Jspreadsheet (formerly Jexcel) is a spreadsheet UI library: cell ranges, formulas, copy/paste, formatting, named ranges. If you need an Excel-like editor in the browser, it's a strong choice.
simple-table-core is a data grid: column-defined schema, virtualization for large datasets, pinning, grouping with aggregations, inline editing on a per-column basis. Different tool for different jobs.
This article clarifies the difference and helps you pick the right one.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Jspreadsheet | Simple Table for Vanilla JS / TypeScript |
|---|---|---|
| Type of component | Spreadsheet UI | Data grid |
| License | MIT (CE) / Commercial (Pro) | MIT |
| TypeScript-first | Definitions exist | Yes (strict) |
| Cell formulas (=A1+B1) | Yes | No |
| Cell ranges + selection | Yes (Excel-like) | Range selection (basic) |
| Built-in row virtualization | Limited | Yes (1M rows) |
| Column pinning | Frozen columns | Yes |
| Row grouping + aggregations | Manual | Built-in |
| Inline cell editing | Yes (full spreadsheet) | Per-column |
Use Jspreadsheet when…
- You need an Excel-like spreadsheet UI (formulas, ranges, copy/paste).
- Cell-level formatting (currency, percent) drives the UX.
- Users expect spreadsheet keyboard semantics (range selection, fill handle).
- Pro features (charts, formulas) align with your roadmap.
Use simple-table-core when…
- You're displaying tabular data with a defined column schema.
- Virtualization for thousands or millions of rows is critical.
- Row grouping with aggregations is a primary feature.
- You want TypeScript-first ergonomics and framework portability.
Real-world scenarios
User-facing budget spreadsheet with formulas
Cells reference each other; users paste from Excel.
Use Jspreadsheet—it's the right tool.
Analytics dashboard with grouped sales data
Group by region, sum revenue, virtualize 100k rows.
Use simple-table-core—data grid is the right tool.
Internal admin table with inline edits
Column-typed inputs, validation, save on blur.
Use simple-table-core—per-column editors fit perfectly.
Frequently asked questions
- Are Jspreadsheet and simple-table-core competitors?
- Not really—they solve different problems. Jspreadsheet is a spreadsheet; simple-table-core is a data grid. Some teams use both: Jspreadsheet for the spreadsheet view, simple-table-core for the data grid view.
- Does simple-table-core support formulas?
- Not natively. simple-table-core focuses on tabular data with a column schema. If you need cell formulas, use Jspreadsheet (or a real spreadsheet engine like HyperFormula).
- Can I copy/paste data into simple-table-core?
- Range selection and copy are supported; full Excel-style paste is on the roadmap. For full spreadsheet semantics, use Jspreadsheet.
The verdict
Jspreadsheet and simple-table-core aren't really competitors. Jspreadsheet for spreadsheets; simple-table-core for data grids.
If your UX is closer to Excel, pick Jspreadsheet. If you're displaying analytics or tabular data with a defined schema, pick simple-table-core.