If you’re looking for free, open-source spreadsheets, some of which are web-based, as an alternative to MS Excel, then have a look at this top-ten list:
1. OpenOffice Spreadsheets
OpenOffice Calc is an extremely popular substitute for Microsoft Excel as most of its features mirror those of the latter. Another plus point is its interface which is quite user-friendly. With OpenOffice Spreadsheets, you can source data from numerous corporate databases, perform cross-tabulation and many, many more things. All in all, an excellent piece of software.
2. Gnumeric
Gnumeric is a useful alternative to MS Excel. Referred to by some as ‘Gnome Office Spreadsheet’, Gnumeric includes mostly every single worksheet function that Excel offers. What makes Gnumeric better – and this is a contentious topic – than Excel is that is offers one hundred and fifty four other functions that the aforementioned software does not.
3. Abykus 2.0
A lot of people use Abykus 2.0 for many purposes, most of them scientific and business-related. Abykus 2.0’s interface is very intuitive which makes it easy for first timers. Calculations of many sorts are possible with the Abykus 2.0.
4. CleanSheets
CleanSheets is another independent alternative to MS Excel. Just a word of caution – make sure you have JRE running on your computer, otherwise this software will not work. What sets CleanSheets apart from others like it is the fact that its formula language is quite similar to that of MS Excel.
5. Numbers
Numbers’ is a handy Macintosh alternative to MS Excel. Loaded with templates, and a part of Apple’s iWork suite, ‘Numbers’ is quite different from its Windows counterpart, but it’s simple enough to get used to in very little time.
6. Google Docs –Spreadsheet
Google Docs – Spreadsheet is also quite good. A web-based substitute, it is definitely lacking in extensive functionality, but it’s meant for basic spreadsheet-work anyway. This software allows you to do the usual things you’d expect from an Excel substitute – use formulas, create and edit worksheets, make charts, etc., but what’s noteworthy is that you can share your work with others through an internet connection.
7. Spread32
A very basic program that allows you to work with spreadsheets, Spread32 provides free panes, key sorting, etc. With Spread32, you get 256 columns x 65536 rows x 255 sheets. It is meant for the simplest of calculations and tasks.
8. Thinkfree cal
Another Java-based app., Thinkfree cal is an alternative to MS Excel that works with most all OS. Basic, but useful.
9. Zoho Sheets
Yet another web-based substitute for MS Excel, Zoho Sheets is simple but reasonably powerful software. Its advantage is that a lot of people can simultaneously work on a single spreadsheet.
10. KSpread
The freeware KOffice suite runs on Unix and Unix-like OS, and KSpread is its answer to MS Excel. It’s not that great in comparison with most commercial spreadsheet software in that it doesn’t have what most of the others do. However, what redeems KSpread is that it offers features like formatting, conditional coloring, graphs, etc.