Grist is a next-generation relational spreadsheet that turns the spreadsheets running your business into secure, low-code applications. It sits between Excel and Access — combining the familiarity of a spreadsheet with the power of a relational database, Python-native formulas, and cell-level access control. It is fully self-hostable and open source, with a portable SQLite storage format.

Key Features

• Relational spreadsheet — model structured data naturally across interconnected tables instead of cramming everything into a flat grid.
• Python-native formulas — write formulas in Python using the full standard library, alongside familiar Excel-compatible functions.
• Cell-level access control — formula-based rules control exactly who can see and edit which rows and cells.
• Self-hosted and portable — runs on your infrastructure and stores data in SQLite, ideal for backups and compliance.
• REST API, webhooks and widgets — connect to anything, from n8n and AI tools to custom-built widgets.
• No-code apps and dashboards — build CRM, KPI tracking, and reporting apps from spreadsheet data with dynamic charts.
• Battle-tested at scale — a foundation of France’s sovereign digital workspace LaSuite, with 20,000+ users.

Why Use Grist?

Grist is the choice when you have outgrown flat spreadsheets but find traditional databases too heavy. It lets non-developers build real data-driven applications quickly while giving developers a full API, Python power, and the confidence of an open, portable architecture.

Use Cases

• Lightweight CRM, inventory, and class-enrolment management built from spreadsheet data.
• KPI tracking and consolidation for production, manufacturing and sales delivery.
• Relational data collaboration across distributed worksites.
• Self-hosted alternative to Notion, Airtable, Baserow and NocoDB.

Platform

Web browser. Self-host on Linux or Docker; also available as fully managed cloud.

Licence

Apache License 2.0 (open-source grist-core)

Website

getgrist.com