Spreadsheets Vs. Databases

If you have a pile of data to organize, you may be wondering whether to use a spreadsheet or a database. The ease of setting up a spreadsheet makes it a tempting choice. If you're looking at a lot of data, or if your security and sharing needs are complex, a database is the way to go.

Flexibility

Spreadsheets have the edge for flexibility. Any cell can hold numbers, text or charts. A database element can hold only the data for which it's defined.

Efficiency

Databases are efficient. Their structured approach lets you process thousands of records quickly.

Ease of Use

If you need to collect data in a hurry, spreadsheets are easier to set up from scratch. Databases demand more up-front design work.

Capacity

Databases are designed to handle many millions of records. Spreadsheets are usually limited by how much memory you have.

Security

You can lock a spreadsheet with a password. Databases, however, give you several dimensions of security: by user, table and element.

Sharing

Spreadsheets are not meant to be updated by more than one person at a time. Databases can handle thousands of simultaneous users.

References

• Databases vs. Spreadsheets