Comparison
A sign-up sheet with limits, without Google Forms add-ons
Google Forms is great for collecting answers. Capping how many people can choose each time slot isn’t built in, so organisers install a choice-limiter add-on. If slots are the whole point, a sign-up sheet does it natively.
Free for 3 open sheets. No ads, and no account needed for the people signing up.
Lots of organisers start with Google Forms because it’s free and familiar. It works well for surveys, RSVPs, and collecting information. Where it struggles is first-come, first-served slots: “only 2 people at 10:00”.
The usual fix is a Workspace Marketplace add-on such as a choice limiter or choice eliminator, which removes or disables an option once it reaches a set count. Those add-ons work, but you have to install, configure, and trust a third party with your form, and participants still can’t see who else signed up or switch slots themselves.
How it works
- 1
Make each choice a slot
Every option you’d have put in a multiple-choice question becomes a slot with its own capacity.
- 2
Share the link
Like a form, people open a link and type a name and email. No Google account needed.
- 3
Let the sheet enforce limits
Full slots close automatically and offer a waitlist. People can see who’s on each slot and switch or cancel through their own link.
When Google Forms is the right tool
Stay with Forms when:
- You’re collecting information (allergies, T-shirt sizes, consent) rather than filling limited slots.
- Your school is on Google Workspace and wants responses in a Google Sheet.
- You need many custom questions or branching logic.
When a sign-up sheet is simpler
Use a sign-up sheet like SlotSheet when:
- Each option has a limit: shifts, conference times, snack weeks, dishes.
- You want a waitlist that promotes the next person automatically.
- You want reminders before each slot without building a script.
- Participants should be able to cancel or switch without emailing you.
Google Forms versus a sign-up sheet
| Feature | Google Forms | SlotSheet |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free for 3 open sheets; $5/mo or $39/yr for unlimited |
| Limit per option or slot | Not built in; needs a Marketplace add-on | Built in on every slot |
| Waitlist when full | Not built in | Built in, with automatic promotion |
| Reminder before the slot | Not built in | Email about 36 hours before (24/48 on paid plans) |
| Participant can cancel or switch | Only if response editing is turned on | Yes, via a private link |
| Custom questions and logic | Extensive | One note field per sheet |
| Responses in Google Sheets | Yes | CSV export |
Google Forms details reflect the core product without add-ons. Add-on capabilities vary by vendor. Last checked October 2026. Sources: Google Workspace Marketplace: choice limiter add-ons.
Make yours in a couple of minutes
Sign in with your email, add your slots, and share one link.
Questions
Can Google Forms limit responses per option?
Not by itself. Organisers use Marketplace add-ons (choice limiters or eliminators) that remove or disable an option after a set number of responses.
Is SlotSheet free like Google Forms?
SlotSheet is free for up to 3 open sheets with no ads. Unlimited sheets and repeating schedules are $5/month or $39/year.
Do participants need a Google account?
Not for SlotSheet. They type a name and email. (Google Forms can also be set to not require sign-in.)
Can I still get the data into a spreadsheet?
Yes. Download a CSV from any sheet and open it in Google Sheets or Excel.
Should I switch everything from Forms?
No. Keep Forms for surveys and information gathering. Use a sign-up sheet when limited slots are the main job.