Updated 2026-07-31
BuildYourRack vs Excel for rack planning
Excel can list U positions, but it does not show gear faces or port maps. BuildYourRack turns rack planning into a visual elevation with routing and exports, while still starting free on Hobby.
Limits of spreadsheets
Cell grids drift, do not convey depth or faceplates, and are hard to share as a single canonical picture of the cabinet.
When Excel still helps
Use spreadsheets for asset databases and purchase orders; use BuildYourRack for the spatial layout you hand to installers.