Microsoft SQL Server is a powerful relational database management system (RDBMS) used by organizations to store, manage, and analyze vast amounts of data. It supports advanced querying, robust security, and efficient data processing, making it essential for handling critical business applications and operations.

Integrating Microsoft SQL data into Google Sheets enables teams to easily analyze and visualize complex datasets within a collaborative, user-friendly platform. This connection allows for real-time data access, facilitating informed decision-making and efficient workflow management.

This blog will compare different methods to connect Microsoft SQL and Google Sheets, highlighting why Superjoin is often the best choice for many users.

Best Ways to Connect Microsoft SQL to Google Sheets

Method 1: Using Superjoin

Superjoin provides the fastest and easiest way to connect Microsoft SQL to Google Sheets without any technical know-how or complex setup processes. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Click Extensions from the Google Sheets menu. Select Add-ons and choose to Get Add-ons. This will bring you to the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Step 2: Look for Superjoin in the Google Marketplace pop-up window and install the app by following the prompts.

Step 3: Navigate back to the Extensions menu tab and launch Superjoin from there. You should see Superjoin running as a Google Sheets side panel on the right side of your screen. 

Step 4: From Sources, select Microsoft SQL from the list.

Step 5: Enter your Host Name/IP Address, Port number (which is usually 3306), Database Name, Username ( Make sure to create a new user with read-only access to your database), and Password.

Once this is done, click on the Authorize button.

Step 6: Choose between three query methods through which you would like to import.

Step 7: Enter your SQL query and click Run query and then you can preview your data. Once you have previewed the data select Import and wait for a few seconds. This action pulls all your data from Microsoft SQL to Google Sheets.

Step 8: Superjoin lets you refresh your imported data instantly with one click or set it to auto-refresh on a pre-set schedule. This way, you won't need to manually update your Microsoft SQL data in Google Sheets to reflect changes from the source.

Voila, you've successfully imported your Microsoft SQL data to Google Sheets using Superjoin!

It is particularly suitable for users looking for a Microsoft SQL to Google Sheets free tool, as Superjoin offers a free tier.

Method 2: Using Google Apps Script

For those with coding knowledge, Google Apps Script is a powerful scripting language based on JavaScript that allows you to extend the functionality of Google Sheets and automate tasks.

Here’s how you can use it to connect Microsoft SQL to Google Sheets:

Step 1: Open a new or existing Google Sheets spreadsheet.

Step 2: Click on “Extensions” > “Apps Script” to open the Google Apps Script editor.

Step 3: In the script editor, create a new script file and write a function to fetch data from your Microsoft SQL collection insert it into your Google Sheets spreadsheet, and save and run it.

This is a sample code:

function readData(db, queryString) {
  var conn = Jdbc.getConnection('jdbc:sqlserver://your-servername:1433;databaseName=' + db, 'your-username', 'your-password');
  var stmt = conn.createStatement();
  var results = stmt.executeQuery(queryString);
  var metaData = results.getMetaData();
  var numCols = metaData.getColumnCount();
  var result = [];

  var header = [];
  for (var col = 0; col < numCols; col++) {
    header.push(metaData.getColumnName(col + 1));
  }
  result.push(header);

  while (results.next()) {
    var row = [];
    for (var col = 0; col < numCols; col++) {
      row.push(results.getString(col + 1));
    }
    result.push(row);
  }
  results.close();
  stmt.close();
  conn.close();
  return result;
}

Step 4: Modify the script with your server details and SQL query and run the script to pull data from your SQL Server into Google Sheets.

Limitations of Using Google Apps Script:

• Requires technical expertise, making it challenging for non-developers.

• Time-consuming setup and ongoing maintenance, particularly with debugging and updates.

Why Choose Superjoin?

In comparison to other methods, Superjoin stands out for several reasons:

• Easy to Use: Superjoin’s intuitive interface makes connecting Microsoft SQL Server to Google Sheets simple, even for non-technical users.

• Saves Time: Streamlines data imports without the need for complex configurations or manual effort.

• Automated Updates: Keeps your Google Sheets data current with automated imports.

• Versatile: Supports multiple data sources, offering flexibility beyond SQL Server.

For users looking for a simple, efficient, and integrated solution to connect Microsoft SQL with Google Sheets, Superjoin is a superior choice. It minimizes the need for technical expertise and automates the data import process, allowing you to focus on deriving insights rather than managing data imports.