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Spreadsheets · head to head

Google Sheets vs Lucidchart

Google Sheets logo

Google Sheets

Spreadsheets

Cloud spreadsheet, free for a personal Google account and bundled into paid Google Workspace for organisations

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Lucidchart logo

Lucidchart

Technology

Intelligent diagramming for every team

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Sheets performance degrades noticeably on very large or formula-heavy spreadsheets compared with desktop Excel, particularly with complex array formulas.; Lucidchart interface can overwhelm new users due to extensive features and customization options
  • They diverge on capability: Google Sheets covers Formulas and pivot tables, Lucidchart covers Flowcharts & diagrams.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Sheets and Lucidchart actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Sheets and Lucidchart differ
AttributeGoogle SheetsLucidchart
Pricing modelFree personally, bundled into paid Google Workspace for organisationsUnknown
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb, Desktop, macOS, Windows
CategorySpreadsheetsTechnology
FoundedUnknown2010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Sheets

  • Formulas and pivot tables
  • Apps Script automation
  • Excel compatibility
  • Offline mode
  • Connected Sheets

Only in Lucidchart

  • Flowcharts & diagrams
  • Process mapping
  • Mind maps
  • Wireframes & mockups
  • Network diagrams
  • Data visualization
  • Presentation mode
  • Google Workspace

Both cover

  • Real-time collaboration

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Sheets

  • A freelancer or small team wanting real-time spreadsheet collaboration without installing softwarenot Lucidchart
  • A school or nonprofit already using free or discounted Google Workspace for Educationnot Lucidchart
  • A company standardising on Google Workspace for email and file storage that gets Sheets includednot Lucidchart
  • A team building lightweight internal tools with Apps Script rather than a dedicated databasenot Lucidchart

Lucidchart

  • Process documentationnot Google Sheets
  • System architecturenot Google Sheets
  • Workflow designnot Google Sheets
  • Brainstormingnot Google Sheets
  • Technical documentationnot Google Sheets

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Sheets

  • Performance degrades noticeably on very large or formula-heavy spreadsheets compared with desktop Excel, particularly with complex array formulas.
  • Its charting and pivot table features are less capable than Excel for advanced statistical or financial analysis.
  • Offline editing requires the Chrome browser or a specific offline-enabled setup, so it is not as seamless as a native desktop application.
  • The free personal tier has no admin controls, audit logging or data loss prevention, so it is not appropriate for regulated business data on its own.
  • Apps Script has execution time limits and quota restrictions that make it unsuitable for heavier automation workloads a dedicated backend would handle better.

Lucidchart

  • Interface can overwhelm new users due to extensive features and customization options
  • Drag-and-drop canvas can feel clunky compared to modern whiteboard tools like Miro

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Sheets

Free
  • Personal Google accountFree
    • Full Sheets functionality
    • 15GB shared Drive storage across Gmail, Drive and Photos
    • No admin controls
  • Google Workspace Business Starter$7/month
    • Sheets bundled with Gmail, Drive and Meet
    • Admin console and centralised management
    • 30GB pooled storage per user

Lucidchart

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 documents
    • 60 shapes
    • Basic templates
  • Individual$7.95/month
    • Unlimited documents
    • Advanced templates
    • Cloud storage
  • Team$9/editor/month
    • Real-time collaboration
    • Team management
    • All integrations
  • Enterprise$undefined/custom
    • Advanced security
    • SSO
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Sheets if

  • You need formulas and pivot tables.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want apps script automation.
Google Sheets review

Choose Lucidchart if

  • You need flowcharts & diagrams.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want process mapping.
Lucidchart review

Questions people ask

Is Google Sheets or Lucidchart better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Sheets starts at Free and Lucidchart at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Sheets or Lucidchart?
Google Sheets starts at Free and Lucidchart at Free.
Does Google Sheets or Lucidchart run on more platforms?
Google Sheets runs on Web, iOS, Android. Lucidchart runs on Web, Desktop, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Google Sheets for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Sheets best used for?
Google Sheets is most often used for a freelancer or small team wanting real-time spreadsheet collaboration without installing software, a school or nonprofit already using free or discounted google workspace for education, a company standardising on google workspace for email and file storage that gets sheets included, a team building lightweight internal tools with apps script rather than a dedicated database. Of those, a freelancer or small team wanting real-time spreadsheet collaboration without installing software and a school or nonprofit already using free or discounted google workspace for education are not what Lucidchart is typically brought in for.
What can Google Sheets do that Lucidchart cannot?
Google Sheets covers Formulas and pivot tables, Apps Script automation, Excel compatibility, Offline mode. Lucidchart covers Flowcharts & diagrams, Process mapping, Mind maps, Wireframes & mockups. Both handle Real-time collaboration.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Sheets: Is Google Sheets really free?

Yes, for a personal Google account with full functionality, subject to the 15GB Drive storage limit shared across Google services.

Lucidchart: What pricing plans does Lucidchart offer?

Lucidchart has a free plan (3 documents, 60 shapes), Individual plan ($7.95/month), Team plan ($9/editor/month), and Enterprise with custom pricing.

Source
Google Sheets: Why would a business pay for something that is free?

Businesses pay for Google Workspace, which bundles Sheets with admin controls, larger storage, audit logs and support that a personal account lacks.

Lucidchart: Can I use Lucidchart offline?

Lucidchart is a cloud-based platform, but offers an offline desktop option for users who need to work without internet access.

Source
Google Sheets: Does Google Sheets work with Excel files?

Yes, it opens, edits and exports Microsoft Excel format files directly.

Lucidchart: What compliance certifications does Lucidchart have?

Lucidchart provides SOC 2 Type II, FedRAMP, HIPAA BAA, and GDPR compliance, making it suitable for regulated industries.

Source
Lucidchart: Does Lucidchart have AI diagram generation?

Yes, Lucidchart uses AI to auto-generate flowcharts, UML diagrams, ER diagrams, and org charts from text prompts, Excel data, CSV files, code snippets, or database schemas.

Source
Lucidchart: What integrations does Lucidchart support?

Lucidchart integrates with Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace, and Salesforce for seamless workflow integration.

Source
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