Grist
Relational spreadsheet with Python formulas, access rules and widgets, stored as portable SQLite files.
Grist mixes spreadsheet formulas with database columns, linked widgets, forms and fine-grained access rules.
Grist is a relational spreadsheet: columns hold one kind of data like a database, but cells can be filled by formulas, including full Python. The grist-core repository is the Community edition server. It suits people who outgrew spreadsheets and want dashboards, forms and access control on documents.
What it is
You build documents with linked tables, summary tables, charts, card views, calendars and native forms, and write formulas in Python or with Excel-style functions. Each document is a SQLite-based file. You can run the server from a single Docker command, use Grist Labs' hosted service, or open files in the desktop app.
Who it's for
It suits analysts, operations teams and public-sector groups who want spreadsheet flexibility with relational structure and row-level access rules. It does not suit anyone who expects the newest AI assistant, automations and audit-log streaming in the Community edition, because those are in the paid full edition.
Key features
Python formulas
Full Python syntax including the standard library, plus many Excel functions.
SQLite-based documents
A portable format any SQLite tool can read, which makes backups and moves easy.
Linked widgets
Charts, card views, calendar and summary tables that filter each other.
Access rules
Control access to individual rows, columns and tables, by cell values and user attributes.
Native forms
Forms feed directly into the spreadsheet, with attachments, hidden fields and URL pre-population.
Formula sandboxing
gVisor, native macOS, or a Wasm and Pyodide sandbox run untrusted document formulas more safely.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- Documents are plain SQLite files, so you can read the data without Grist and restore backups in full.
- Incremental imports mean you can import a new month of CSV activity without duplicating rows.
- Sandboxing options exist because Python formulas run on your own machine, including a Wasm option that works on Windows.
- The README lists SCIM, service accounts and external S3-compatible attachment storage for larger deployments.
Where it falls short
- Community edition lacks features the README lists as full-edition only, including the newer Grist Assistant, Automations, Advanced Admin Controls, audit log streaming and OAuth apps.
- The default Docker image includes inactive proprietary extensions; use gristlabs/grist-oss if you want exclusively open-source code.
- Access rules need logins configured, and production use may involve Redis, PostgreSQL and S3-compatible storage that you manage.
- The column-and-formula model confuses people coming straight from Excel or Google Sheets, as the README itself warns.
Pricing & license
grist-core is free under Apache-2.0. Grist Labs' pricing page shows hosted Free ($0), Pro ($10 per user per month, $8 billed annually) and Business ($30, or $24 annually, minimum 5 users), plus a free activation key for qualifying self-hosters: https://www.getgrist.com/pricing.
Open remote AI-training roles
870 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
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FAQ
What is the difference between grist-core and Grist?
grist-core is the open-source Community edition under Apache-2.0. Grist Labs also sells a full edition with extra features under a proprietary licence, and offers free and paid hosted plans.
Is there a free option for self-hosting the full edition?
The pricing page says individuals and organisations with under $1 million in total annual income may request a free activation key for the full edition.
What do the hosted plans cost?
The pricing page shows Free at $0, Pro at $10 per user per month ($8 billed annually), Business at $30 per user ($24 annually, minimum 5 users), and Enterprise by contact.
