Pyspread review (2026): is it any good?
Free open-source spreadsheet where every cell holds Python code
Pyspread report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for a free spreadsheet where every cell holds Python
Pyspread is a free, open-source spreadsheet where each cell is Python code. The project itself says the learning curve may be too steep without Python experience, it needs Python and PyQt6, and macOS isn't supported.
Who Pyspread is for
- Fits if you know Python and want formulas that are real code
- Works for people who need a free desktop sheet on Linux
Who Pyspread is not for
- Skip it if you use a Mac, as macOS is currently unsupported
- Not for you if you don't write Python, since every cell is code
- Too light for heavy number-crunching, as long-running cells can lock it up
- Tight if you want an easy install, since it needs Python and PyQt6
Why Pyspread gets a 2.6
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree under GPL v3 for anyone to download and run, with no paid plan.
- AFree plan and trialFree outright, with no cap and no paid tier.
- CFeaturesPython in cells, modules, charts, images and import and export. Long-running cells can lock the app, and it isn't built for heavy computation.
- DEase of useYou install it with pip or a system package and it needs Python and PyQt6. The project warns that cell code is a steep climb for non-programmers.
- CPlatforms and integrationsA program for computers only, on Linux and Windows. macOS is listed as unsupported, with links to NumPy, Matplotlib and R.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Martin Manns and the pyspread team's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/pyspread#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/pyspread.svg" alt="Pyspread: 2.6 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Pyspread stands among spreadsheet and database tools
Pyspread's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 38 of the 63 other spreadsheet and database tools we grade, and level with 8.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 51 of 63) and worst on ease of use (D, above 0).
Pyspread has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 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 64 spreadsheet and database tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. Pyspread’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 48 of 63, level with 15
- AFree plan and trialAbove 51 of 63, level with 12
- CFeaturesAbove 5 of 63, level with 34
- DEase of useAbove 0 of 63, level with 8
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 3 of 63, level with 17
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 59 spreadsheet and database tools. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep Pyspread, or make your own?
Keep it
Pyspread is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could not
- A spreadsheet engine with its formulas.
- A real app for Windows and Linux. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. Pyspread’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.
What is Pyspread?
Pyspread is a desktop spreadsheet that takes Python expressions in its cells instead of a spreadsheet formula language. Each cell returns a Python object that other cells can use, so lists, matrices and charts can sit in a grid. The project says its target users already know Python or want to learn it, and it is not aimed at people looking for a drop-in Excel replacement.
Worth knowing
- The project says people without Python experience may find the learning curve for code in cells too steep.
- It is not built to parallelize heavy computation, and long-running cells can lock up the app.
- The install page lists Linux, POSIX platforms and Windows, and says macOS is currently unsupported.
- It needs Python and PyQt6, and is installed with pip or a system package.
Key features
- Python in cells
- Cells accept Python expressions, so no separate spreadsheet formula language is needed.
- Python modules available
- Cells can use modules such as NumPy, and a macro panel can import your own modules.
- Charts and images
- Cells can show text, markup, images, dates or charts; Matplotlib and R charts are supported, some through optional dependencies.
- Import and export
- Imports CSV, SVG and XLSX, and exports CSV, SVG and PDF; XLSX import needs optional dependencies and PDF is made by printing to file.
- Signed save files
- The pysu save format works with git, and blake2b signatures are meant to stop foreign code from running.
Pyspread pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, Pyspread is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- None
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Free software under the GPL v3 licence; no paid plans. |
Read from pyspread.gitlab.io on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Pyspread before you buy.
Works with
- NumPy
- Matplotlib
- R
- Plotnine
Pyspread alternatives
- Pyspread vs Mito
Free plan · from $20/mo
Common questions
Does Pyspread have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Pyspread is listed for Linux and Windows.
Does Pyspread have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Pyspread is listed for Linux and Windows.
Is Pyspread open source?
Yes. Pyspread is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.