20+ Google Sheets Formulas That Will Make Your Work Easier

GiGiKing·March 15, 2024·0 comments

Welcome to Bolamarketing.com! In this article, we’ll explore over 20 powerful Google Sheets formulas that will simplify your work and save you valuable time. Google Sheets has become an essential tool for many businesses, and by harnessing the full potential of its formulas, you’ll be able to streamline your data organization and analysis processes. So, let’s dive in and discover these game-changing formulas!

What are Google Sheets formulas?

Google Sheets formulas are a mathematical language created using an equal sign and starting with a rule. These formulas allow you to quickly organize your data. By inputting specific numbers into these formulas, you can accomplish complex tasks in a matter of seconds. Whether simple or complex, the primary purpose of Google Sheets formulas is to simplify, summarize, or categorize the data you select. When used correctly, these formulas are a valuable aid in analyzing a wide range of data.

How to apply formulas in Google Sheets

Before we dive into the exciting formulas, it’s essential to know how to add formulas in Google Sheets. Follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to apply formulas with ease:

  1. Open your Google Sheets account and create a new spreadsheet.
  2. Click on any cell where you want to add the formula.
  3. Choose the formula you want to use or need.
  4. Begin typing “=” and continue with your formula. This step is crucial because without it, no matter how carefully you construct your formula, it won’t work.
  5. Press the Enter key to see the result.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the 20+ essential Google Sheets formulas to simplify your work:

1. SUM: Adding up values

The SUM formula is one of the most widely used formulas in Google Sheets and allows you to add up various numerical values in selected cells. To find the sum, follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell.
  2. Select multiple cells you want to add. Type: “=SUM(value1:value2)”
  3. For example, type “=SUM(E2:E16)”, press Enter, and the result will appear instantly.

2. SUMIF: Adding cells that meet specific conditions

The SUMIF formula helps you determine the total number of cells that meet specific conditions. Unlike the SUM formula, this formula allows you to define specific criteria. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Click on any empty cell.
  2. Select the cells on which you want to apply the formula and type: “=SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range])”
  3. For example, type “=SUMIF(F2:F13, 72, G2:G13)”, press Enter, and the result will appear instantly.

3. SORT: Sorting data lists in alphabetical or numerical order

Using the SORT formula, you can easily sort cells from the lowest to the highest values or rearrange your data lists in alphabetical order. If you’re wondering how to achieve this, follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell and type “=SORT(value1:value2)”
  2. For example, if you type “=SORT(A2:E16)” and press Enter, a new column will appear.
  3. In the new column, the names will be sorted in alphabetical order.

4. TEXT: Transforming numbers into text

The TEXT formula converts numbers into text, including currencies, dates, decimals, or other formats. It’s particularly useful for handling dates. If you need this formula, follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell.
  2. For example, if you type “=TEXT(value, “yyyy”)” for a cell containing “2023-10-26”, it will display only the day, which is Thursday.
  3. However, if you type “=TEXT(D2, “dd mmm yy”)”, it will display the month in text and other details in numbers. Just drag the small handle in the bottom right corner to apply this formula to other cells.
  4. By adding 0 to the TEXT formula, you can change the number format. For example, if you type “=TEXT(1146, “0000,0000”)”, it will display “011,460”.

5. COUNTA: Counting the number of values in a set

The COUNTA formula determines the number of values in a set. If you need to know how many data points are in each column, this formula will come in handy. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell and type “=COUNTA(value1:value2)”
  2. For example, if you want to know how many data points you have entered in “Column A,” simply type “=COUNTA(A2:A16)”.
  3. After entering the formula, you’ll see the total number of filled cells.

6. COUNTIF: Counting based on specific criteria

If you want to count the number of cells based on specific criteria, the COUNTIF formula allows you to do just that. Similar to the SUMIF function, the COUNTIF formula allows you to select a non-numeric condition. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Select the cells on which you want to apply the formula and click on any empty cell.
  2. Type “=COUNTIF(range, “Text”)”
  3. For example, if you want to know how many “T-shirts” orders you have, simply type “=COUNTIF(A2:A16, “T-shirt”)”, then press Enter. You will see how many “T-shirts” have been ordered.

7. SPARKLINE: Creating a snapshot chart that fits within a single cell

The SPARKLINE formula is a fantastic tool for visualizing basic charts within your desired data. One-cell column charts and bar charts are among the possible varieties you can use. If you need this type of chart in Google Sheets, follow these basic steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell and decide on the cells you want to use to create a column.
  2. Type “=SPARKLINE(value1:value2)”
  3. For example, if you want to see a chart in a single cell, type “=SPARKLINE(A2:G2)”
  4. When you press Enter, you’ll see a small chart within the cell.

8. MINUS: Subtracting values

The MINUS formula is one of the most essential Google Sheets formulas for making your work easier. With its simple syntax, you can instantly get your result. To perform quick calculations, follow these steps:

  1. Decide on the cells you want to perform calculations on, and click on any empty cell.
  2. Type “=MINUS(value1, value2)”
  3. For example, you can type “=MINUS(B2, C2)” and it will automatically give you the result.

9. MIN: Finding the lowest value

You can use the MIN function to determine the lowest value in a given range of cells. With its simple and non-complex formula syntax, you can use the MIN formula to find the minimum value of the given cells. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell.
  2. Type “=MIN(value1:value2)”
  3. For example, you should type “=MIN(B2:B7)”
  4. Press Enter, and you will see the lowest value.

10. MAX: Finding the highest value

Similar to the MIN formula, the MAX formula serves the same purpose, but it finds the highest value in a given range of cells. Once you apply the basic formula, you can easily use the formula. Here’s how:

  1. Click on any empty cell and, to learn, type “=MAX(value1:value2)”
  2. For example, type “=MAX(B2:B7)”
  3. Press Enter, and you will see the highest value.

11. SPLIT: Splitting the content of a cell into multiple parts

The SPLIT formula splits the text around a given string or character and places each part in a different line of cells. If you need to split a range of cells in your spreadsheet, you need to apply this formula. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell. Let’s say you want to separate the first name and last name. You need to type “=SPLIT(value, ” “)”
  2. For example, if you want “William” and “Swift” in separate cells instead of one cell, you need to type “=SPLIT(A2:A15, ” “)”
  3. After pressing Enter, you’ll see the formula separating the name into different rows and columns.

12. JOIN: Combining different lines and cells into one cell

Unlike the SPLIT formula, the JOIN formula combines different lines and cells into one cell. If you want to group a range of cells in your spreadsheet, you need to apply this formula. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell. Let’s say you want to group the first name and last name. You need to type “=JOIN(” “, values)”
  2. For example, if you want to have “first names and last names” in the same column rather than separate columns, you need to type “=JOIN(” “, A2:B2)”. Once you press Enter, you’ll see the formula immediately grouping the cells.

13. COUNT: Getting the count of data in selected cells

To find out how many cells contain a value within a range, you need to use the COUNT formula. In other words, the number of entries in multiple fields within a range can be obtained using the COUNT function. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell and decide on the cells you want to count.
  2. Type “=COUNT(value1:value2)”
  3. For example, there might be empty cells between C2 and C14. To check, type “=COUNT(B2:B15)” and press Enter.

14. SUBSTITUTE: Replacing a specific word

If you need to modify a specific word you have in a specific range in Google Sheets, this formula will save you time. If you ever need something like this, you can use this formula instead of manually searching and replacing.

  1. Click on any empty cell and type “=SUBSTITUTE(value, “old word”, “new word”)”
  2. For example, if you want to change a word in A4, you need to modify the formula to “=SUBSTITUTE(B4, “N/A”, “Not Available”)”
  3. After pressing Enter, the word will change immediately.

15. NOW: Getting the current time

If you want to know and record the exact time, you need to use the NOW formula. It’s incredibly convenient to use. Suppose the data you’re recording in Google Sheets involves both date and time. In that case, you might need this formula. Read on to learn how to use the formula:

  1. Click on the empty cell where you want to record the time and type “=NOW()”
  2. Press Enter, and voilà! You’ll see the exact date and time as soon as you apply the formula.

16. TO_PERCENT: Converting values to percentages

The TO_PERCENT formula allows you to calculate the percentage of a desired value. It essentially calculates the percentage of the value without you having to worry about the math. If you need this formula, follow these steps:

  1. Decide on the rows and columns of the value you want to find the percentage of and click on any empty cell.
  2. Type “=TO_PERCENT(value)”
  3. For example, you should type “=TO_PERCENT(B2:B15)”
  4. Press Enter, and you’ll see the percentage.

17. MULTIPLY: Multiplying values

If you need to multiply two numbers, the MULTIPLY formula is your go-to. Once you find the correct cell references, you can easily apply this formula. Here are the steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell and decide on the correct cell references.
  2. Type “=MULTIPLY(value1, value2)”
  3. For example, you can type “=MULTIPLY(B2, C2)” and it will give you the result.

18. DIVIDE: Dividing values

Similar to the MULTIPLY formula, DIVIDE has a similar purpose, except for its division capability. The formula allows you to divide one value by another. If you need to apply this formula, follow these steps:

  1. Click on any empty cell and decide on the correct cell references.
  2. Type “=DIVIDE(value1, value2)”
  3. For example, you’ll see the result by typing “=DIVIDE(C2, B2)”

19. DETECTLANGUAGE: Detecting the language

When you come across an unknown word in Google Sheets and you’re unsure of the language, this formula comes to the rescue. The DETECTLANGUAGE formula is simple to apply and useful in such cases. Take a look at these steps:

  1. Decide on the word you want to learn through the formula and click on any empty cell.
  2. Simply type “=DETECTLANGUAGE(value)”
  3. For example, if there’s an unknown alphabet and you need to learn the language, you can type “=DETECTLANGUAGE(C2)” and press Enter.

20. GOOGLETRANSLATE: Translating text

Did you know that you can perform translations directly on Google Sheets? It’s not only possible but also incredibly easy. Just follow these steps:

  1. Have your spreadsheet ready and click on an empty cell.
  2. Type “=GOOGLETRANSLATE(Text, [Source_language, Target_language]).”
  3. For example, if there’s an unknown alphabet and you need to know the language, you can type “=GOOGLETRANSLATE(C4, “pt”, “en”)” and press Enter.
  4. After pressing Enter, you’ll learn the language.

Why are Google Sheets formulas essential?

As we’ve discussed so far, Google Sheets formulas are essential for simplifying your workload. They help you quickly organize data and take advantage of various benefits. Here are the reasons why Google Sheets formulas are crucial:

  • They simplify and reduce the time needed to organize data.
  • They allow for quick and efficient analysis of large amounts of data.
  • They facilitate complex calculations and data manipulations.
  • They are a powerful tool for automating repetitive tasks.
  • They improve the accuracy and consistency of results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Google Sheets formulas

In this section, we’ll address frequently asked questions about Google Sheets formulas to help you navigate the topic. If you have any questions, refer to the list below for answers. Take a look at these frequently asked questions about Google Sheets formulas:

  1. How can I find the sum of a column in Google Sheets?
  2. How can I round numbers in Google Sheets?
  3. How can I add a filter to my Google Sheets spreadsheet?
  4. How can I apply conditional formatting in Google Sheets?
  5. How can I create a chart in Google Sheets?
  6. How can I copy a formula in Google Sheets?
  7. How can I protect my Google Sheets spreadsheet?
  8. How can I share my Google Sheets spreadsheet with others?
  9. How can I export my Google Sheets spreadsheet to PDF?
  10. How can I import data from another file into Google Sheets?

Key Takeaways

In summary, Google Sheets makes our workload easier. Especially when we combine Google Sheets with formulas, they create a perfect blend of efficiency. In this article, we shared over 20+ best Google Sheets formulas that will empower you to work like a pro and save time. We’ve covered explanations, frequently asked questions, and more.

If you’re eager to get to work without wasting any time, you can start applying these formulas to your Google Sheets today! For additional resources on Google Sheets and other useful tools, visit Crawlan.com.

GiGiKing

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