Google Sheets tutorials
Formulas, formatting and data tips for Google Sheets, explained step by step.
Fix "Text result of CONCATENATE is longer than the limit of 50000 characters"
#VALUE! "Text result of CONCATENATE / TEXTJOIN / REPT is longer than the limit"? The real limits we hit (50,000 and 32,000 characters) and how to keep formulas under them.
Google SheetsSort by Date Not Working in Google Sheets? Fix dd/mm/yyyy Dates
Google Sheets sorts your dates in the wrong order? Day-first dates like 25/10/2026 are stored as text in a US-locale sheet. How to spot them and fix the locale. Tested.
Google SheetsXLOOKUP with Multiple Criteria in Google Sheets
XLOOKUP with two conditions in Google Sheets returns #N/A "Array arguments to XLOOKUP are of different size"? Wrap it in ARRAYFORMULA, or use FILTER. Both tested, with copy-ready formulas.
Google SheetsHow to Add a Calculated Field to a Pivot Table in Google Sheets (and Get the Right Totals)
Add a calculated field to a Google Sheets pivot table, and avoid the wrong totals: with Summarize by SUM, =Units*Price multiplies the sums. Tested fix: Custom + SUMPRODUCT.
Google SheetsPivot Table Editor Not Showing in Google Sheets? Here's the Edit Button
Closed the Pivot table editor and clicking the table doesn't bring it back? Use the small Edit button under the pivot table. Where it appears and what to check if it doesn't. Tested.
Google SheetsFix IMPORTRANGE "You don't have permissions to access that spreadsheet"
IMPORTRANGE #REF! "You don't have permissions to access that spreadsheet", "Spreadsheet cannot be found" or "not a valid cell/range reference"? The cause and fix for each, tested with two accounts.
Google SheetsConditional Formatting Not Working in Google Sheets? 3 Silent Mistakes
Google Sheets conditional formatting colors only one column, the wrong rows, or nothing? The missing $, a formula on the wrong row, or no = at the start. All three tested, with fixes.
Google SheetsGoogle Sheets Tab Missing? How to Unhide Sheets and Find Tabs
A tab disappeared from the bottom of your Google Sheet? It's probably hidden. Unhide it with View → Hidden sheets, or find it in the All sheets list. Tested.
Google SheetsCan't Scroll Right or Down in Google Sheets? Fix Frozen Columns
Google Sheets won't scroll right or down? Frozen columns or rows wider than your screen lock the view. How to spot them and unfreeze with View → Freeze. Tested.
Google SheetsSUM Not Working in Google Sheets? Why It Returns 0 and How to Fix It
Google Sheets SUM returns 0 or the wrong total? Your numbers are probably stored as text. How to spot them (left-aligned, ISTEXT) and fix them with VALUE. Tested.
Google SheetsGoogle Sheets Shows the Formula Instead of the Result: How to Fix It
Google Sheets shows =SUM(...) instead of the result? Show formulas is on (Ctrl+`) or there's a space or apostrophe before the =. Both tested, plus the Excel "fix" that doesn't apply.
Google SheetsFix "You can't merge cells within a table" in Google Sheets
Google Sheets says "You can't merge cells within a table"? Tables don't allow merged cells. Put the title outside the table or revert it to a normal range: both tested.
Google SheetsFix "You can't vertically merge cells that intersect a range with an existing sorted filter view"
Google Sheets says "You can't vertically merge cells that intersect a range with an existing sorted filter view"? Why it happens and what actually fixes it (closing the view isn't enough). Tested.
Google SheetsFix "Unresolved sheet name" in Google Sheets
#REF! with "Unresolved sheet name 'Budget 2026'"? The tab name in your formula doesn't match any sheet. How to find the mismatch and fix it, including INDIRECT and IMPORTRANGE.
Google SheetsFix IMPORTXML Errors: "Could not fetch url", "Imported content is empty" and #REF!
"Could not fetch url", "Imported content is empty" or #REF! "You must allow access to fetch data from external URLs"? What each IMPORTXML error means and how to fix it. Tested.
Google SheetsFix QUERY Errors in Google Sheets: "Unable to parse query string"
"Unable to parse query string for Function QUERY parameter 2": NO_COLUMN, ADD_COL_TO_GROUP_BY_OR_AGG, PARSE_ERROR, or "Query completed with an empty output"? Each QUERY error tested, with its fix.
Google SheetsFix "You are trying to edit a protected cell or object" in Google Sheets
"You are trying to edit a protected cell or object. Please contact the spreadsheet owner to remove protection"? Why Google Sheets blocks you, how to see which cells are locked, and how the owner can let you edit. Tested.
Google SheetsHow to Fix the #NUM! Error in Google Sheets
#NUM! means a number is invalid for the function: "Function SQRT parameter 1 value is negative", "parameter 2 value is out of range", a too-large result and more. Each message, tested, with its fix.
Google SheetsFix "Convert to table" errors in Google Sheets
"You can't insert a table over a merged range", "Formulas are not supported in a table header row" or Convert to table greyed out? The cause and fix for each, tested.
Google SheetsFix "You can't merge frozen and non-frozen rows" in Google Sheets
Why Google Sheets says "You can't merge frozen and non-frozen rows" (or columns), the related "You can't freeze rows which contain only part of a merged cell", and how to fix both.
Google SheetsFix "Sorry, it is not possible to delete all non-frozen rows" in Google Sheets
Google Sheets says "Sorry, it is not possible to delete all non-frozen rows" when you delete every row below a frozen header. Why, and three quick ways around it.
Google SheetsFix "You can't sort a range containing vertical merges" in Google Sheets
Google Sheets won't sort or filter because of merged cells? Why "You can't sort a range containing vertical merges" appears, how to unmerge without losing your categories, and the filter version of the error.
Google SheetsFix IMPORTRANGE "You need to connect these sheets" in Google Sheets
IMPORTRANGE shows #REF! with "You need to connect these sheets"? How to click Allow access, and what to do when the button doesn't appear or the error comes back.
Google SheetsFix "Did not find value in VLOOKUP evaluation" in Google Sheets
VLOOKUP says "Did not find value '…' in VLOOKUP evaluation" even though the value is there? Six checks, in order, to find the cause: a range that moved, hidden spaces, numbers stored as text and more.
Google SheetsHow to Fix "Formula parse error" (#ERROR!) in Google Sheets
#ERROR! with "Formula parse error" means Google Sheets can't read your formula. The 7 usual causes (commas vs semicolons, curly quotes, sheet names with spaces…) and how to fix each.
Google SheetsFix "Array result was not expanded because it would overwrite data"
Why Google Sheets shows #REF! with "Array result was not expanded because it would overwrite data in…", how to find the cell that's in the way, and how to fix it for UNIQUE, FILTER and ARRAYFORMULA.
Google SheetsFix "You cannot convert an alternating color range without a header format into a table"
Why Google Sheets says "You cannot convert an alternating color range without a header format into a table. Please specify one and try again", and two quick ways to fix it.
Google SheetsGoogle Sheets Formulas Cheat Sheet (50 Functions with Examples)
A one-page Google Sheets formulas cheat sheet: the 50 most useful functions for totals, counting, logic, lookups, text, dates, filtering and errors, each with a ready-to-copy example and a full tutorial.
Google SheetsHow to Convert Text to Numbers in Google Sheets
Numbers stored as text make SUM return 0 in Google Sheets. Learn how to spot them and convert them with Format → Number, the VALUE function, or multiplying by 1.
Google SheetsGoogle Sheets Keyboard Shortcuts: The 40 Most Useful
The most useful Google Sheets keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac: navigation, selection, formatting, rows and columns, formulas, and how to see the full list with Ctrl+/.
Google SheetsHow to Generate Random Numbers in Google Sheets (RANDBETWEEN and RAND)
Generate random whole numbers with RANDBETWEEN and random decimals with RAND in Google Sheets, pick a random item from a list, shuffle rows, and stop the numbers changing.
Google SheetsHow to Use XLOOKUP in Google Sheets (with Examples)
XLOOKUP in Google Sheets finds a value in one column and returns the matching value from another. Syntax, a step-by-step example, a built-in "not found" message, and how it compares with VLOOKUP.
Google SheetsHow to Use Data Validation in Google Sheets (Restrict Input)
Stop wrong entries in Google Sheets with data validation: allow only numbers in a range, valid dates, emails or custom rules, and choose between a warning and rejecting the input.
Google SheetsHow to Calculate Percentage Change in Google Sheets
Calculate the percentage increase or decrease between two numbers in Google Sheets with (new - old) / old, format it as a percent, and avoid divide-by-zero errors.
Google SheetsHow to VLOOKUP from Another Sheet in Google Sheets
Use VLOOKUP to pull data from a different tab in Google Sheets with the SheetName!A:C syntax, handle sheet names with spaces, and look up data in another file with IMPORTRANGE.
Google SheetsAbsolute References in Google Sheets: How to Use $ to Lock a Cell
Stop cell references shifting when you copy a formula in Google Sheets. Learn relative vs absolute references, the $ sign, mixed references and the F4 shortcut.
Google SheetsHow to Alternate Row Colors in Google Sheets (Zebra Stripes)
Add alternating row colors in Google Sheets with Format → Alternating colors: pick a style, change or remove the colors, stripe columns or groups with a formula, and fix the table conversion error.
Google SheetsHow to Use IFERROR in Google Sheets (with Examples)
Replace #N/A, #DIV/0! and other errors with a blank, a zero or your own message using IFERROR in Google Sheets. Plus when to use IFNA instead.
Google SheetsHow to Print a Google Sheet on One Page (Fit to Width)
Print Google Sheets neatly: fit the sheet to one page or to the page width, choose landscape, print only a selection, hide gridlines and repeat the header row on every page.
Google SheetsHow to Round Numbers in Google Sheets (ROUND, ROUNDUP, ROUNDDOWN)
Round numbers in Google Sheets to decimals, whole numbers or the nearest 10, 100 or 0.05 with ROUND, ROUNDUP, ROUNDDOWN and MROUND, and learn when to just change the display instead.
Google SheetsHow to Share a Google Sheet (Viewer, Commenter or Editor)
Share a Google Sheets file with specific people or with anyone who has the link, choose between Viewer, Commenter and Editor, and stop sharing when you're done.
Google SheetsHow to Strikethrough Text in Google Sheets (Shortcut and Checkbox)
Cross out text in Google Sheets with the Alt+Shift+5 shortcut, the toolbar button or the Format menu, and strike through tasks automatically when a checkbox is ticked.
Google SheetsHow to Use SUMIFS and COUNTIFS in Google Sheets (Multiple Criteria)
Add up or count rows that meet two or more conditions in Google Sheets with SUMIFS and COUNTIFS. Examples with text, numbers, dates and "not equal to".
Google SheetsHow to Fix "Circular Dependency Detected" in Google Sheets
A circular dependency happens when a formula refers to its own cell. See why Google Sheets shows #REF! with "Circular dependency detected", how to find the loop, and when iterative calculation helps.
Google SheetsHow to Fix the #DIV/0! Error in Google Sheets
Why Google Sheets shows #DIV/0! ("Function DIVIDE parameter 2 cannot be zero") and three ways to fix it: IF, IFERROR, and checking for blank cells.
Google SheetsHow to Fix the #N/A Error in Google Sheets (VLOOKUP, MATCH, XLOOKUP)
Why VLOOKUP, MATCH and XLOOKUP return #N/A in Google Sheets ("Did not find value"), the five usual causes, and how to replace it with a friendly message using IFNA.
Google SheetsHow to Fix the #NAME? Error in Google Sheets
#NAME? in Google Sheets means the formula uses a name Sheets doesn't know: a misspelled function, text without quotes, or a missing named range. Here's how to fix each one.
Google SheetsHow to Fix the #REF! Error in Google Sheets
#REF! in Google Sheets means a formula points to a cell that no longer exists or can't be used. Fix deleted references, blocked array results and circular references.
Google SheetsHow to Fix the #VALUE! Error in Google Sheets
Google Sheets shows #VALUE! when a formula gets text where it needs a number. Learn to read the error message, find the bad cell, and fix it with VALUE, SUM or IFERROR.
Google SheetsHow to Use AVERAGE in Google Sheets (and AVERAGEIF)
Find the average in Google Sheets with AVERAGE, ignore blanks and text, average only cells that meet a condition with AVERAGEIF, and handle the #DIV/0! error.
Google SheetsHow to Make a Chart in Google Sheets (Step by Step)
Make a chart or graph in Google Sheets: insert it, pick the right type, chart several series or non-adjacent columns, add a trendline or second axis, customize it and download it as an image.
Google SheetsHow to Add Checkboxes in Google Sheets (and Count Them)
Insert checkboxes in Google Sheets, count ticked boxes with COUNTIF, cross out completed tasks automatically, and remove checkboxes.
Google SheetsHow to Color Cells Based on Value in Google Sheets (Conditional Formatting)
Color cells automatically in Google Sheets with conditional formatting: rules by value or text, color scales, a whole row based on one cell, another cell's value, multiple conditions and overdue dates.
Google SheetsHow to Combine Text from Cells in Google Sheets (CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN)
Join text from several cells in Google Sheets with the & operator, CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN. Add spaces and separators, and skip empty cells.
Google SheetsHow to Use COUNTIF in Google Sheets: 8 Practical Examples
Count cells that match a condition with COUNTIF in Google Sheets: text, numbers, wildcards, blanks, not-equal, and COUNTIFS for several conditions.
Google SheetsHow to Change the Date Format in Google Sheets
Change how dates look in Google Sheets: built-in date formats, custom formats like 25 Mar 2026 or 2026-03-25, the TEXT function, and fixing the spreadsheet locale.
Google SheetsHow to Calculate Days Between Dates in Google Sheets
Count days, working days, months and years between two dates in Google Sheets with simple subtraction, DAYS, NETWORKDAYS and DATEDIF.
Google SheetsHow to Create a Drop-Down List in Google Sheets
Add a drop-down list in Google Sheets with Insert → Dropdown: type your options, give them colors, use a range as the source, and edit or remove the list.
Google SheetsHow to Filter Data in Google Sheets
Show only the rows you need in Google Sheets: create a filter, filter by values or condition, use filter views so others aren't affected, and the FILTER function.
Google SheetsHow to Use Find and Replace in Google Sheets
Find and replace text across a sheet or whole workbook in Google Sheets, match case, match whole cells, search with regular expressions, and replace inside formulas.
Google SheetsHow to Freeze Rows and Columns in Google Sheets (and Excel)
Keep your header row or first column visible while you scroll. How to freeze and unfreeze rows and columns in Google Sheets, with the Excel equivalent.
Google SheetsHow to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
Use conditional formatting with a custom formula to highlight duplicate values, entire duplicate rows, or only the second and later copies in Google Sheets.
Google SheetsHow to Use the IF Function in Google Sheets (With Examples)
Learn the IF function in Google Sheets: syntax, pass/fail example, comparison operators, nested IF, IFS, and combining IF with AND and OR.
Google SheetsHow to Use IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets
Pull data from one Google Sheet into another with IMPORTRANGE: the syntax, granting access, importing a whole column, and fixing #REF! and loading errors.
Google SheetsHow to Merge Cells in Google Sheets (and When Not To)
Merge cells in Google Sheets horizontally or vertically, unmerge them, avoid losing data, and learn why merged cells can break sorting and filtering.
Google SheetsHow to Number Rows Automatically in Google Sheets
Add row numbers in Google Sheets that update themselves: the ROW function, a sequence that skips the header, autofill, and SEQUENCE for a whole column at once.
Google SheetsHow to Make a Pivot Table in Google Sheets
Summarize a big table in seconds with a pivot table in Google Sheets: create one, add rows and values, change SUM to COUNT or AVERAGE, and filter the results.
Google SheetsHow to Protect Cells in Google Sheets
Stop people editing important cells in Google Sheets: protect a range or a whole sheet, show a warning or block edits, allow only certain people, and remove protection.
Google SheetsHow to Use the QUERY Function in Google Sheets
Filter, sort, group and total data with one formula using QUERY in Google Sheets. Beginner-friendly examples of SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, GROUP BY and LIMIT.
Google SheetsHow to Remove Blank Rows in Google Sheets
Delete empty rows in Google Sheets quickly: sort them to the bottom, filter and delete them, or build a clean copy with FILTER. Step-by-step with examples.
Google SheetsHow to Remove Duplicates in Google Sheets (3 Easy Ways)
Remove duplicate rows in Google Sheets with the built-in cleanup tool, the UNIQUE function, or a COUNTIF helper column. Step-by-step with examples.
Google SheetsHow to Sort Data in Google Sheets (Without Messing Up Your Rows)
Sort by one or several columns in Google Sheets, keep your header row in place, sort A to Z or largest to smallest, and use the SORT function for a live sorted copy.
Google SheetsHow to Split Text into Columns in Google Sheets
Split names, addresses or CSV data into separate columns in Google Sheets with Split text to columns or the SPLIT function. Choose any separator.
Google SheetsHow to Sum a Column in Google Sheets
Add up a column in Google Sheets with SUM, the Functions button, or the quick total at the bottom of the screen. Sum a whole column, several ranges, or only visible rows.
Google SheetsHow to Use SUMIF in Google Sheets (and SUMIFS)
Add up only the values that match a condition with SUMIF in Google Sheets. Syntax, category totals, number and date criteria, and SUMIFS for several conditions.
Google SheetsHow to Transpose Data in Google Sheets (Rows to Columns)
Switch rows and columns in Google Sheets with Paste special → Transposed or the TRANSPOSE function. When to use each, and how to keep the result updating.
Google SheetsHow to Use VLOOKUP in Google Sheets (With Examples)
Learn VLOOKUP in Google Sheets: the syntax, a worked example, exact vs approximate match, and how to fix #N/A and #REF! errors.