Are you struggling to understand how to create arrays in Google Sheets? Look no further! In this article, I will uncover the power of Curly Brackets and show you how to utilize them to create arrays that will streamline your spreadsheet experience.
Why Curly Brackets are Essential for Array Creation in Google Sheets
Without Curly Brackets, referring to a range in a formula, such as “A1:B5,” will not allow you to reproduce or pull data from that range. This limitation results in the dreaded “#VALUE!” error. However, there is an exception to this rule. The IMPORTRANGE function in Google Sheets can produce an array as output, but it can only be used between different Spreadsheet files.
So, why do we need Curly Brackets to create arrays? The IMPORTRANGE function primarily creates an array from external files or different spreadsheets, not within the same Spreadsheet. To overcome this limitation, we can use Curly Brackets. For example, instead of simply using “=A1:B5,” we can use “{A1:B5}” to pull data. But that’s not the only option! We can also use other workarounds such as ArrayFormula, Query, SORT, and INDEX. However, Curly Brackets offer the most flexibility and compatibility with different formulas.
How to Use Curly Brackets to Create Arrays in Google Sheets
Let’s dive into the practical side of array creation with Curly Brackets in Google Sheets.
Example 1: Understand the Basics
By looking at the above example, you can begin to grasp the concept of array creation using Curly Brackets in Google Sheets.
Example 2: Exploring the Need for Array Creation
To understand why array creation is necessary, let’s consider the following example.
Example 3: Combining Data from Different Ranges
Curly Brackets allow you to combine data from two different ranges, either horizontally or vertically. When creating a vertical array, ensure that the number of columns in the different arrays is the same. Similarly, for a horizontal array, the number of rows should match.
Note: In these formulas, it’s crucial to use punctuation marks to determine whether the array should be created vertically or horizontally. Use a comma for a horizontal array and a semicolon for a vertical array. In some countries like the UK or countries in the EU, a backslash might be needed instead of a comma.
Avoiding Infinite Rows and Errors in Combined Arrays
When working with combined arrays, it’s important to control any potential #REF! errors that may arise due to infinite rows. To avoid this issue, you can utilize the QUERY function in Google Sheets. This function allows you to combine and pull data from open ranges without encountering errors or freezing the sheet.
By employing Curly Brackets within the QUERY function, you can easily combine data vertically or horizontally while ensuring the number of columns or rows match.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of using Curly Brackets to create arrays in Google Sheets. Whether you want to consolidate data within the same sheet, across multiple sheet tabs, or even between different files, Curly Brackets will be your new best friend. So go ahead and unleash the full potential of arrays in Google Sheets!
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