# What is Zapier Tables? > Zapier Tables is Zapier's built-in database. Store records like leads or requests, start Zaps when a record changes, and add buttons to approve or reject. Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/zapier-tables · Updated 2026-10-20 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com) [Data, Sheets and Gmail](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-data-sheets-and-gmail) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) Quick answer Zapier Tables is a database built into Zapier. It stores records in rows and fields, much like a spreadsheet, but it is designed to work with Zaps: a Zap can add or update records, a new or changed record can start a Zap, and a button field can trigger an action such as approving a request. Last updated October 20, 2026 [Take the free module →](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/make-zapier-jump-start/2)Module 2 of the free [Make & Zapier Jump Start](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/make-zapier-jump-start) course, about 10 minutes. No account needed. Updated October 20, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about) ## Why it matters for a small business Many Zaps need somewhere to keep things: a list of leads, requests waiting for approval, or IDs already processed. A Google Sheet works, but it is easy for someone to sort, rename or delete a column and break the Zap. Tables lives inside Zapier, with field types and links built for automations. It also helps with approvals. A button field in a table can start a Zap, so a manager can click Approve on a record and the next steps run. Zapier's help center says Tables steps do not count toward task usage; record limits depend on your plan. Where you'll use it: open **Tables** from Zapier's left menu, create a table, add fields (text, email, number, date, button and more), then use Zapier Tables as the trigger or action app in a Zap. Tables also connects to [Zapier Interfaces](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/zapier-interfaces) so a form can write straight into it. ## In a real lesson: Never Miss a New Client Inquiry using Zapier The free [Your First Zap lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/zapier-google-forms-to-google-sheets) logs Northgate Accounting's inquiries in a Google Sheet called Client Inquiries, with Name, Email and Service headers in row one, because most offices already work in Sheets and can see the rows right away. The same Zap could use a Zapier Table as its action app instead: a Create Record step with the same three fields. The trade is familiarity against control: a sheet is easy for the whole office to open, while a table keeps its fields fixed so the Zap does not break when someone edits a header. [Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/zapier-first-zap) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/zapier-google-forms-to-google-sheets). ## Common confusions ### Zapier Tables vs Google Sheets [Google Sheets](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/google-sheets) is a spreadsheet anyone can edit freely. Tables is a database tied to your Zaps, with typed fields and record triggers. ### Zapier Tables vs n8n data tables n8n's [data store](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/data-store-node) is the same idea inside n8n: a small table your workflows read and write. ## Tips - Use Tables for data the Zap owns, and Sheets for data people work in by hand. - Add a status field so you can see what each record is waiting for. - Use a button field for simple approvals. ## Related terms [Google Sheets (as an automation database)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/google-sheets) · [n8n data store node (Data table)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/data-store-node) · [Zapier Interfaces](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/zapier-interfaces) · [Zap (Zapier)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/zapier-zap) · [Upsert](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/upsert) ## More Data, Sheets and Gmail terms [AI data entry](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/ai-data-entry) · [Append row](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/append-row) · [CSV](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/csv) · [Document parsing](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/document-parsing) ## Where you use it: free lessons - [Never Miss a New Client Inquiry using Zapier](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/zapier-google-forms-to-google-sheets) (Zapier, 10 min) - [n8n: Read, Add and Update Google Sheets Rows with an AI Step](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/n8n-google-sheets-read-append-update) (n8n, 12 min) ## Frequently asked questions **Can I import a spreadsheet into Zapier Tables?** Yes. You can import a CSV or a sheet to create a table, then connect it to your Zaps. **Do Zapier Tables steps use tasks?** Zapier's help center lists Tables among the built-in apps that do not count toward task usage. [All AI glossary terms, A to Z](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) · [Free prompt templates](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/prompts)