Simple ML
Simple ML for Sheets is a Google Workspace Marketplace add-on from the TensorFlow Decision Forests team that makes machine learning accessible to everyone. With...
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What is Simple ML?
Simple ML for Sheets is a free Google Sheets add-on from the TensorFlow Decision Forests team that makes machine learning accessible to everyone without requiring ML knowledge, coding skills, or sharing data with third parties. The tool enables users to perform machine learning and forecasting directly in Google Sheets by leveraging the power of Decision Forests algorithms.
Key features include three highly automated main tasks: Predict missing values (classification/regression to recover incomplete data), Spot abnormal values (anomaly detection to identify unusual patterns), and Forecast future values (time-series forecasting). Advanced capabilities allow users to manually train, evaluate, interpret, and export models to Google Colab, TensorFlow, TF Serving, or call models in C++, Go, and JavaScript.
Simple ML is designed for two primary audiences: beginners who want to use ML without any expertise, and machine learning experts who need to quickly iterate or prototype on small tabular datasets (under 1 million examples). The tool performs computation in the web browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript, storing models in Google Drive's simple_ml_for_sheets directory.
Simple ML pricing
Pricing model: Free
Simple ML for Sheets is completely free to use with no paid tiers, subscription plans, or hidden costs. The add-on is available at no charge from the Google Workspace Marketplace. All features including Predict missing values, Spot abnormal values, Forecast future values, manual model training, evaluation, interpretation, and export capabilities are included in the free version. Models are stored in your Google Drive in the simple_ml_for_sheets directory.
Simple ML pros
- No coding required for any ML tasks
- Machine learning accessible to non-experts
- Native Google Sheets integration
- Data never shared with third parties
- Predicts missing values automatically
- Manually train custom models
- Interpret and analyze model results
- Export models to Google Colab
- Spot abnormal values (anomaly detection)
- Forecast future values (time-series)
- Find patterns in datasets
- Fully free to use with no hidden costs
- Developed by TensorFlow team
- Training takes only seconds for fast iteration
- Models compatible with TensorFlow framework
Simple ML cons
- Limited to Google Sheets only
- No offline usage capability
- Requires Google account
- Needs file access permissions
- Start button may not appear initially
- Documentation can be lacking detail
- Limited to small datasets under 1 million examples
- No third-party integrations beyond Google
- Browser-based computation only
- Beta version with potential instability
Frequently asked questions about Simple ML
What is Simple ML for Sheets?
Simple ML for Sheets is a Google Sheets add-on from the TensorFlow Decision Forests team that allows anyone to use machine learning in Google Sheets without knowing ML, without coding, and without sharing data with third parties. It enables predictions, forecasting, anomaly detection, and pattern finding directly in spreadsheets.
Is Simple ML for Sheets free?
Yes, Simple ML for Sheets is completely free to use with no paid plans, subscriptions, or hidden costs. All machine learning capabilities including prediction, forecasting, anomaly detection, model training, evaluation, and export features are included in the free version.
Do I need to know machine learning to use Simple ML?
No, Simple ML is designed for beginners without any ML expertise. The three main tasks (Predict missing values, Spot abnormal values, Forecast future values) are highly automated and require only a few clicks. However, ML experts can also use it for quick prototyping on small datasets.
Does Simple ML share my data with third parties?
No, Simple ML does not share your data with third parties. All computation is done in your web browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript, and your data remains in your Google Sheets. Models are stored in your Google Drive in the simple_ml_for_sheets directory.
What are the main tasks in Simple ML?
The three main highly automated tasks are: Predict missing values (uses classification/regression to recover incomplete data), Spot abnormal values (anomaly detection to identify unusual patterns), and Forecast future values (time-series forecasting). Advanced users can also manually train, evaluate, interpret, and export models.
What size datasets can Simple ML handle?
Simple ML is designed for small tabular datasets with under 1 million examples. Training generally takes only a few seconds, which is great for fast iteration and prototyping on smaller datasets.
Can I export models from Simple ML?
Yes, you can export models to TensorFlow, Google Colab, TF Serving, or call the model in C++, Go, and JavaScript. Simple ML models are compatible with both TensorFlow and Yggdrasil Decision Forests frameworks.
How do I install Simple ML for Sheets?
Go to the Google Workspace Marketplace, search for 'Simple ML for Sheets', and click Install. Validate the permission request, then open Simple ML from the Extensions menu in Google Sheets. The addon can take up to a minute to appear after installation.
What algorithm does Simple ML use?
Simple ML is powered by Decision Forests algorithms, specifically using Yggdrasil Decision Forests which also powers TensorFlow Decision Forests. This includes tree-based algorithms like Gradient Boosted Trees, Random Forest, and Decision Tree.
Where are my Simple ML models stored?
Simple ML stores your machine learning models in your Google Drive in the simple_ml_for_sheets directory. You can access and manage these models through the Manage models task in the Simple ML sidebar.