Grist

Grist is an open-source modern spreadsheet and database hybrid that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with the power of a relational database. It allows users to structure their data as linked tables, write Python formulas, and create highly customizable views including grids, cards, charts, and calendars — all without writing SQL.

Unlike Google Sheets, Grist handles relational data natively, making it ideal for project tracking, CRM systems, inventory management, and any data that naturally fits into multiple linked tables. It supports granular access rules, allowing teams to restrict what data different users can see at the row or column level. Its formula language is Python, making it accessible to technical users who need more power than standard spreadsheet formulas offer.

Licensed under Apache-2.0 and with over 10,000 GitHub stars, Grist is actively developed and can be self-hosted via Docker. It is available as a managed cloud service at getgrist.com, and the open-source core is a complete, fully-featured product suitable for individuals and teams.