Have you ever needed to sum every other column in Google Sheets? It can be a bit of a hassle, especially when dealing with a large number of columns. But fear not, my friends! I have a solution for you that will make this task a breeze. Say goodbye to tedious manual calculations and hello to a flexible formula that does all the work for you.
The Limitations of the Traditional Approach
To sum every alternate column, you can use the “+” arithmetic operator in Google Sheets. It works like a charm, but there’s a catch. If you have a lot of columns to include in the sum, it becomes a cumbersome task to type out all the column references. Plus, it’s easy to make small typos that can throw off your calculations.
But fear not! I have a flexible formula up my sleeve that will make this process much simpler and more efficient.
Introducing the Flexible Formula
This formula is a combination of two core functions: MMULT and MOD. It allows you to sum every alternate column in Google Sheets with ease. Let me walk you through it:
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Start by entering this formula in cell J2:
=ArrayFormula(mmult(if(mod(column(C1:I1),2)=1,C2:I5,0),transpose(column(C1:I1)^0)))This formula is designed for the range C2:I5, but we’ll make it even more flexible in just a moment.
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To ensure the formula works with any range, including infinite ones, we’ll modify it with an additional Query function. Replace the existing formula with:
=ArrayFormula(mmult(query(if(mod(column(C1:I1),2)=1,C2:I,0),"Select * where Col1 is not null"),transpose(column(C1:I1)^0)))Now, you have a formula that can handle a wide range of rows and columns.
How to Use the Flexible Formula
Using this flexible formula is a piece of cake. Here’s what you need to know:
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Inserting New Columns: The formula automatically adjusts to the new range when you insert columns. Just make sure that the second column in the inserted range contains values (it can be 0 or any number). Also, only insert columns in multiples of 2 (e.g., 2 columns, 4 columns, 6 columns, and so on).
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Inserting New Rows: No changes are required when inserting new rows. The formula will work flawlessly.
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Appending New Rows or Columns: The formula is currently set up to handle columns up to I. If your data extends beyond column I (e.g., to column M), make the following changes:
- Change
column(C1:I1)tocolumn(C1:M1)(appears twice in the formula). - Change
C2:ItoC2:M.
- Change
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Starting from an Even Number Column: If your data range starts from an even-numbered column (e.g., B2:H1) and you want to sum every other column like B, D, F, and H, simply modify the formula as follows:
=ArrayFormula(mmult(query(if(mod(column(B1:H1),2)=0,B2:H,0),"Select * where Col1 is not null"),transpose(column(B1:H1)^0)))
And there you have it! With this flexible formula in your toolbox, summing every alternate column in Google Sheets becomes a breeze. Say goodbye to manual calculations and hello to efficiency and accuracy. Enjoy! And remember, for more amazing Google Sheets tips and tricks, visit Crawlan.com.
Conclusion
Summing every alternate column in Google Sheets can be a time-consuming task, but with the help of a flexible formula, it becomes a walk in the park. By following a few simple steps, you can effortlessly handle a wide range of rows and columns, saving you time and effort. So why not give it a try? Your future self will thank you. Happy spreadsheeting!
