# GridCraft: free Excel alternative, tested

> GridCraft is a free alternative to Microsoft Excel, also for business use. What it can do, what is missing and how mature it is.

Source: https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/gridcraft/

GridCraft is a free spreadsheet program with over 500 functions, PivotTables and 17 chart types. It reads and writes Excel files in .xlsx format directly, including formatting and comments.

[GridCraft at the vendor](https://getartcraft.com/apps/gridcraft)
[All freeware recommendations](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/)

GridCraft Freeware

- **Type:** Spreadsheets
- **Cost:** free, also for business
- **Licence:** Apache 2.0
- **Systems:** Windows, macOS, Linux, in the browser
- **Version:** 0.11.1 of 22 Oct 2026

Maturity Development

Development Alpha Beta Stable

## How it helps day to day

- The supplier’s price list arrives as .xlsx: GridCraft opens it with its formatting. Filters and conditional formatting help you spot price changes faster.
- You want to analyse sales by month: A PivotTable with date grouping summarises the figures, and a chart makes them easy to read.
- A calculation should be reusable: With table references, LET and LAMBDA you build formulas that grow with the list.

## What is inside GridCraft

Reads and writes .xlsx, including formatting, tables, comments and sparklines.

- **Formulas:** Over 500 functions, dynamic arrays, LET, LAMBDA and table references.
- **Analysis:** PivotTables with filters and date grouping, 17 chart types.
- **Formatting:** Conditional formatting, styles, data validation, comments and sparklines.
- **Automation:** According to the vendor, every function can also be driven from the command line or an interface for AI agents.

## GridCraft compared with Microsoft Excel

GridCraft covers a large share of Excel functions, including XLOOKUP, LET, LAMBDA and PivotTables. The vendor does not mention macros. Workbooks with VBA still need Excel.

As of 25 Oct 2026, according to the vendors

| | GridCraft | Microsoft Excel |
| Cost | free, also for business | part of a Microsoft 365 subscription, price depends on plan [Source](https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/microsoft-365) |
| Licence | open source (Apache 2.0) | commercial software |
| Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, in the browser | see vendor |
| Shared files | reads and writes .xlsx |
| Maturity | in development, version 0.11.1 | on the market for years |

### What independent tests say

- Office Watch, 11.10.2026: 501 of 523 Excel functions are supported, and own .xlsx files opened. Verdict: worth a test drive on copies of your files. [Read the article](https://office-watch.com/2026/free-microsoft-office-clones-wordcraft-gridcraft-deckcraft/)

Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. It is named for orientation only; there is no connection between Microsoft Corporation and the maker of GridCraft.

## Our assessment

For a spreadsheet still in development, GridCraft is remarkably extensive. It is worth trying for lists and reports. Calculations that involve money should stay in your usual program for now.

### Already useful for

- Lists, simple calculations and reports
- Opening .xlsx files from customers and suppliers
- Trying out PivotTables and charts

### Better wait for now

- Workbooks that prices or wages depend on
- Files with macros or links to other programs
- Switching every workstation over completely

## Frequently asked questions

### Will our Excel formulas work?

GridCraft knows over 500 functions. Test complex workbooks with a copy before switching; the program is still in development.

### Can GridCraft replace Excel?

For a spreadsheet still in development, GridCraft is remarkably extensive. It is worth trying for lists and reports. Calculations that involve money should stay in your usual program for now.

### May I use GridCraft commercially?

Yes. The Apache 2.0 licence allows business use without a licence fee. It does not require you to publish your own files or data. Licence notices only apply if you redistribute or modify the program itself.

### What does GridCraft cost?

Nothing. GridCraft is open source under the Apache 2.0 licence and may also be used in a business free of charge.

### How do I install it?

The vendor’s page offers installers for Windows, macOS and Linux. If you use several Craft apps, the ArtCraft Launcher installs them and keeps them up to date. In businesses with several workstations, new programs should be approved centrally; we can help with that.

## Related

[WordCraft Word processing](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/wordcraft/)
[DeckCraft Presentations](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/deckcraft/)
[PdfCraft PDF tool](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/pdfcraft/)
[All freeware recommendations Programs at a glance](https://1x1it.de/en/freeware/)

Sources: [vendor page](https://getartcraft.com/apps/gridcraft) and [source code on GitHub](https://github.com/storytold/gridcraft), accessed 25 Oct 2026. We have tested the program ourselves and rated it worth a look. We have no business relationship with the vendor.

## Introducing new software in your business

Want to use a free program and not sure whether it fits your workflows and files? We will look at it with you.

[0173 644 22 17](tel:+491736442217)

[Request an initial consultation](https://1x1it.de/en/kontakt/#anfrage)