Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a free online spreadsheet. Anyone with a Google Account can use it, on any device, and it opens and edits Excel files too.

Visit Google Sheets

At a glance

Your spreadsheet lives online, saves as you type and can be shared with your accountant in a couple of clicks. It won’t file anything with HMRC by itself, but paired with bridging software it can be used under Making Tax Digital.

Free

Any device

Browser, phone or tablet

With a Google Account

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What is Google Sheets?

Google Sheets is Google’s online spreadsheet. It runs in a browser, with apps for iPhone and Android, and you can also work without an internet connection. Sole traders use it the same way as Excel: to record income and expenses, estimate tax and keep track of invoices.

Is Google Sheets free?

Yes. Anyone with a Google Account can create spreadsheets in Sheets at no cost. Some premium features need a paid Google Workspace plan, which is aimed at businesses that also want company email and more storage.

Key features

Real-time collaboration - several people can work on the same sheet at once
Opens, edits and converts Excel files
Works offline as well as online
Version history, so you can go back to an earlier copy
Comments and assigned tasks
Ready-made templates
Gemini AI for building trackers and formulas on some plans
iPhone and Android apps

Pricing

Most sole traders will only need the free version.

Personal - Free

With any Google Account:

Create and edit spreadsheets
Share and collaborate
Use it on any device

Google Workspace - paid

For businesses that want more:

Business email on your own domain
More storage, from 30 GB per user on the Starter plan
Check Google’s pricing page for current UK prices

Is Google Sheets MTD compatible?

Not on its own. Sheets can hold your digital records, but it can’t send quarterly updates to HMRC. To use a spreadsheet under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax you need HMRC-recognised bridging software that links your spreadsheet to HMRC. See our MTD Software directory for bridging tools such as VitalTax, and check that the one you choose works with Google Sheets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Free
Saves automatically and keeps a version history
Works on any device, including your phone
Simple to share with an accountant
Handles Excel files

Cons:

Nothing is automatic - no bank feeds or receipt capture
Fewer advanced features than desktop Excel
No MTD filing without separate bridging software
Some templates built for Excel don’t carry over perfectly
You have to build or buy a template to get started

Who is Google Sheets best for?

Google Sheets suits sole traders who want a free spreadsheet they can reach from anywhere and share easily. It’s a good choice if you update your records on your phone or work with an accountant who needs to see the same file. If you rely on complex Excel features, stick with Excel. Once you’re in Making Tax Digital you’ll need to add bridging software that supports Sheets.

Get Google Sheets

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Sheets really free?

Yes. Anyone with a Google Account can use it at no cost.

Can I use Google Sheets for Making Tax Digital?

Yes, with HMRC-recognised bridging software that supports Google Sheets. Sheets can’t submit anything to HMRC on its own.

Can Google Sheets open Excel files?

Yes. You can edit Excel spreadsheets directly or convert them into Sheets format.

Does Google Sheets work offline?

Yes. You can create and edit spreadsheets without an internet connection, and changes sync when you’re back online.

Is Google Sheets or Excel better for a sole trader?

Both work for simple bookkeeping. Sheets is free and easier to share. Excel has more advanced features and wider template support.

Compare spreadsheet and planning tools for sole traders

Google Sheets is one option among several worth comparing. Browse the full Spreadsheet & Planning Tools directory to compare it against Microsoft Excel, Sole Trader Tax Tracker and other options.

Details correct at time of publication. Always check the Google website for current features and pricing.