What are the most popular spreadsheets software in 2026?

The most popular spreadsheet software in 2026 are **Microsoft Excel**, **Google Sheets**, and **LibreOffice Calc**, followed by other widely used tools like **Apple Numbers**, **Zoho Sheet**, and spreadsheet‑like platforms such as **Smartsheet**.[2][3][4][7][8]

### Core “traditional” spreadsheet leaders

- **Microsoft Excel** – Consistently ranked the **best overall spreadsheet software** and still the industry standard for business, finance, and data analysis in 2026.[3][4][7][8]

It dominates on feature depth, compatibility, and enterprise use, and now includes AI features like Copilot.[3]

- **Google Sheets** – The **most widely used free cloud spreadsheet**, especially popular for collaboration, education, and small businesses.[3][4][6]

It offers real‑time multi‑user editing, tight integration with Google Workspace, and now Gemini AI.[3]

- **LibreOffice Calc** – The **most popular free desktop spreadsheet** among open‑source and offline users, often recommended as the top no‑cost alternative to Excel for 2026.[2][3]

- **Apple Numbers** – Common on macOS and iOS and frequently listed among top spreadsheet programs, though with a smaller user base than Excel or Sheets.[2][4][7]

- **Zoho Sheet** – A strong **cloud‑based alternative** to Google Sheets and Excel, often highlighted in “best spreadsheet” and “Excel alternative” lists.[2][4][6][7]

### Spreadsheet‑like and specialized platforms

These are not pure spreadsheets but are popular where a spreadsheet interface is combined with workflow or database features:

- **Smartsheet** – A **project‑management and work‑management tool** with a spreadsheet‑style interface, widely used in organizations for planning and collaboration.[2][3]

- **Rows** / **Rows.com** – A modern, cloud spreadsheet platform with integrations and automation, often cited among newer spreadsheet tools.[2][3][5]

- **OnlyOffice**, **Quip**, **OfficeSuite**, **Apache OpenOffice Calc** – Recognized alternatives that appear in 2026 “best spreadsheet” lists, though with more niche adoption compared with Excel and Google Sheets.[2][3][4][7]

In summary, if you look at popularity by general adoption and expert roundups, **Excel and Google Sheets are far ahead of all others**, with **LibreOffice Calc, Apple Numbers, Zoho Sheet, and Smartsheet** forming the next tier of widely referenced spreadsheet solutions in 2026.[2][3][4][7][8]