Master Google Sheets Formulas: A Comprehensive Guide

This article provides a complete guide to creating, editing, and utilizing formulas within Google Sheets. By the end, you'll be proficient in essential functions like SUM, IF, VLOOKUP, and more, transforming your spreadsheet capabilities. Feel free to copy the practice spreadsheet to follow along.

[Navigation]

• Creating Formulas in Google Sheets
• Referencing Cells and Sheets within Formulas
• Editing Existing Formulas
• Mastering Nested Functions
• Efficiently Copying Formulas
• Displaying Formulas in Google Sheets
• Key Formula Examples: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, IF, AND, OR, CONCATENATE, VLOOKUP
• Unique Google Sheets Functions

Creating Formulas in Google Sheets

Google Sheets formulas combine operators and functions for calculations. Each formula begins with an = sign, followed by a function (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE, IF).

Here's the process:

1. Select the target cell for the result.

2. Input =, then the function name (e.g., =SUM). Google Sheets provides a description and argument suggestions.

   

   Note: A full function list is available here.

3. Add formula contents: cell references or ranges (manually or by mouse selection). For example: =SUM(E2:E13)

   

4. Press Enter to compute and display the result.

Referencing Cells and Sheets

Formulas frequently reference data from other cells or sheets:

• Single-cell reference: E2 uses the value of cell E2.
• Multiple cells: =SUM(E2,E4,E8,E13) (non-adjacent) or =SUM(E2:E13) (adjacent).
• Named ranges: Assign a name (e.g., Sales2024) to a range and use it: =SUM(Sales2024). (More on named ranges in this article).

Referencing other sheets:

1. Start with =SUM(

2. Click the other sheet's tab to select the cell or range. The formula updates (e.g., =SUM(Sheet2!E2:E13)).

   

3. Press Enter.

Alternatively, manually type the reference: =Sheet_name!Cell_range (Use single quotes for sheet names with spaces: ='October sales'!E2:E13).

Editing Formulas

Modify formulas as needed:

1. Double-click the cell or select and press F2 or Enter.

2. Edit the formula in the cell or formula bar. For example, change =SUM(E2:E15) to =SUM(E2,E4,E8,E13).

   

3. Press Enter.

Navigating cell references: Use your mouse or keyboard arrows to easily select specific references within a formula. Google Sheets highlights both the referenced cell and the current function argument.

Nested Functions

Formula arguments can be values, cell references, or other functions. Nesting simplifies complex calculations:

• Direct values: =SUM(40,50,55,20,10,88)
• Cell references: =SUM(E5,E8,E13), =SUM(E2:E13)
• Nested functions: =ROUND(AVERAGE(E2:E13),-1) (calculates the average then rounds).

Copying Formulas

Copying formulas replicates calculations:

• Adjacent cells: Google Sheets auto-fills columns; use the fill handle (bottom-right corner) to drag and drop or double-click for entire columns.
• Non-adjacent cells: Use Ctrl C (Cmd C on Mac) to copy, select target cells (Ctrl/Cmd click for multiple), and paste with Ctrl V (Cmd V).

Showing Formulas

To display formulas instead of results: View > Show > Formulas or use the shortcut Ctrl `.

Key Formula Examples

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Practice Spreadsheet

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