Exporting Time in Status Custom Fields in Google Spreadsheets Using Jira API

Yes. There are two common approaches, each serving different audiences.

Option 1: Google Sheets + Apps Script

How it works

• Google Sheets runs a small JavaScript script in the cloud.

• The script calls the Jira REST API directly.

• Data is written into the spreadsheet.

Setup complexity

⭐ Easy

Typical setup time: 10–15 minutes

What you need

• Jira API token

• Google Sheets

• Apps Script

Pros

✅ No software installation

✅ No Python knowledge required

✅ Works entirely in the browser

✅ Easy for business users, PMs, marketers, and analysts

✅ Can be scheduled automatically

Cons

❌ Limited for very large datasets

❌ Less flexibility for complex data transformations

❌ Harder to maintain if reporting becomes sophisticated

Best for

• One spreadsheet

• Simple Jira exports

• Non-technical users

• Quick reporting

Option 2: Python + Google Cloud Service Account

How it works

1. Create a project in Google Cloud.

2. Enable:

   • Google Sheets API

   • Google Drive API

3. Create a Service Account.

4. Download a JSON credentials file.

5. Install Python libraries on your laptop/server.

6. Run a Python script that:

   • Connects to Jira API

   • Processes data

   • Updates Google Sheets

Setup complexity

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Medium to Advanced

Typical setup time: 30–60+ minutes

What you need

• Jira API token

• Google Cloud project

• Service Account JSON file

• Python installed

• Python packages such as:

pip install requests gspread pandas google-auth

Pros

✅ Much more powerful

✅ Can handle thousands of issues

✅ Advanced transformations

✅ Combine Jira with other systems

✅ Create multiple reports automatically

✅ Better for enterprise reporting

✅ Easier to version-control in Git

Cons

❌ Requires Python

❌ Requires local environment setup

❌ More permissions and administration

❌ Harder for non-technical users

Best for

• Data analysts

• BI teams

• Developers

• Large organizations

• Automated reporting pipelines

Comparison

Which should you choose?

Choose Apps Script if:

• You only need Jira data in one or a few Google Sheets.

• The report is relatively simple.

• Business users need to maintain it themselves.

• You want the fastest setup.

Choose Python + Google Cloud if:

• You need advanced reporting.

• You are exporting thousands of Jira issues.

• You need to merge Jira data with other sources.

• You want a scalable reporting solution.

• Developers or data engineers will maintain it.

For most Jira reporting use cases handled by PMs, Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and analysts, Apps Script is usually the easiest and most practical solution. The Python + Google Cloud approach becomes worthwhile when reporting starts to resemble a data pipeline rather than a simple export.