In this article, we will explore the concept of a virtual helper column in Google Sheets and discuss its benefits and drawbacks. By understanding what a helper column is and how it can simplify formulas, we can leverage this feature to optimize our data management in Google Sheets.
What is a Helper Column in Google Sheets?
A helper column is an additional column within a data set that serves as a supporting column to simplify formulas. Let’s take a look at two examples to better illustrate this concept.
1. With Sorting
Consider a dataset in columns A and B. In this example, we introduce a helper column, column C, which is not part of the original data set. This helper column serves a functional purpose when sorting the data.
When you sort the dataset, you can select the data range A1:C8, including the helper column C. This allows you to easily revert the data in columns A and B to their original order by sorting them based on column C in ascending order.
2. With Vlookup
In this example, we use a helper column, column A, to support a VLOOKUP formula. The dataset in columns B to D contains names listed as First Name and Last Name. However, we need to find the “Position” of a specific person, “Mack Jordan,” using VLOOKUP. Since VLOOKUP typically looks for matches in the first column only (column B), we need to create a helper column to combine the First Name and Last Name.
To represent the concept of a virtual helper column, we utilize a formula in cell A2 that generates the helper column required for the VLOOKUP. The formula is as follows:
=ArrayFormula(B2:B8&" "&C2:C8)By understanding the purpose and application of helper columns, we can now explore the concept of a virtual helper column and its usefulness in Google Sheets.
What is a Virtual Helper Column in Google Sheets?
A virtual helper column is an array formula that replaces the need for a physical helper column. Building on the examples mentioned above, a virtual helper column serves the same purpose as a helper column but is applied within the formula itself, eliminating the need for an additional column.
Creating a virtual helper column in Google Sheets depends entirely on your specific requirement. In the case of our previous VLOOKUP example, we can modify the formula as follows:
=vlookup(
"Mack Jordan",
{
ArrayFormula(B2:B8&" "&C2:C8),
B2:D8
},
4,
0
)By incorporating the virtual helper column formula within the range part of the VLOOKUP, we can achieve the same result without the need for a physical helper column.
Pros and Cons of a Virtual Helper Column
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of both physical helper columns and virtual helper columns:
Physical Helper Column:
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Pros: A helper column can make formulas easier to read and understand.
-
Cons: You may need to hide the helper columns when printing data, which adds an additional step.
Virtual Helper Column:
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Cons: A virtual column may make the formula more complex to manage.
-
Pros: Using a virtual helper column avoids potential data clutter, keeping your spreadsheet clean and organized.
Do we require a helper or virtual helper column in formulas in Google Sheets? The answer is yes, especially in scenarios where you need to exclude hidden rows from your formulas. To further explore this concept, check out the “BYROW Function to Include Visible Rows (Exclude Hidden Rows) in Aggregation” example in my BYROW function guide.
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Now that you understand the power of virtual helper columns, go ahead and streamline your data management in Google Sheets like a pro!
