Grist vs Quadratic
Grist and Quadratic are both databases & spreadsheets tools aimed at developers and small businesses. Grist costs less, from $10/mo versus $20/mo for Quadratic. Both have a free plan.
Relational spreadsheet with Python formulas
AI spreadsheet with Python, SQL and JavaScript in the cells
| Pricing | Open source · $10 | Freemium · $20 |
| Starting price | $10/mo | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Built for | Developers, Small businesses | Developers, Small businesses, Enterprise |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Country | US · 2017 | US |
| Rating | — | — |
Choose Grist if
Power users wanting spreadsheet + database.
- Powerful formulas
- Fine-grained permissions
- Open source
Look elsewhere if: Simple lists.
Choose Quadratic if
Analysts, data scientists and technical founders who want spreadsheet speed with Python and SQL power.
- Real Python in a spreadsheet without local setup
- Fast browser rendering even on very large datasets
- Code stays visible and auditable cell by cell
Look elsewhere if: Finance teams wanting classic spreadsheet modelling (Equals) or non-technical teams needing an operational database (Airtable).
Grist vs Quadratic pricing
Grist
- Free$0Hosted; up to 5,000 records per document
- Pro$10/user/mo$8 billed annually
- Business$30/user/mo$24 billed annually; min 5 users; 150,000 records/doc
- EnterpriseCustomCustom SSO, audit log streaming, SLAs
- Community edition$0Free and open source, self-hosted
Quadratic
- Free$0Limited AI usage, sharing, files and connections
- Pro$20/user/mo$18 billed annually; $20 in AI credits/mo, unlimited connections
- Business$40/user/mo$36 billed annually; $40 in AI credits/mo, buy extra credits
- EnterpriseCustomSSO, self-hosting option, dedicated support
Grist · Key features
- Relational tables
- Python formulas
- Granular access rules
- Linked widgets and dashboards
- Self-hosting
- API
Cons
- Learning curve
- Smaller ecosystem
- UI less familiar
Quadratic · Key features
- Python, SQL and JavaScript code cells next to formulas
- AI that writes formulas, code and charts from plain language
- Direct connections to Postgres, MySQL, Snowflake and BigQuery
- Import of CSV, Excel, Parquet and PDF tables
- Agents for auditing sheets, fixing errors and augmenting data
- MCP server and API for external AI agents
Cons
- Less familiar for Excel users who never write code
- AI usage capped by monthly credit allowances
- Fewer finance-specific templates than Excel or Equals
Grist vs Quadratic: FAQ
Which is cheaper, Grist or Quadratic?
Grist starts at $10/mo and Quadratic at $20/mo. Both prices are checked on the vendors' own pricing pages.
Do Grist and Quadratic have a free plan?
Yes, both Grist and Quadratic have a free plan; paid plans add more usage and features.