Grist
Open-source relational spreadsheet with Python formulas
Our verdict
Third of our top three spreadsheet and database tools
For: People whose data has outgrown a single sheet
Grist is a spreadsheet-database hybrid: each document holds several linked tables, formulas take Python as well as Excel-style functions, and access rules can limit who sees or edits data down to a single cell. The free plan allows unlimited documents with up to 5,000 records each and 10 team members, and Pro is $8 per user a month, billed annually. It is open source: a free Community edition runs on your own server, and a desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux works on local files. It is third because it suits fewer people than the two above: no iPhone or Android app is listed, and Automations start on Business at $24 per user a month, billed annually, with a 5-user minimum.
See all three and how we rankWhat is Grist?
Grist is a spreadsheet-database hybrid: each document holds several linked tables, and pages are laid out from tables, cards, charts and forms. Formulas accept Python as well as Excel-style functions, and access rules can restrict who sees or edits data down to a single cell. It is offered as a hosted service with a free plan and as open-source software to self-host.
Grist has a free plan. Paid plans start at $8 per user / month, billed annually. See every plan
Good for
- Spreadsheet users who have outgrown a single sheet and need linked tables
- Teams that must limit what each collaborator can see in one document
- Organizations that want to self-host open-source software
- People comfortable writing Python in formulas
Worth knowing
- Records per document are capped at 5,000 on Free, 100,000 on Pro and 150,000 on Business.
- Business has a 5-user minimum, and Automations and priority email support start on that plan.
- On Grist's own servers, custom SSO, a custom domain and audit log streaming are listed under Enterprise only.
- The desktop app is a separate open-source build for Windows, macOS and Linux that works on spreadsheets stored locally.
Key features
- Relational spreadsheet documents
- A Grist document is a relational spreadsheet-database with multiple tables, stored in SQLite format. Linked widgets pull up the details and related records of a selected row.
- Python and Excel-style formulas
- Formulas can be single or multi-line Python with the full standard library available, and most Excel-like spreadsheet functions are supported as well.
- Granular access rules
- Rules decide who can see or edit individual tables, columns, records and cells, so one document can be shared in part with team members, guests or public links.
- Custom layouts, charts and widgets
- Pages are arranged by dragging tables, cards and charts into place. Summary tables work as pivot tables, and custom widgets show data on a map or calendar.
- Forms
- Forms and surveys are built from a table and shared with a link, and the responses are analyzed in the same document as they arrive.
- AI Assistant
- Answers questions about data and formulas in plain language and can create or modify records and formulas. Usage is metered in credits, with extra packs from $10 a month on paid plans.
Grist pricing
- Starts at
- $8 per user / month, billed annually
- Free plan
- Unlimited documents with up to 5,000 records each, 10 team members, 30 days of snapshot history and 100 one-time AI Assistant credits. The self-hosted Community edition is also free.
- Free trial
- 30-day trial of the Pro and Business plans
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited documents with up to 5,000 records each, 10 team members, 30 days of snapshot history and 100 one-time AI Assistant credits. |
| Grist Community edition | $0 | Free and open-source edition hosted on your own server, with community support, custom domain and custom branding. |
| Pro | $8per user / month, billed annually ($10 billed monthly) | Up to 100,000 records per document, snapshot history going back 3 years and AI Assistant credits starting at 100 a month. |
| Business | $24per user / month, billed annually ($30 monthly); min. 5 users | Up to 150,000 records per document, 5 years of snapshot history, 2,000 AI Assistant credits a month, Automations and priority email support. |
| Grist (self-hosted) | $24per user / month, billed annually ($30 billed monthly) | Self-hosted edition with admin controls, the AI Assistant, Automations, custom SSO and audit log streaming, sold without support. |
| Enterprise | Custom | A dedicated server in a chosen region, or a supported self-hosted installation, with custom SSO, custom domain and audit log streaming. |
Read from getgrist.com on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Grist before you buy.
Ways to pay less
- Annual discountSave 20% by paying annually
Pro is $8 per user a month billed annually against $10 billed monthly, and Business is $24 against $30.
Stated on getgrist.com - Nonprofit50% off Pro for nonprofits
Non- and not-for-profit organizations are eligible for a 50% discount on the Pro plan, requested by emailing a Letter of Determination before the free trial ends.
Stated on getgrist.com - Other savingsFree activation key for small self-hosters
Individuals and organizations with less than $1 million in total annual income may request a free activation key for self-hosted Grist.
Stated on getgrist.com
Works with
Grist alternatives
- Grist vs Baserow
Free plan · from $10/mo
- Grist vs NocoDB
Free plan · from $12/mo
- Grist vs Airtable
Free plan · from $20/mo
- Grist vs Google Sheets
Free plan · from $7/mo
- Grist vs Microsoft Excel
Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Common questions
Is Grist free?
Grist has a free plan. Unlimited documents with up to 5,000 records each, 10 team members, 30 days of snapshot history and 100 one-time AI Assistant credits. The self-hosted Community edition is also free. Paid plans start at $8 per user / month, billed annually.
How much does Grist cost?
Grist lists 6 plans. Free: $0. Grist Community edition: $0. Pro: $8 per user / month, billed annually ($10 billed monthly). Business: $24 per user / month, billed annually ($30 monthly); min. 5 users. Grist (self-hosted): $24 per user / month, billed annually ($30 billed monthly). Enterprise: custom pricing. Prices were read from getgrist.com on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does Grist work on?
Grist is available on Web, Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Grist offer any discounts?
Grist publicly lists the following: Save 20% by paying annually; 50% off Pro for nonprofits; Free activation key for small self-hosters.
Does Grist have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Grist is listed for Web, Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Grist have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Grist is listed for Web, Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is Grist open source?
Yes. Grist is open source, according to its own site. It can also be run on a server of your own.
Does Grist have an API?
Yes. Grist offers a public API, according to its own site.
What does Grist integrate with?
Grist's listing names Zapier, Make, n8n, Pabbly Connect and Integrately. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Does Grist have a free trial?
Yes. 30-day trial of the Pro and Business plans.
Who makes Grist?
Grist is made by Grist Labs. It dates from 2014.
What are the alternatives to Grist?
The closest alternatives to Grist in our directory are Baserow, NocoDB, Airtable, Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Grist.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.