How do I connect Notion to Google Calendar?

You can connect Notion to Google Calendar using two distinct approaches, each serving different needs and workflows. The first method involves manually embedding your calendar directly into Notion pages, which takes just 3-5 minutes and creates a live, read-only view of your schedule. The second approach uses automation platforms like Zapier or 2sync to establish two-way synchronization, requiring 10-20 minutes of setup but enabling you to edit events from either platform. Understanding these options helps you choose the right integration strategy for your productivity goals.

The manual embedding method offers the quickest path to calendar visibility within Notion. You'll start by accessing your Google Calendar settings, making your target calendar public, and copying the public URL. Then, simply create an embed block in Notion and paste the URL to display your calendar. This approach works perfectly when you need visual reference to your schedule while working in Notion, and it's completely free. However, you're trading convenience for privacy since making your calendar public exposes event details to anyone with the link.

For more sophisticated workflow integration, automation platforms create genuine two-way connections between your calendar and Notion databases. Tools like 2sync and Zapier require you to connect both accounts through secure authentication, then map your calendar events to specific Notion database fields. This method transforms your calendar events into actionable Notion items that you can edit, categorize, and integrate with other productivity systems. The setup process involves more steps, but you gain the ability to modify events from either platform and maintain data privacy.

Each method presents distinct trade-offs worth considering carefully. Manual embedding provides instant visual access but limits you to read-only viewing and requires public calendar sharing, making it unsuitable for sensitive scheduling information. Automated sync preserves privacy and enables bidirectional editing, yet introduces potential delays of up to 15 minutes between platforms and may require paid subscriptions for advanced features or frequent syncing.

Your choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use the integration. Choose manual embedding when you need simple schedule reference while working in Notion and don't mind the privacy implications. Opt for automated sync when you want to actively manage calendar events within your Notion workspace or need to trigger other workflows based on calendar changes. Both methods reliably connect your tools, but understanding their capabilities ensures you select the approach that truly enhances your productivity rather than creating unnecessary complexity.