Microsoft Excel 2016 vs Google

Sheets
Spreadsheet Program Usability

Jackie Lee
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 1

Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Methodology................................................................................................................................................. 2
Test Environment ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Tests .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Metrics ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Evaluating Criteria ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Results ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Task 1: Create a New Workbook............................................................................................................... 4
Task 2: Fill out the Spreadsheet with Values ............................................................................................ 5
Task 3: Sum up the Columns and Rows for the Totals .............................................................................. 7
Task 4: Format the Data as Currency ........................................................................................................ 8
Task 5: Undo the Last Action .................................................................................................................... 9
Task 6: Find the Averages of each Zone.................................................................................................. 10
Task 7: Merge the top row and Center Align to Form a Title Row ......................................................... 11
Task 8: Create a 2D Pie Chart from the Totals of each Style .................................................................. 12
Task 9: Save the File as “New Styles Data Sheet” ................................................................................... 14
Task 10: Reopen the File ......................................................................................................................... 15
Discussion/Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 17
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 2

Introduction
Excel and Google Sheets are spread sheet applications that designed for people to store data, perform
calculations, and create graphs from the data. Excel has existed longer and has more features than
Google Sheets. However, many individuals find the sharing features and straightforward layout of
Google Sheets to be sufficient for their tasks. The cognitive walkthrough usability test results that
compared the efficiency of use of both applications given that they have used either application before
shall be evident in this white paper.

Methodology
Test Environment
This test will involve the current version of Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel 2016. The Excel program
is the student version but provides the same functionality. It will only involve basic tasks that students
would use spreadsheet applications for such as calculating new values so that both applications can be
used.

The test was performed using a desktop PC running Windows 10 with 16 gigabytes of ram on a Ryzen 5
processor. A single 32 inch curved Samsung monitor is used with a Radeon RX 580 Series GPU is used for
display. The tests were performed with tasks and the application open through split screen. Only the
applications involved for the test will be open during the test to reduce outside problems. The task
would first be completed on one application then task would be completed on the other application.
This made it easier to keep track of the measurements for each task and not having mixed results. Most
students either work on campus or in their room for projects associated with a spreadsheet application,
it will be performed in an apartment room, a setting that most students should be familiar with.

Tests
1. Create a new workbook
2. Fill out the spreadsheet with values (Values will be provided below)
3. Summing up the Columns and Rows for the Totals
4. Format the data as currency
5. Undo an action
6. Finding the averages of each zone
7. Create a spreadsheet title through merging cells
8. Create a pie chart from the totals of each style
9. Save the file as “New Styles Data Sheet”
10. Reopen the file
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 3

Metrics
Each task will be performed on each application. For the measurements, the tasks will be evaluated with
the five metrics.

• Effective: Task was completed without problems.

• Efficient: The task was completed without requiring much time or help from the application
• Engaging: The application made the task at hand visually appealing, and provided insight
through popups
• Error Tolerant: Errors during task execution were fixable so that the final product did not have
errors
• Easy to Learn: The application makes performing the said task simple and easy to replicate in the
future

Evaluating Criteria
Each of the metrics above will be evaluating using the six-point Likert scale. Where 1 represent with
“strongly disagree” and a 6 corresponds with “strongly agree”. A six-point scale has more precision than
a five-point scale and guarantees that each metric can be agreed or disagreed avoiding the neutral
position.

Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Agree Strongly

Disagree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 4

Results
Task 1: Create a New Workbook
Excel:

It was straightforward as it is one of the first options that Excel shows the user when it is first opened.
Users can either start from scratch or use one of the many
templates that Excel provides. This action can could have
been done in one click after starting Excel.

Figure 1 New Workbook in Excel

Google Sheets:

It followed a similar pattern to Excel in that it was

straightforward and that it provided templates. The
amount of templates and support that Google Sheets
had was less than Excel. Google sheets also seemed less
appealing overall when started up but its interface was
Figure 2 Startup interface for Google Sheets
sufficient enough to work with

Task 1
6

1
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 5

Task 2: Fill out the Spreadsheet with Values (Provided Below)

Happy
Lightning New
Styles Sales
Data by Zone
Style # Style East South North West Total
2346 Floral 250 865 123 15
Pattern
3765 Art Deco 456 489 187 154
5987 Cut Glass 117 887 225 859
Totals
Excel:

Most of the it was just typing into the right cells and avoiding typos. Excel automatically removes cell
borders of empty cells such that
previous cell’s content can be
see fully seen. This is best shown
with the “Happy Lightning New
Styles Sales Data by Zone.
Despite it being in cell C1, Excel
has it span across through G. It
requires empty cells though as
in B3 with Floral Pattern, it is Figure 3 Implementation of Task 2 in Excel
partially cut off.

Google Sheets:

It followed a similar trend where it required typing into each cell individually. I personally find the lighter
gray scale for the row and column names less effective as it is closer to the white color of the empty
cells. However, it does automatically resize cells such that none of the contents are truncated. The
difference is noticeable when comparing to Excel (“Floral Pattern” is fully shown).
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 6

Task 2
7

0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 7

Task 3: Sum up the Columns and Rows for the Totals

Excel:

There are various methods to get the

Sum of a column or row but my
preferred method is to type
“=SUM(x,y) where x and y are the
cells to be summed together. Once I
have one column and one row with
the SUM formula, I was able to
select the cell and drag its handle so
that the formula was copied to the
rest of total cells with their
respective column/row cells to be
summed together. Figure 4 Summing Values in Excel with Selected Cells Showing Function Transfer

Google Sheets:

I followed the same method as I did with

Excel where I typed the function into the cell.
I found that Google Sheets provides
suggestions as to the range of values to be
summed although they are not always the
correct ones. The popup that it provides
when entering the function can be useful for
ones that aren’t as direct as the SUM
function. Google Sheets can require less
steps to calculate all the totals for this table
but is more prone to error and requires Figure 5 Google Sheets Summation Implementation with Popup
going back to fix mistakes.

Task 3
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 8

Task 4: Format the Data as Currency

Excel:

Changing the cells to currency required little time and

effort. All that was needed was to select the data cells
and then going to the Number group on the ribbon and
find Currency on the drop-down list. The drop down is
visually appealing and while it can be hard to find for new
users, it is easy to replicate in the future.

Figure 6 Excel's Number Format Drop-Down List

Google Sheets:

Changing the cells to currency on Google Sheets follows

the same difficulty and effort as Excel. The visual appeal
is less than that of Excel, but it can be done with a single
click after selecting the cells and still provides a drop
down with similar options for number formats on par
with Excel.

Figure 7 Google Sheet's Drop-Down List and Format as

Currency Button

Task 4
7

0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 9

Task 5: Undo the Last Action

Excel:

Most people prefer using (Ctrl + Z) and I am no exception. It is the quickest method and is known by
most people who have used Microsoft products or Google Applications such as Google Sheets or Google
Docs. For this I went and used the undo button that is
available on the interface. What can be appreciated with
doing it through the button is that it provides a pop up
stating what will be undone. It also provides a drop down
such that multiple actions can be undone. I do notice that Figure 8 Undoing an action in Excel
if you have multiple workbooks open, the actions are
shared by all the workbooks. Therefore, using the keyboard shortcut will undo the last action done in
Excel rather than the action done in that workbook.

Google Sheets:

Google sheets also provides the shortcut (Ctrl +Z) to undo an action. It also
provides a button like Excel to undo an action. However, it does not signify
which action will be undone and it does not provide the opportunity to revert
multiple actions. Overall, it has less functionality and information about what
it will do to the spreadsheet. Figure 9 Undoing an action in
Google Sheets

Task 5
7

0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 10

Task 6: Find the Averages of each Zone

Excel:

It follows the same idea as

following the total sum of a
column. When I started to type the
function, it automatically gives
possible functions that could fit the
description. It’s simple and
straightforward to use.
Transferring the function using the
cell handle works like it did for the
sum.

Google Sheets: Figure 10 Implementing Average Function in Excel

It had the same idea as Excel and would also provide a popup and how the function could be used. An
interesting implementation that it did have though was that it automatically provided a suggestion that
would take the average of
the cells in its column but
excluded the total cell. It was
as if the application knew
that the values in the Totals
row were total values and
should not be included in the
average calculation.

Figure 11 Google Sheets with automatic suggestion for Average

Task 6
7

0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 11

Task 7: Merge the top row and Center Align to Form a Title Row
Excel:

Merging cells together makes

that group cells more readable
and Excel makes it simple to do
so through a click of a button
which merges and centers the
contents of the merged cell.
The drop down also has
additional options with
pictures to either merge the
cells differently or to unmerge Figure 12 Merge and Center in Excel
them.

Google Sheets:

Merging cells here provides similar functionality as it did in Excel, but it does not have a direct option to
merge and center a group of cells. Instead, I had to merge the cells and then align the contents
separately. The merge functionality works the same but I would have preferred if it had an option to
center align it automatically like Excel since most titles are centered rather than left aligned for
datasheets
and tables.

Figure 13 Merge Options for Google Sheets

Task 7
7

0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 12

Task 8: Create a 2D Pie Chart from the Totals of each Style

Excel:

Selecting data from nonadjacent columns can be

difficult for new users if they don’t know the Ctrl
key is needed to select nonadjacent columns.
However, once the correct data is selected Excel
provides many types of charts that can be utilized
and even provides a preview. Although once the
chart was placed, it was required that I changed
the title for the pie chart. Other elements to the
chart could be added such as percentage labels.
Excel even provides more suggestions once you
have selected your type of chart through styles. In
general, Excel provides a lot of customization for
a chart. The chart can also be switched at any
given time without altering the data values or the
chart’s message.

Google Sheets:

It followed a similar procedure to Excel where the

data was selected before going to insert a chart. Figure 14 Forming a Pie Chart from the Data
Although it seems to default to a bar chart which
can be bothersome for new users. It lacks the
recommended charts section that Excel provides
but it does seem to have different features
depending on the chart. When the pie chart was
implemented, it automatically provides labels
with percentages, but it lacks having a title. So
when it comes to choosing between the two pie
charts, Excels is preferred because the title has
more impact than percentage labels. However, it
is likely that the pie charts from either
application can match each other with enough
customization.

Figure 15 Chart Editor from Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 13

Task 8
7

0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 14

Task 9: Save the File as “New Styles Data Sheet”

Excel:

Excel requires that the program to

be saved using the Save as
function that Excel has then
afterwards any changes made to
the file can be saved using the
Save function. Although if I
attempted to either close the
program without saving or just use
the save function it will prompt me
to the file using save as. It will let
me name the file and choose a
location either on the PC or on
OneDrive if an Outlook account is
linked to Excel.

Google Sheets:
Figure 16 Save as Interface on Excel
Unlike Excel, if I were to exit the
spreadsheet, it would still be available. It would just be called “Untitled Spreadsheet”. This could make it
harder to find later if I had a habit of not naming my spreadsheets. However, the idea that it is
automatically saved and only requires a name makes it convenient for quick projects. In this case, it
seems that the location it will be saved in is where it was created in this case it is the main directory of
Google Drive. For the file to be in a specific folder, it either requires it to be moved manually or to have
created the spreadsheet while in that folder.

Figure 17 "Save" the Spreadsheet in Google Sheets by

naming it then using Move

Task 9
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 15

Task 10: Reopen the File

Excel:

There are many ways to open the file either through opening the direct file or opening it through Excel.
In this case, I went through and
opened it back up through Excel
since I find that to be more common.
The startup interface makes it clear
on how to either start a new
workbook or open a previous one.
When in the Open section of the
program, it automatically displays
the most recent workbooks that
have been opened which makes it
easy to relocate and open the file
that you are looking for. There are
other options such as pinning a file
for ones that want to be found easily Figure 18 Open Interface of Excel
later as well as using the search bar
to find a specific file.

Google Sheets:

Unlike Excel, Google Sheets does not

split between opening a spreadsheet
and starting a new spreadsheet and
are instead on the same window. The
options are still there in terms of
being able to search for it by name.
There are additional features such as
looking at the files through a grid
format which gives a preview of each
file. However, it does lack the ability
to browse through different
directories through Google Sheets. Figure 19 Interface of Google Sheets with File at the Bottom
It is only possible in Google Drive. It
overall has a system that would work for most individuals.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 16

Task 10
7

0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 17

Discussion/Conclusion
Total Tasks Score
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn

Excel Google Sheets

Both applications are well known and used by college students being able to accomplish the same tasks
listed in this cognitive walkthrough test. Excel had the better scores overall but many of the categories
were close and if more people were to go through the same test, it could yield different results.

All the tasks listed were performed to a satisfactory level and the final work could be accepted as
completed schoolwork. If the pie charts and their spreadsheets were printed out, both would most likely
reach a similar grade.

Excel was a bit more effective overall because it did not provide suggestions that could hinder the final
values and the pie chart provided a title that could be used while Google Sheets did not provide a title
for its pie chart.

Google Sheets was more efficient in that it took less steps to accomplish tasks which makes sense as it is
used by a more general audience that does not need the specifics or functionality that Excel provides. It
allows its functions to be used by a broad range of people.

Although Google Sheets does provide a lot of the same general functions that Excel does, it lacks the
popups and graphics in its interface that makes it engaging. It is generic but given that it is free to be
used by the public, it would make sense that Google focused more on having the application be able to
complete its main functions and not much else.

Given that the tasks were not difficult, both programs did well in the error tolerant and easy to learn
categories. I gave the slight edge to Excel because the automatic suggestions that Google Sheets provide
can lead to errors that the user might not realize. The other part was that Google Sheets automatically
places a bar chart whenever I wanted to add a chart for a selected data range. This could throw people
off on how to change the chart to a specific one.

Both Excel and Google Sheets scored well overall and could be used by any student. The difference in
engagement through popups and visual appeal is preference to the user. The extra functionality that
Excel has makes it overall better than Google Sheets. However, it can be argued that for basic functions,
the generic format and features that Google Sheets has makes it so that new users are not overloaded
with functions that Excel provides and makes it easier to use.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 18

Bibliography
Microsoft Excel 2016 Student Version [Computer Software]. (2019). Retrieved from

https://support.uidaho.edu/TDClient/40/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=166#HowGetMSOffice

Google Sheets [Computer Application] (2021). Accessed from

https://www.google.com/sheets/about/
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 19

Appendix
Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets
TASK 1 Create a New Workbook Create a New Workbook
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional The task was straightforward and Excel has a It was less engaging than Excel but it provides the
Notes friendly interface to help users get started. same end result that a workbook was produced and
ready to be used.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 20

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 2 Fill out the Spreadsheet with Values Fill out the Spreadsheet with values
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional Only note of concern is that Excel does not The final result was more representative of the final
Notes automatically merge and center the title row over the product as it automatically can merge and center
table. cells so that the title row is over the table.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 21

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 3 Summing up the Columns and Rows for the Totals Summing up the Columns and Rows for the Totals
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional The functions gives a general idea on how to use the More engaging than Excel as the popups are
Notes function but it can be difficult for new users. Clicking automatically there when a user attempts to use a
the function on the popup to bring up more function. A use of a question mark symbol helps the
information can be missed by users. user find more information on a function if
necessary.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 22

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 4 Format the Data as Currency Format the Data as Currency
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional Task was simple and the use of pictures in addition Google Sheets provides similar number formats to
Notes to examples makes it more engaging. Excel but the lack of pictures makes it less engaging
but the drop down is slightly easier to find.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 23

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 5 Undo the Last Action Undo the Last Action
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional Excel provides a list of actions that have been done Straightforward and can undo an action but it does
Notes so the user knows what is being undone as well as not tell the user which action will be undone as well
being able to jump to a particular action so that as having no capability to undo multiple actions at
multiple actions are undone. once through the Undo function.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 24

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 6 Find the Averages of Each Zone Find the Averages of Each Zone
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional Shares the same characteristics as the Sum Was more engaging as it was able to know to the
Notes Function where it can be transferred to multiple cells correct range of cells to calculate the average from.
and was easy to find. It excluded the column title as well as the totals.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 25

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 7 Merge the top row and Center Align to Form A Title Merge the top row and Center Align to Form A Title
row row
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional Utilizes images to make the setting more engaging Provides the same functionality as Excel but it
Notes and easier to understand. The option can be difficult requires to center align and merge to be done
to find if the user does not understand what merging separately. It also does not utilize any images for
is. user clarification.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 26

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 8 Create a 2D pie Chart from the Totals of Each Style Create a 2D pie Chart from the Totals of Each Style
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional Requires changing the Title so that it fits the data, It defaults to a bar chart whenever adding anew
Notes automatically provides a legend and the selection chart, includes labels along with percentages, lacks
dropdown utilizes an image and a preview to help a title in the chart, the interface for the chart
users get the idea of what their chart will look like. selection is a bit more engaging than the other parts
of Google Sheets.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 27

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 9 Save the File as “New Styles Data Sheet New Styles Data Sheet
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional It requires more steps but it provides a better Google Sheets automatically saves it wherever it is
Notes interface so that the user can achieve more in one created, all that was required was to name the file
screen such as choosing the type of file to save as, which can be done on the main screen. It has a very
the name, and where to save it. generic interface for saving but it gets the job done
and could be argued that it is preferred over Excel
since it’s just saving a file. Finding where it is saved
can be complicated since the user does not directly
choose its save location.
 Microsoft Office 2016 Excel and Google Sheets 28

Tasks Microsoft Excel 2016 Google Sheets

TASK 10 Reopen the File Reopen the File
Efficient Task was completed without problems Task was completed without problems
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Effective The task was completed without requiring much time The task was completed without requiring much time
or help from the application or help from the application
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Engaging The application made the task at hand visually The application made the task at hand visually
appealing, and provided insight through popups appealing, and provided insight through popups
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Error Errors during task execution were fixable so that the Errors during task execution were fixable so that the
Tolerant final product did not have errors final product did not have errors
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Easy to The application makes performing the said task simple The application makes performing the said task simple
Learn and easy to replicate in the future and easy to replicate in the future
Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Additional Has an interface that follows the same format as Only provides a list of the most recent files, the
Notes Save as, it is able to find files manually through interface is shared with the create a new
separate directories, recent files, or through a name spreadsheet, files can be searched through Google
provided by the user. Drive and Google Sheets using the Search bar but
Google Sheets does not utilize directories.