Comparing prices can save a lot of money, whether you’re shopping for groceries, electronics, or business supplies. Instead of keeping all that information in your head (or scribbled on sticky notes), why not use Google Sheets to organize and compare prices? A simple template can make a big difference in helping you make smart purchasing decisions.
Why Use Google Sheets for Price Comparison?
Google Sheets makes price comparison simple and hassle-free. You can track deals, apply automatic calculations, and even highlight the best prices with just a few clicks. Since it’s cloud-based, you can access your list anytime—even while shopping.
Step 1: Open a New Google Sheet
Go to Google Sheets and open a new blank spreadsheet. This will be your workspace for setting up the price comparison template.
Step 2: Create Column Headers
In the top row, add these headers:
- Product Name
- Product Description
- Qty
- Store 1 Price
- Store 2 Price
- Store 3 Price
- Lowest Price
- Total Field (for discounts & totals)
Step 3: Add Product Details
Start listing the items you want to compare and visit the stores or websites you’re comparing and fill in their prices under the relevant columns.
Step 4: Find the Best Price Automatically
Let Google Sheets calculate the lowest price for you. Click the cell under the Lowest Price column for your first product. Type this formula: =MIN(B2:D2) (Replace B2:D2 with the cells containing prices for that product.)
The sheet will now show the cheapest option. Drag the formula down to apply it to other rows.
Step 5: Highlight the Best Deal
Make the lowest price stand out with color. Select the cells in the Store 1 Price, Store 2 Price, and Store 3 Price columns. Go to Format > Conditional Formatting. Under “Format rules,” choose Custom formula is and type: =B2=MIN($B2:$D2) (Adjust the column letters if needed.) Pick a highlight color (like green) and click Done. Now, the best price in each row will glow.
Click the Share button (top-right) to let others view or edit. Save a copy: Go to File > Make a Copy to reuse the template for future comparisons.
Get the Free Price Comparison Template
Get a copy of the free Price Comparison Template. I’ve populated some cells as examples, but you can customize them as needed.
Final Thoughts
A little organization goes a long way when it comes to saving money. Instead of making rushed decisions, take a few extra minutes to compare prices and find the best deals. Your budget will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I edit the formula to include more price columns?
If you add more stores, adjust the formula in the Lowest Price column. For example, if you add a fourth store, change =MIN(B2:D2) to =MIN(B2:E2) to include the new column.
Can I highlight the lowest price automatically?
Yes! Use Conditional Formatting with the custom formula =B2=MIN($B2:$D2). This will highlight the cell with the lowest price in each row.
How do I make the template visually appealing?
Use Format > Alternating Colors to add stripes to your rows, or bold headers for clarity. You can also freeze the top row (View > Freeze > 1 Row) to keep headers visible as you scroll.
The Bottom Line:
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