Should I buy a second monitor for spreadsheet work?

Yes—if you spend several hours a week in spreadsheets, a second monitor is usually worth it. It is especially helpful when you compare sheets, keep a source document/email/dashboard open beside Excel or Google Sheets, or use wide workbooks where constant tab-switching slows you down.

Best setup for spreadsheet work: use your main screen for the spreadsheet and the second screen for reference material, chat/email, browser tabs, or a second workbook. If you often work with very wide spreadsheets, also consider one larger 27–32 inch monitor instead of two smaller screens.

Do not buy one if your spreadsheet work is occasional, your desk is cramped, your laptop/PC cannot easily drive another display, or you mainly need portability. In those cases, first try better window snapping, virtual desktops, or a single larger monitor.