Google Sheets is familiar. TinyTables is powerful. Here is when you need more than rows and columns.
Spreadsheets are not databases
Google Sheets is the most popular way to track data. CRM in a spreadsheet. Project tracker in a spreadsheet. Client list in a spreadsheet. It works until it does not.
The breaking point comes when you need views (seeing your pipeline as a Kanban board), enrichment (automatically looking up company data), triggers (starting a workflow when a deal stage changes), or AI (generating summaries or scores from your data). Google Sheets was built for calculations. TinyTables was built for operations.
Where Each Tool Wins
Where Google Sheets wins
Formulas. 400+ built-in functions, VLOOKUP, pivot tables, charts. For financial modeling and data analysis, nothing beats Sheets.
Ubiquity. Everyone knows how to use a spreadsheet. Zero training needed.
Collaboration. Real-time editing with comment threads and version history. Google invented this.
Where TinyTables wins
Views. See the same data as a grid, Kanban board, calendar, gallery, Gantt chart, form, or list. Google Sheets only does grid.
Data enrichment. Upload a list of company names or emails. TinyTables fills in industry, company size, location, and social profiles. Google Sheets cannot do this.
Automation triggers. When a record changes in TinyTables, it can trigger a workflow. Google Sheets requires custom Apps Script for anything similar.
Where Each Tool Wins
Choose TinyTables if:
- You want forms, tables, workflows, emails, and AI agents in one platform
- You want to stop paying for 3-5 separate subscriptions
- You need data enrichment built into your database
- You prefer AI-generated content over browsing template libraries
Choose Google Sheets if:
- You need the specific strengths described above
- You are already invested in their ecosystem
- Your use case is narrowly focused on what they do best
