Question 1

How do I sync BigQuery to Google Sheets?

Accepted Answer

Build a model on BigQuery, either by picking a table or writing SQL, then point it at a spreadsheet and tab and choose how to write. There are two modes. Replace clears the data rows and writes the current result, keeping any frozen header rows. Append starts after the last row with content. Set a schedule and the tab stays current, which removes the weekly ritual of somebody exporting a CSV and mailing it round.

Question 2

Can Polytomic update individual rows in a sheet?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no key based update in place for Google Sheets, so you cannot match one row and edit it while leaving the rest alone. The pattern that works is to let Polytomic own a raw data tab using replace, then build the formulas, pivot tables and charts people actually look at on separate tabs that reference it. That way a refresh never disturbs anyone's work.

Question 3

How many rows can I sync from BigQuery into a Google Sheet?

Accepted Answer

The binding limit is Google's cap of 10 million cells per spreadsheet, so your row capacity is roughly 10 million divided by how many columns you write. A twenty column model gives you about 500,000 rows. Individual cells are cut off at 50,000 characters as well. If you are pushing against either number, that is usually a sign the data wants a reporting tool rather than a sheet.

Question 4

Does syncing to Sheets run up BigQuery costs?

Accepted Answer

It can, and it is easy to overlook because the destination is so small. Each run executes a BigQuery query, and on demand pricing bills by bytes processed regardless of how few rows come out the other end. Select only the columns you need, filter in the model rather than in the sheet, and think about whether hourly really beats daily for a spreadsheet someone reads each morning.

Question 5

Why use reverse ETL to a spreadsheet instead of exporting a file?

Accepted Answer

Because an export is correct once and then quietly rots. Finance and operations teams live in spreadsheets, and as soon as a CSV is downloaded it starts drifting, then someone edits their copy and two versions disagree in a meeting. Reverse ETL keeps one tab fed on a schedule, so the definitions stay the ones your data team agreed while people carry on working the way they prefer.

Sync BigQuery to Google Sheets

Sync BigQuery to Google Sheets with Polytomic

Replace or append

Frozen headers survive

Mind the cell ceiling

Or sync Google Sheets to BigQuery

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