Getting started
Choose your destination
Understand the difference between Google Sheets and Google Data Studio and decide which destination is right for you.
When you sign up for Two Minute Reports, you choose the destination to start with: Google Sheets or Google Data Studio. The current plans include both destinations at no extra cost, so you can use the other one at any time. This page helps you decide where to start.
Side-by-side comparison
| Google Sheets | Google Data Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Spreadsheet | Visual reporting tool |
| Best for | Data analysts, agencies building custom formulas and dashboards | Marketing teams, reports for clients, and interactive dashboards |
| Data output | Rows and columns in a sheet | Data source connected to charts, tables, scorecards |
| Visualization | Charts and pivot tables built in Google Sheets | Drag-and-drop report builder, wide chart library |
| Sharing | Share the spreadsheet | Share an interactive report link |
| Scheduling | Refresh data on a schedule | Data stays fresh via Google Data Studio's cache |
| Formulas | Full Google Sheets formula support | Calculated fields in the report |
| Data blending | Combine many query tabs manually | Native blending across connectors that support it |
| White label | Export to PDF or Excel with your branding | Custom branding on reports |
When to choose Google Sheets
- You already use Google Sheets for reporting and want to add data to existing spreadsheets
- Your workflow involves formulas, VLOOKUP, pivot tables, or custom calculated columns
- You want to schedule automated email reports with PDF or Excel attachments
- You need to combine data across connectors in one spreadsheet
When to choose Google Data Studio
- You want to build interactive, visual dashboards for clients or stakeholders
- You need drag-and-drop chart building without touching a formula
- You want to share a report link with clients
- You need to blend data across many connectors in one chart
Can I use both?
Yes. The current plans include both Google Sheets and Google Data Studio. A plan bought before July 2026 includes one destination. On that plan, you can add the second destination as an add-on. See Destination add-on for pricing and how to add it.
The destination that you select at sign-up is only where you start. On a current plan, you can start to use the other destination at any time. You do not have to change your plan.
Next steps
- Quick start: connect your first platform and get your first data
- Install the Google Sheets add-on: get set up in Google Sheets
- Set up Google Data Studio connectors: get started with Google Data Studio