis with a one-time purchase model, while Airtable is a cloud-based database platform designed for collaborative workflows and relational data with subscription pricing. Excel dominates finance and analytics; Airtable excels at project management and team collaboration.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-08T16:14:52.776Z
date created: 2026-07-08T16:14:52.776Z
date modified: 2026-07-08T16:14:52.824Z
content reference time: 2026-07-08T16:14:52.824Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Microsoft Excel
about: Airtable
abstract: Excel is a traditional spreadsheet tool optimized for calculations and financial analysis with a one-time purchase model, while Airtable is a cloud-based database platform designed for collaborative workflows and relational data with subscription pricing. Excel dominates finance and analytics; Airtable excels at project management and team collaboration.
text: Pricing Model. Real-Time Collaboration. Data Relationships. Formula Complexity. Data Capacity (Free Tier). Learning Curve. Integration Ecosystem
conclusion text: Choose Excel if you need powerful financial calculations, advanced analytics, one-time licensing costs, and don't require seamless real-time team collaboration. Choose Airtable if your priority is team-based project management, relational data organization, cloud accessibility, and collaborative workflows where multiple users work simultaneously.
additional property: Monthly Cost (Single User)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: $6/month (Microsoft 365) or $69.99 one-time | Airtable: $0 free tier or $6-$20 paid tier
additional property: Annual Cost (10 Users)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: $72-$144 annually (or $699.90 one-time × 1) | Airtable: $720-$2,400 annually ($6-$20 per user)
  value reference: Microsoft Excel
additional property: Built-in Functions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 500+ functions | Airtable: 50+ functions
  value reference: Microsoft Excel
additional property: Real-time Collaboration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 5-30 seconds (requires manual save/sync) | Airtable: Instant (< 1 second)
additional property: Learning Time to Productivity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 2-4 weeks for intermediate use | Airtable: 0.5-1 week for intermediate use
  value reference: Airtable
additional property: Maximum Practical Row Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 1,000,000 rows (with slowdown) | Airtable: Unlimited (100,000+ tested)
additional property: Pre-built Automations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 0 (requires VBA coding) | Airtable: 500+ no-code automations
  value reference: Airtable
additional property: Third-party Integration Connectors
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 50,000+ add-ins (Microsoft Store) | Airtable: 6,000+ via Zapier + 50+ native
  value reference: Microsoft Excel
additional property: Relational Database Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: No (workaround via VLOOKUP) | Airtable: Yes (linked records, many-to-many)
additional property: Maximum Rows Per Sheet
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 1.048 million | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Annual Cost Per Creator Seat
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: $70 one-time or $72/year (Microsoft 365) | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Real-Time Data Refresh
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: Manual only | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Native Data Connectors
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 50+ (via Power Query) | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Time to Create Basic Dashboard
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 4-8 hours (manual) | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Estimated Learning Curve
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 2-4 weeks | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Built-In Functions/Calculations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 500+ (including VBA macros) | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Collaborative Real-Time Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: Limited (OneDrive/SharePoint) | Airtable: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscription Cost (Per User)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: $8.33 (Pro at $100/year) | Airtable: $20-50 (Pro/Team tier)
  value reference: Microsoft Excel
additional property: Available Functions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 1000+ | Airtable: 150+
  value reference: Microsoft Excel
additional property: Real-Time Collaboration Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: Partial; slower sync, version conflicts common | Airtable: Native; live cursors, instant updates, comment threads
additional property: Maximum Records in Free Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: Unlimited (desktop); 5GB cloud | Airtable: 1,200 records per base
additional property: Time to Advanced Proficiency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 95+ hours | Airtable: 15-20 hours
  value reference: Airtable
additional property: Native Relational Database Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: No (requires manual linking) | Airtable: Yes (linked records, automatic relationships)
additional property: Third-Party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: 600+ | Airtable: 500+
  value reference: Microsoft Excel
additional property: Offline Functionality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: Full offline support with sync on reconnect | Airtable: Limited; read-only offline, edits sync when online
additional property: Starting Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Free (limited)
additional property: Pro Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20-$50 per base
additional property: Native Automation Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Advanced (Automations + Scripting)
additional property: API Rate Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Generous with tiers
additional property: User Base (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 5+ million
additional property: Document Editing Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Basic (attachments, linked records)
additional property: Field Types Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 40+
additional property: Integration Partners
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 500+ native
additional property: Starting Price Per User/Month (Annual Billing)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Free ($0) or Team Plan ($20/user)
additional property: Free Plan Records/Data Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 1,000 records per base
additional property: Team Plan Records Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 50,000 records per base
additional property: Native View Types Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Grid, Gallery, Calendar, Form, Kanban, Timeline, Map (7+)
additional property: Automation Availability (No-Code)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Extensive with Zapier + native automations
additional property: User Interface Intuitiveness
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Moderate - requires data modeling knowledge
additional property: Enterprise Customization
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Unlimited custom fields, formulas, and rollups
additional property: Business Plan Annual Cost Per User
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $540 annually ($45/month)
additional property: Team Plan Price Per User/Month
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20 (annual billing)
additional property: Advanced Plan Price Per User/Month
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $45
additional property: Free Plan Record Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 1,000 records per base
additional property: Maximum Team Editors (Free Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 5 editors
additional property: Pre-built Templates Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 250+ templates
additional property: Timeline/Gantt Chart Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Not available
additional property: API Rate Limits
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 30 requests/second (enterprise)
additional property: Free Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $0 (5 editors, 1,000 records)
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/microsoft-excel
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/microsoft-excel
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/airtable
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/airtable
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/excel-vs-airtable)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/excel-vs-airtable)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/excel-vs-airtable
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/airtable-vs-notion
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/airtable-vs-monday
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/airtable-vs-asana
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/airtable-vs-clickup
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/airtable-vs-jira
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/airtable-vs-google-sheets
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/monday-com-vs-airtable
teaches: How to choose between Microsoft Excel and Airtable
genre: Software

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Excel vs Airtable — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Microsoft Excel
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: ME
language: en-US
description: Industry-standard spreadsheet software for calculations, analysis, and data visualization.
subject of: Excel vs Airtable

Airtable
type: Thing
language: en-US
description: Cloud-based database platform combining spreadsheet simplicity with relational data management and team collaboration.
subject of: Excel vs Airtable

Excel vs Airtable — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Excel vs Airtable. Contains 117 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Monthly Cost (Single User)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Annual Cost (10 Users)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Built-in Functions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Real-time Collaboration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Learning Time to Productivity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Maximum Practical Row Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Pre-built Automations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Automation
variable measured: Third-party Integration Connectors
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Relational Database Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Maximum Rows Per Sheet
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data Capacity
variable measured: Annual Cost Per Creator Seat
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Real-Time Data Refresh
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Native Data Connectors
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Time to Create Basic Dashboard
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Productivity
variable measured: Estimated Learning Curve
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ease of Use
variable measured: Built-In Functions/Calculations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Collaborative Real-Time Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost (Per User)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Available Functions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Functionality
variable measured: Real-Time Collaboration Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Maximum Records in Free Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Capacity
variable measured: Time to Advanced Proficiency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Learning
variable measured: Native Relational Database Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data Structure
variable measured: Third-Party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integrations
variable measured: Offline Functionality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Starting Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cost
variable measured: Pro Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Native Automation Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: API Rate Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Developer
variable measured: User Base (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market
variable measured: Document Editing Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content
variable measured: Field Types Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Database
variable measured: Integration Partners
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
variable measured: Starting Price Per User/Month (Annual Billing)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Free Plan Records/Data Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Team Plan Records Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scalability
variable measured: Native View Types Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Automation Availability (No-Code)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: User Interface Intuitiveness
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Enterprise Customization
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Business Plan Annual Cost Per User
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Team Plan Price Per User/Month
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Advanced Plan Price Per User/Month
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Free Plan Record Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data Limits
variable measured: Maximum Team Editors (Free Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Pre-built Templates Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ease of Use
variable measured: Timeline/Gantt Chart Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: API Rate Limits
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technical
variable measured: Free Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Team Plan Monthly Cost Per User
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Records Per Base/Workspace
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Built-in Time Tracking
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Number of View Types
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Native Collaboration Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Third-party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integrations
variable measured: Automation Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Analyst Rating (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Quality & Trust
variable measured: User Reviews Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Free Plan Editor Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Standard Plan Monthly Cost Per User
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Premium Plan Monthly Cost Per User
variable measured: Free Plan Records/Issues Limit
variable measured: Sprint Management Features
variable measured: Customizable Views
variable measured: Base Monthly Cost (Single User)
variable measured: Simultaneous Real-Time Editors
variable measured: Database Tables Per Base
variable measured: Records Supported (Recommended)
variable measured: Native Automation Builder
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/excel-vs-airtable)

Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Excel vs Airtable.
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Automation
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: Data Capacity
has defined term: Productivity
has defined term: Ease of Use
has defined term: Collaboration
has defined term: Functionality
has defined term: Capacity
has defined term: Learning
has defined term: Data Structure
has defined term: Integrations
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Developer
has defined term: Market
has defined term: Content
has defined term: Database
has defined term: Ecosystem
has defined term: Scalability
has defined term: Data Limits
has defined term: Technical
has defined term: Quality & Trust
has defined term: Community
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Resources
has defined term: Support
has defined term: Storage
has defined term: Database Features
has defined term: Pricing & Limits
has defined term: Limits
has defined term: Project Management
has defined term: Data Management
has defined term: Setup & Configuration
has defined term: Developer Experience

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: usability
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Automation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: automation
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-capacity
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Productivity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: productivity
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ease of Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ease-of-use
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Collaboration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collaboration
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Functionality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: functionality
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: capacity
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Learning
type: DefinedTerm
term code: learning
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Structure
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-structure
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integrations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integrations
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Database
type: DefinedTerm
term code: database
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ecosystem
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scalability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scalability
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Limits
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-limits
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality & Trust
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality-&-trust
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Resources
type: DefinedTerm
term code: resources
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: support
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: storage
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Database Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: database-features
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing & Limits
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing-&-limits
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Limits
type: DefinedTerm
term code: limits
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Project Management
type: DefinedTerm
term code: project-management
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Management
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-management
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Setup & Configuration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: setup-&-configuration
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer-experience
in defined term set: Excel vs Airtable — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-08T16:14:52.824Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: excel-vs-airtable)
main entity: Can Airtable replace Excel?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For most business workflows (CRM, project management, content calendars), yes. Airtable's relational database and collaboration features are superior. However, Airtable cannot match Excel for financial modeling, statistical analysis, or complex calculations. Finance professionals and data scientists still need Excel. Many organizations use both—Airtable for team workflows and Excel for analysis.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which is better for team collaboration?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Airtable wins decisively. It offers native real-time collaboration with live cursors, instant updates, built-in comments, and automatic version history. Excel's cloud collaboration (via OneDrive/Microsoft 365) is slower, often creating version conflicts when multiple users edit simultaneously. Airtable was designed for teams from inception.
    language: en-US
main entity: What's the total cost of ownership over 5 years for a 10-person team?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Excel: $500-1,000 (one-time Home & Student licenses or 5 years of Microsoft 365 at $100/year). Airtable: $12,000-30,000 (assuming Pro at $20-50/month per user × 10 users × 60 months). For small teams, Excel is far cheaper; for large teams requiring collaboration, Airtable's benefits offset the cost difference.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can I migrate from Excel to Airtable?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes. Simple migrations (flat spreadsheets) take minutes via copy-paste or CSV import. Complex migrations with multiple linked tables, pivot tables, and formulas require mapping relationships and rebuilding logic in Airtable's relational structure. Most teams spend 4-8 hours migrating a moderately complex workbook. Airtable provides import guides and supports bulk CSV uploads.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which handles larger datasets better?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Excel dominates. Desktop Excel handles 1 million+ rows natively with good performance. Airtable's free tier caps at 1,200 records; paid tiers support 100,000+ records but performance degrades with filtering/reporting beyond 50,000 records. For big data (1M+ rows), Excel or data warehouses (Snowflake, BigQuery) are required.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Microsoft Excel and Airtable
type: HowTo
description: Excel is a traditional spreadsheet tool optimized for calculations and financial analysis with a one-time purchase model, while Airtable is a cloud-based database platform designed for collaborative workflows and relational data with subscription pricing. Excel dominates finance and analytics; Airtable excels at project management and team collaboration.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Pricing Model
step: Consider: Real-Time Collaboration
step: Consider: Data Relationships
step: Consider: Formula Complexity
step: Consider: Data Capacity (Free Tier)
step: Consider: Learning Curve
step: Consider: Integration Ecosystem
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Excel if you need powerful financial calculations, advanced analytics, one-time licensing costs, and don't require seamless real-time team collaboration. Choose Airtable if your priority is team-based project management, relational data organization, cloud accessibility, and collaborative workflows where multiple users work simultaneously.

Consider: Pricing Model
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Pricing Model: Microsoft Excel has $70 one-time (Home & Student) or $100/year (Microsoft 365), while Airtable has $20-50/month per user (Pro/Team) or free tier with limits.

Consider: Real-Time Collaboration
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Real-Time Collaboration: Microsoft Excel has Supported but slower sync; conflict resolution can be cumbersome, while Airtable has Native real-time collaboration with live cursors and instant updates.

Consider: Data Relationships
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Data Relationships: Microsoft Excel has Limited to VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH; requires manual linking, while Airtable has Native relational database with linked records and automatic relationships.

Consider: Formula Complexity
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Formula Complexity: Microsoft Excel has 1000+ functions; supports advanced array formulas and custom VBA/macros, while Airtable has 150+ functions; limited to automation; no custom scripting.

Consider: Data Capacity (Free Tier)
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Data Capacity (Free Tier): Microsoft Excel has Unlimited rows (desktop); 5GB cloud storage in OneDrive, while Airtable has 1,200 records per base or 5GB attachment storage.

Consider: Learning Curve
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Learning Curve: Microsoft Excel has Steep; 95+ hours median to advanced proficiency, while Airtable has Moderate; 15-20 hours to proficiency; intuitive UI.

Consider: Integration Ecosystem
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Integration Ecosystem: Microsoft Excel has 600+ third-party integrations via Power BI, Zapier, and native connectors, while Airtable has 500+ integrations via Zapier, Make, and native API.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Excel vs Airtable
review body: Excel is a traditional spreadsheet tool optimized for calculations and financial analysis with a one-time purchase model, while Airtable is a cloud-based database platform designed for collaborative workflows and relational data with subscription pricing. Excel dominates finance and analytics; Airtable excels at project management and team collaboration.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Excel vs Airtable

Team Plan Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20-24/user

Records Per Base/Workspace
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Unlimited on paid plans

Built-in Time Tracking
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: No (third-party integration required)

Number of View Types
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 6+ (Grid, Kanban, Gallery, Calendar, Timeline, Form)

Native Collaboration Tools
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Comments and mentions only

Third-party Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 1,000+ via Zapier and native

Automation Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Advanced automations, scripting, and workflows

Analyst Rating (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Airtable

User Reviews Count
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Airtable

Free Plan Editor Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Airtable

Standard Plan Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Airtable

Premium Plan Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Airtable

Free Plan Records/Issues Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Airtable

Sprint Management Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Basic

Customizable Views
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Airtable

Base Monthly Cost (Single User)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $10

Simultaneous Real-Time Editors
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 5 (Pro plan)

Database Tables Per Base
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Unlimited with relationships

Records Supported (Recommended)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 500,000+

Native Automation Builder
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Visual workflow builder (no code)

Integrated Pre-built Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 100+

Time to First Productive Use
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 15-20 (basic setup)

Base Monthly Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $120

Custom Field Types
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 25+

Pre-Built Templates
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 500+

Average Onboarding Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 5-7 hours

App Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 150+

Maximum Attachments Per Record
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 100 GB

Native Gantt Chart Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: No, third-party only

Starter Plan Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20/month

Free Tier Record Capacity
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 1,200 records

Native Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 8,000+ integrations

Average Learning Curve
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 8-12 hours

Relational Database Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Advanced (linked records, complex queries, rollups)

Built-in AI Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: AI Assistant on Team+ plans only ($30+/month)

Document/Writing Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Limited (gallery view only)

Automation Rules (Standard Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Unlimited with complex conditions

Starting Price (Monthly)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $9

Free Plan Bases/Workspaces
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 2 bases

Maximum File Attachment Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 2 GB per attachment

Relational Database Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Advanced linked records, lookups, rollups, and junctions

Automation Complexity Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Advanced visual automation builder with multi-step workflows

Base Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20

Custom Field Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 25+

API Rate Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 30

Built-in View Types
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 6 (grid, calendar, kanban, gallery, form, timeline)

Gantt Chart Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Basic (timeline view only)

Maximum Base Storage (Pro Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 20 GB per base

User Adoption Difficulty
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 7 (moderate - requires database thinking)

Starting Monthly Price per User
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20

Maximum Team Size on Free Plan
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 5 users

View Types Offered
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 8

Relational Database Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Native linked records with rollups and lookups

API Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: REST API + Metadata API + JavaScript SDK

Built-in Templates for Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 30+

Automation Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Automations, Scripting, Extensions

Starting Price (Team Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20

Field Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 25+ (including linked records, lookups, rollups, formulas)

View Types Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 5 (Grid, Calendar, Kanban, Gallery, Timeline)

Native Document Editing
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Limited (attachments only)

Free Plan Row Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 1,200 rows

Max Team Members (Free Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 5 users

API Documentation Quality
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Comprehensive REST + GraphQL APIs with extensive examples

Base Plan Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: $20

Free Plan Record Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 1,200 records

Automation Action Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 25+ (conditionals, multi-step)

Database Relationships Depth
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: Unlimited linked records + lookups + rollups

Concurrent Users (Base/Workspace)
type: PropertyValue
value: Microsoft Excel: N/A | Airtable: 100+ simultaneous

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
xpath: //*[@id='verdict']

Microsoft Excel — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Airtable — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Microsoft Excel vs Airtable
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/excel-vs-airtable)
object: Microsoft Excel
object: Airtable

Premium Plan Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Plan Records/Issues Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capacity

Sprint Management Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Customizable Views
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Base Monthly Cost (Single User)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Simultaneous Real-Time Editors
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Database Tables Per Base
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Functionality

Records Supported (Recommended)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Native Automation Builder
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Functionality

Integrated Pre-built Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

Time to First Productive Use
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Base Monthly Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Custom Field Types
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Pre-Built Templates
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Resources

Average Onboarding Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Support

App Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Maximum Attachments Per Record
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Storage

Native Gantt Chart Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Starter Plan Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Tier Record Capacity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Native Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

Average Learning Curve
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Relational Database Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Database Features

Built-in AI Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Document/Writing Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Automation Rules (Standard Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Automation

Starting Price (Monthly)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Plan Bases/Workspaces
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing & Limits

Maximum File Attachment Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Limits

Relational Database Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Data Structure

Automation Complexity Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Base Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Custom Field Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

API Rate Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical

Built-in View Types
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Gantt Chart Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Project Management

Maximum Base Storage (Pro Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capacity

User Adoption Difficulty
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Starting Monthly Price per User
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Maximum Team Size on Free Plan
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scalability

View Types Offered
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Relational Database Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Data Management

API Availability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Developer

Built-in Templates for Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Setup & Configuration

Automation Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Starting Price (Team Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Field Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Database Features

View Types Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Native Document Editing
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Free Plan Row Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Limits

Max Team Members (Free Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

API Documentation Quality
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Developer Experience

Base Plan Monthly Cost Per User
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Plan Record Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capacity

Automation Action Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Automation

Database Relationships Depth
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Concurrent Users (Base/Workspace)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration