"Isn't a spreadsheet enough for a WC prediction game?" — a fair question. A sheet is quickly built and costs nothing. But with 104 matches and several players, it soon shows where spreadsheets hit their limits. Here's the honest spreadsheet-vs-app comparison.
The spreadsheet option: pros & cons
Pros:
- Full control over layout and scoring rules.
- Free, if you have Excel or a free spreadsheet program.
- Works offline.
Cons:
- Manual scoring: you have to enter every result and calculate points yourself.
- Version chaos: who has the latest file? Who overwrote it?
- No prediction lock: nothing stops someone predicting "after the fact".
- No kickoff times/reminders: a real problem with US time zones especially.
The app option: pros & cons
Pros:
- Automatic scoring: results and points flow into the live table automatically — by the model you chose (e.g. tiptilldone Classic). Details: how prediction points are calculated.
- Prediction lock at kickoff and kickoff times in your time zone.
- Join by link, with no file shuffling.
Cons:
- You're tied to the platform's feature set.
- With some providers: ads or forced accounts (not with tiptilldone).
Head-to-head (table)
| Criterion | Spreadsheet | App (tiptilldone) |
|---|---|---|
| Calculate points | manual | automatic |
| Lock at kickoff | ❌ | ✅ |
| Kickoff time in your zone | ❌ | ✅ |
| Live table | maintain by hand | real time |
| Joining | share a file | link, no account |
| Cost | free | free & ad-free |
Recommendation by group size
- Up to ~3 people, a few matches: a spreadsheet can do, if someone enjoys maintaining it.
- From 4 people or all 104 matches: the app saves so much manual work (and arguing over recalculations) that switching clearly pays off. The quick start is in create a WC 2026 prediction game for free.
Coming from an existing platform? See the ad-free Kicktipp alternative for WC 2026; for the team, head to WC prediction game for companies.
Is a spreadsheet still worth it for a WC prediction game?
For very small rounds with few matches, a spreadsheet can do. As soon as several people predict or all 104 matches are scored, an app with automatic scoring and prediction locking saves a lot of effort.
What can the app do that a spreadsheet can't?
Automatic scoring, prediction locking at kickoff, kickoff times in your time zone, a real-time live table, and joining by link without an account — all without manual recalculation.
The big picture is in WC 2026 prediction game.
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