We all know that the PRODUCT function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool for multiplying numbers. But what if you want to calculate row-wise products? Is there a simple way to achieve this? The answer is yes, and in this guide, I will show you how.
The Challenge with the PRODUCT Function
The PRODUCT function in Google Sheets is an array formula that takes arrays (cell ranges) and returns a single-cell result. However, it cannot be used directly to calculate row-wise products. So, we need to find an alternative solution.
The Drag-and-Drop Formula
One possible solution is to use a drag-and-drop formula. This involves using the PRODUCT formula in a single cell and then dragging it down to cover all the rows. While this method works, it can be time-consuming for large datasets.
Alternative Solutions to Row-Wise Products
Now, let’s explore three alternative solutions to calculate row-wise products in Google Sheets.
Solution 1: Using the Asterisk Operator (Non-Dynamic)
If your dataset has a limited number of columns, you can use the asterisk (*) operator to calculate row-wise products. However, this method is not dynamic and may return incorrect results if there are blank cells in the range.
The incorrect formula would look like this:
=ArrayFormula(B2:B*C2:C*D2:D*E2:E)To correct this formula, you need to replace blank cells with the number 1 and limit the formula to expand only up to the last non-blank cell in column A. Here’s the updated formula:
=ArrayFormula(if(B2:B="",1,B2:B)*if(C2:C="",1,C2:C)*if(D2:D="",1,D2:D)*if(E2:E="",1,E2:E))Solution 2: Using the Query Combo Formula (Dynamic)
Another alternative is to use the QUERY function in combination with IF statements. This formula can overcome the drawbacks of the asterisk operator method and can handle larger datasets.
Here are two formulas that can replace the previous ones:
=ArrayFormula(query({if(B2:E="",1,B2:E)},"Select Col1*Col2*Col3*Col4",0))
=ArrayFormula(if(len(A1:A),query({if(B2:E="",1,B2:E)},"Select Col1*Col2*Col3*Col4",0),))Please note that these formulas are not dynamic and will require manual editing when you insert new columns.
Solution 3: Using the BYROW Function
If you prefer a more concise formula that doesn’t require column A, you can use the BYROW function. This function counts the number of values in each row and returns the product if it’s not zero.
Here’s the formula you can use:
={"Product (Byrow)";byrow(B2:E,lambda(row,if(count(row)=0,,product(row))))}This formula eliminates the need for an additional column and provides a dynamic result.
Conclusion
Calculating row-wise products in Google Sheets may seem challenging at first, but with the right formulas, it becomes much easier. Whether you choose to use the asterisk operator, the query combo formula, or the BYROW function, you can now confidently handle row-wise products in your spreadsheets.
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Happy calculating!
Resources:
- Skip Duplicates in Min | Small Value Highlighting Row Wise in Google Sheets.
- Highlight Max Value Leaving Duplicates in Row Wise in Google Sheets.
