# Quadratic vs Shortcut

> Quadratic: AI spreadsheet that connects live data and writes Python, SQL and formulas for you
> Shortcut: AI agent that builds, audits and edits Excel financial models from plain-language prompts

- Quadratic profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/quadratic
- Shortcut profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/shortcut
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/quadratic-vs-shortcut
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Quadratic and Shortcut are both Productivity tools. Quadratic scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.1 vs 7.6 out of 10), led by feature depth and value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Shortcut is available on Windows and CLI.

### Choose Quadratic if

- You want a tool built for analysing database data in a spreadsheet, working with very large CSV or Parquet files, mixing Python or SQL with formulas.
- Every AI result is saved as visible Python, SQL or formula code that can be inspected and edited.
- Native Python, SQL and JavaScript cells sit alongside formulas in one grid.

### Choose Shortcut if

- You want a tool built for building LBO and DCF and three-statement models quickly, auditing and tracing existing workbooks, repeatable finance workflows via CLI or API.
- Covers Excel add-in, web, Windows desktop, CLI and API from one product.
- Finance-specific focus on LBO, DCF and three-statement models with source tracing.

## Pricing

| | Quadratic | Shortcut |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Quadratic | Shortcut |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Analysis | Yes | Not listed |
| Multi-Language Code Cells | Yes | Not listed |
| Live Data Connections | Yes | Not listed |
| Big Data Handling | Yes | Not listed |
| PDF Data Extraction | Yes | Not listed |
| Charts | Yes | Not listed |
| Scheduled Tasks | Yes | Not listed |
| MCP and API | Yes | Not listed |
| Collaboration and Sharing | Yes | Not listed |
| Natural-Language Model Building | Not listed | Yes |
| Spreadsheet Editing and Auditing | Not listed | Yes |
| Excel Add-in | Not listed | Yes |
| Desktop Agent | Not listed | Yes |
| Web App | Not listed | Yes |
| CLI | Not listed | Yes |
| Platform API | Not listed | Yes |
| Reusable Skills and Templates | Not listed | Yes |
| Enterprise Governance | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Quadratic | Shortcut |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| macOS | No | No |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| CLI | No | Yes |

## Quadratic strengths

- Every AI result is saved as visible Python, SQL or formula code that can be inspected and edited.
- Native Python, SQL and JavaScript cells sit alongside formulas in one grid.
- Connects to many databases and services, including Snowflake, BigQuery and Postgres.
- Handles large data: the company cites sheets up to 100M rows and multi-GB CSV and Parquet imports.
- A permanent free tier is available, and the source code is public on GitHub.
- MCP and API support let other AI tools and scripts work with sheets.

## Quadratic limitations

- The Free plan restricts AI access, sharing, files and connections.
- AI usage on paid plans is capped by monthly credits ($20 on Pro, $40 on Business), with extra credits bought on demand.
- Monthly-billing prices are not shown on the pricing page, only discounted annual prices.
- Web-only; no iOS or Android app was found.

## Shortcut strengths

- Covers Excel add-in, web, Windows desktop, CLI and API from one product.
- Finance-specific focus on LBO, DCF and three-statement models with source tracing.
- Permanent free tier with 20 weekly credits.
- Enterprise security options include SOC 2 Type II, BYOK and on-premises deployment.
- Public Platform API with webhooks and an OpenAPI spec.

## Shortcut limitations

- Pro costs $100/month billed annually, well above general-purpose AI assistants.
- Credit-based usage (2 to 15 credits per message) makes costs hard to predict; a Trustpilot reviewer reported credits cut after switching to an annual plan and slow support.
- Desktop agent is listed for Windows only, and there is no mobile app.
- Published benchmark claims are vendor-run, and the Teams pricing is inconsistent across pages.

## FAQ

**Is Quadratic better than Shortcut?**

It depends on your workflow. Quadratic is built for analysing database data in a spreadsheet, working with very large CSV or Parquet files, mixing Python or SQL with formulas. Shortcut is built for building LBO and DCF and three-statement models quickly, auditing and tracing existing workbooks, repeatable finance workflows via CLI or API.

**What are the key feature differences between Quadratic and Shortcut?**

Quadratic: AI spreadsheet that connects live data and writes Python, SQL and formulas for you. Shortcut: AI agent that builds, audits and edits Excel financial models from plain-language prompts.

**Does Quadratic or Shortcut have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Quadratic is freemium and Shortcut is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Quadratic or Shortcut?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.