Spreadsheet vs Dedicated Tracker: When to Switch

Updated May 2026 · 5 min read

Every options trader starts with a spreadsheet. It works for five trades. Then around trade 20, formulas break, cost basis is wrong, and win rate requires manual counting.

Spreadsheets Work For

Simple P&L, custom formulas, and they're free. Great for month one.

Spreadsheets Break At

Wheel lifecycle: CSP → assignment → CCs is one position, not five rows. Portfolio view: No dashboard. Cost basis: Formulas get wrong. Mobile: Sheets on phone is painful.

When to Switch

20+ trades, running the wheel, can't tell win rate, cost basis wrong, want health score, check on phone.

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