- Home
- Spreadsheet apps
- Grist
Grist
Grist · New York City, United States · founded 2014
What it is
Grist combines spreadsheet analysis with database-style organization for complex data work. It organizes information relationally and supports Python formulas alongside Excel-like spreadsheet functions. Pages can present data in tables, cards, forms, charts, calendars, and custom widgets, while access rules can limit visibility and editing for tables, columns, and records. A REST API supports programmatic reading and modification of documents, workspaces, and team sites; listed integrations include Zapier, Integrately, Pabbly Connect, n8n, and Make. Grist is available as hosted software, a free open-source Community edition for customer infrastructure, and a desktop application that does not require internet access or an online account. Documents are SQLite databases and can be exported as complete .grist files. Hosted Grist uses AWS infrastructure, HTTPS, encrypted storage and backups, and optional MFA. The hosted product has not undergone certification or auditing for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or GDPR compliance. The free plan allows up to 5,000 records per document. Pricing notes list a free plan, paid access from $8/user/mo (annual), and a 30-day trial.
For and against
For
- Combines relational organization with spreadsheet formulas
- Offers tables, forms, charts, and calendars
- Granular access rules cover tables, columns, and records
- Desktop app works without internet or an online account
- Documents can be exported as .grist files
Against
- Free plan limits documents to 5,000 records each
- Hosted service lacks listed compliance certifications or audits
The verdict
Grist offers several ways to work with and deploy data, with useful controls for access and presentation. Note the free-plan record limit and hosted compliance caveat when weighing the options.
Who it suits
Grist suits people who want spreadsheet-style analysis alongside relational data organization and varied page views. It may also suit teams that need granular access rules or want to run the Community edition themselves.
Plans and prices
Free
Unlimited documents · Up to 5,000 records/document · 30-day snapshot history · 100 lifetime AI credits
Read 30 Sep 2026 · getgrist.com
Community edition
Free and open source · Hosted on your own server · Community support
Read 20 Sep 2026 · getgrist.com
Pro
Up to 100,000 records/document · 3-year snapshot history · 100 AI credits/month · 30-day trial
Read 5 Oct 2026 · getgrist.com
Business
Minimum 5 users · Up to 150,000 records/document · 5-year snapshot history · Automations
Read 5 Oct 2026 · getgrist.com
Grist Community edition
Free and open-source · Self-hosted · Community support · Custom domain
Read 30 Sep 2026 · getgrist.com
Grist
Advanced admin controls · MCP server · AI Assistant · Automations
Read 30 Sep 2026 · getgrist.com
Enterprise
Multi-server support · Pre-release security updates · Priority email support · Training workshop
Read 30 Sep 2026 · getgrist.com
On the record
- Access control
- Grist provides granular access rules that can control visibility and editing for tables, columns, and records.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- AI Assistant
- The AI Assistant can answer questions about data, create or modify records, and help write formulas.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- API
- Grist provides a REST API for programmatically reading and modifying documents, workspaces, and team sites.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- API access
- Yesgetgrist.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Compliance status
- The hosted Grist product has not undergone certification or auditing for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or GDPR compliance.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Desktop
- A Grist desktop application based on Grist Community edition is available and does not require internet access or an online account.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Formulas
- Grist supports Python formulas and Excel-like spreadsheet functions.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Hosted security
- Hosted Grist uses AWS infrastructure, encrypted AWS S3 storage, HTTPS, optional MFA, and encrypted backups.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- Supported integrator services include Zapier, Integrately, Pabbly Connect, n8n, and Make.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Portability
- Grist documents are SQLite databases and can be exported as complete .grist files.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product type
- Grist combines spreadsheet and database capabilities for complex data work.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Relational data
- Grist organizes data like a database or app while analyzing and visualizing it like a spreadsheet.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Self-hosting
- Grist can be installed on customer infrastructure using Docker and is available as a free open-source Community edition.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Paid from
- 8getgrist.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Support
- Grist provides community support through its forum and official Discord channel.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Views
- Grist supports tables, cards, forms, charts, calendars, and custom widgets on pages.support.getgrist.com · read 30 Sep 2026
