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“Supermetrics is a Bitter Experience! We can pull data from nearly any tool, schedule updates, manipulate data in Sheets, and push data back into our systems.”
Excel’s database connectivity without premium features is limited and often requires complex ODBC configurations that most users struggle with. But there’s a better way to connect to databases that’s actually easier than Excel’s native options.
Here’s how to get robust database connectivity without premium Office licenses, plus automated features that surpass what Excel offers even with premium subscriptions.
Connect to databases with automated refresh using Coefficient
Coefficient provides a robust alternative through Google Sheets that eliminates the need for premium Office licenses. You get support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, and more through API connections, all with simple OAuth or connection string authentication.
How to make it work
Step 1. Export your Excel data to Google Sheets and install Coefficient.
Upload your existing Excel files to Google Sheets to maintain your current data structure. Then install the free Coefficient add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace without any ODBC configuration.
Step 2. Connect to your database using Coefficient’s visual interface.
Click “Import from” in Coefficient, select your database type (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, etc.), and enter your connection details once. No complex ODBC setup or connection string configuration required.
Step 3. Choose your data and set up imports.
Select specific tables or write custom SQL queries using Coefficient’s visual query builder. Preview your data before importing to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need.
Step 4. Configure automated refresh schedules.
Set your data to auto-update hourly, daily, or weekly without manual intervention. This eliminates the manual CSV export/import cycle that Excel without premium features requires.
Step 5. Build your analysis with live database connections.
Use Google Sheets’ native functions and pivot tables to analyze your database data. Since the connection is live and automated, your analysis always reflects current database information.
Start connecting to your databases
Premium Office licenses shouldn’t be required for basic database connectivity. Coefficient provides a superior, cost-free alternative that’s easier to set up and maintain than Excel’s native options, even with premium subscriptions. Connect your database today.
