The Gnumeric Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Gnumeric in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Gnumeric
The Insider’s Guide
Free, open-source spreadsheet program
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among spreadsheet and database tools, read from Gnumeric’s own pages.
Made by Gnumeric · checked Nov 12, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Gnumeric’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Gnumeric’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 12, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.0
GPA, above 34 of the 42 other spreadsheet and database tools we grade
Gnumeric is a free, open-source spreadsheet program from the GNOME project, licensed under the GNU General Public License. Its site says it starts quickly, stays responsive with large spreadsheets and has accurate built-in functions. It is distributed mainly through Linux and BSD packages and as source code.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Gnumeric, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It mostly lives on Linux and BSD, the project ships no Windows build, and there is no Mac, phone or browser version.
- 1
Best for a free spreadsheet on Linux
Gnumeric is a free, open-source spreadsheet from the GNOME project that starts fast and copes with large files.
- 2
It is free
Gnumeric has no paid plan at all.
- 3
It runs on Linux
Linux.
- 4
Open source
The program and its source code are free of charge under GPL version 2 or version 3.
- 5
Fast with large files
The site says Gnumeric starts quickly and stays responsive with large spreadsheets.
- 6
Accuracy of functions
The site points to research that found its built-in functions accurate.
- 7
A 3.0 GPA, above 34 of 42
That is against the other spreadsheet and database tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
Gnumeric is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
Gnumeric at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- It is free
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Linux
- Made by
- Gnumeric
- Category
- Spreadsheets & Databases
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
The report card
Best for a free spreadsheet on Linux
Gnumeric is a free, open-source spreadsheet from the GNOME project that starts fast and copes with large files. It mostly lives on Linux and BSD, the project ships no Windows build, and there is no Mac, phone or browser version.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free of charge, open source under the GPL. A program anyone can download and run counts as free and substantial. |
| Free plan and trial | A | No plan, no cap and no account: the whole program and its source are free. |
| Features | B | A full spreadsheet program with a manual and tested functions. Nothing in the listing shows a gap in the core job. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record. On Linux you install it from your distribution's packages and open it, with nothing to set up. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Linux and BSD only. The project does not release Windows binaries, and no Mac, phone or browser version is listed. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Gnumeric is for
- Fits if you run Linux and open large spreadsheets
- Works for people who want a spreadsheet without a subscription or an account
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you use Windows, as the project does not release Windows binaries
- Not for you if you use a Mac, phone or browser, since none is listed
- Watch out: the newest Windows build the site links is 1.12.17, older than the current 1.12.62
- Watch out: no cloud sharing is described
Good to know
Good for
- Linux users who want a lightweight spreadsheet from their distribution
- People who want a spreadsheet under a free software license
Worth knowing
- The project does not release Windows binaries; the newest older build it links is 1.12.17.
- On Linux and BSD the site recommends installing from your distribution's packages.
- The site lists no macOS, mobile or browser versions.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
Gnumeric is free to use.
Free of charge, open source under the GPL.
Free
$0
The full program and its source code, licensed under GPL version 2 or version 3.
Read from gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org on Nov 12, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Linux
Free, open-source spreadsheet program. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, spreadsheets.
A full spreadsheet program with a manual and tested functions.
- Open source
- The program and its source code are free of charge under GPL version 2 or version 3.
- Fast with large files
- The site says Gnumeric starts quickly and stays responsive with large spreadsheets.
- Accuracy of functions
- The site points to research that found its built-in functions accurate.
- Tested functions
- The project aims to test every sheet function, preferably in its automated test suite; coverage is not complete.
- User's manual
- A user's manual and FAQ are published alongside the download page.
Where it runs
- Linux
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
Gnumeric is made by Gnumeric.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
34/42
Other spreadsheet and database tools it is graded above
Gnumeric's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 34 of the 42 other spreadsheet and database tools we grade, and level with 3.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 35 of 42) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Gnumeric has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.3 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 43 spreadsheet and database tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. Gnumeric’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 34 of 42
- AFree plan and trialAbove 35 of 42
- BFeaturesAbove 19 of 42
- BEase of useAbove 31 of 42
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 42
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 42 spreadsheet and database tools. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Gnumeric is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
Gnumeric is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces. It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 34 of the 42 other spreadsheet and database tools we grade.
What you could not
- A spreadsheet engine with its formulas.
- A real app for Linux. Something home-made would be a web page.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. Gnumeric’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
LibreOffice Calc, Calligra Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Numbers and Google Sheets
The 5 tools Gnumeric is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 3.0GPA
LibreOffice Calc
Free
Free, open-source spreadsheet for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Only LibreOffice Calc lists Windows and macOS apps.
- 2.8GPA
Calligra Sheets
Free
Desktop spreadsheet from KDE's Calligra office suite.
- Calligra Sheets also covers templates.
- 3.4GPA
Microsoft Excel
Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Spreadsheet app sold with Microsoft 365, free in the browser.
- Only Gnumeric lists a Linux app.
- Only Microsoft Excel lists a web app.
- Only Microsoft Excel lists Windows, macOS, iOS and Android apps.
- 3.2GPA
Numbers
Free plan · from $12.99/mo
Apple's free spreadsheet app for Mac, iPad and iPhone.
- Only Gnumeric lists a Linux app.
- Only Numbers lists a web app.
- Only Numbers lists macOS and iOS apps.
- 3.4GPA
Google Sheets
Free plan · from $7/mo
Browser-based spreadsheet, free with a Google Account.
- Only Gnumeric lists a Linux app.
- Only Google Sheets lists a web app.
- Only Google Sheets lists iOS and Android apps.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Gnumeric free?
Yes. Gnumeric is free to use.
How much does Gnumeric cost?
Gnumeric lists one plan. Free: $0.
What platforms does Gnumeric work on?
Gnumeric is available on Linux.
Does Gnumeric have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Gnumeric is listed for Linux.
Does Gnumeric have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Gnumeric is listed for Linux.
Is Gnumeric open source?
Yes. Gnumeric is open source, according to its own site.
Who makes Gnumeric?
Gnumeric is made by a company of the same name.
What are the alternatives to Gnumeric?
The closest alternatives to Gnumeric in our directory are LibreOffice Calc, Calligra Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Numbers and Google Sheets.
How does Gnumeric compare with other spreadsheet and database tools?
Gnumeric's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 34 of the 42 other spreadsheet and database tools we grade, and level with 3.
Is Gnumeric good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Gnumeric A for value for money. Gnumeric has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of Gnumeric?
Gnumeric is free, so making your own would save you nothing. And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Gnumeric’s own pages on Nov 12, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 12, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Gnumeric's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Gnumeric. Prices change, so check gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
5,038
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
5,038
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Gnumeric, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/gnumeric
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Gnumeric: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 12, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/gnumeric
Know someone choosing between spreadsheet and database tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/gnumeric/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded spreadsheet and database tools after Gnumeric, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Spreadsheets & Databases Insider's GuideEvery one of the 43 spreadsheet and database tools we grade, compared
- Zoho Sheet Insider's GuideCollaborative online spreadsheet with a free version3.6 GPA
- Google Sheets Insider's GuideBrowser-based spreadsheet, free with a Google Account3.4 GPA
- Microsoft Excel Insider's GuideSpreadsheet app sold with Microsoft 365, free in the browser3.4 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Gnumeric’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Gnumeric is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Gnumeric. Prices and plans change: check gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org before you buy.