Google Sheets offers hundreds ofbuilt-in functionsI likeAVERAGE,ADDITIVE, SheVLOOKUP🇧🇷 If this is not sufficient for your needs, you can use Google Apps Script to write custom functions, e.g. B. toConvert meters to milesÖGet live content from the web- then use them in Google Sheets as a built-in function.
beginning
Custom functions are created using standard JavaScript. If you're new to JavaScript, Codecademy offers onegreat course for beginners.(Note: This course was not developed by Google and is not affiliated with Google.)
A simple user-defined function is called hereDOUBLE, which multiplies an input value by 2:
function DOUBLE(input) { return input * 2;}If you don't know how to write JavaScript and don't have time to learn it,Check plugin storeto see if someone has already created the custom function you need.
Creating a custom function
To write a custom function:
- Createor open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Select menu itemextensions >application script.
- Delete any code in the script editor. For the
DOUBLEabove, just copy and paste the code into the script editor. - Click Save at the topTo save money.
Now you canUse custom function.
Get a custom resource from Google Workspace Marketplace
The Google Workspace Marketplace offers many custom features such asPlugins for Google Sheets. How to use or explore these add-ons:
- Createor open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Click abovePlugins > Translate Plugins.
- once theGoogle Workspace Marketplaceopen it, click the search box in the upper-right corner.
- Type "custom function" and press Enter.
- When you find a custom function plugin that interests you, click on itTo installto install it
- A dialog box may inform you that the plug-in requires authorization. If so, read the notice carefully and click on itTo allow.
- The plugin is available in the spreadsheet. To use the plugin on another worksheet, open the other worksheet and click at the topPlug-Ins > Gerenciar-Plug-Ins🇧🇷 Find the plugin you want to use and click Optionsmore_vert>Use in this document.
Using a custom function
Once you've written a custom role or installed one from the Google Workspace Marketplace, it's just as easy to use as a built-in role:
- Click on the cell to which you want to apply the function.
- Enter an equal sign (
=) followed by the name of the function and any input values, e.g. B.= DOUBLE (A1)- and press Enter. - The cell is displayed momentarily
Loading..., then return the result.
Custom Function Guidelines
Before writing your own custom function, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
we
In addition to the standard JavaScript function naming conventions, note the following:
- A user-defined function name must be different from the names ofbuilt-in functionsI like
ADDITIVE(). - The name of a user-defined function cannot end with an underscore (
_), indicating a private function in Apps Script. - A user-defined function name must be declared using the syntax
function myFunction(), novar myFunction = new function(). - Capitalization doesn't matter, although function names in tables are often capitalized.
argument
Like a built-in function, a user-defined function can take arguments as input values:
- If you call your function with a single cell reference as an argument (e.g
= DOUBLE (A1)), the argument is the value of the cell. If you call your function with a reference to a range of cells as an argument (e.g
= DOUBLE (A1:B10)), the argument is a two-dimensional array of cell values. For example, in the screenshot below, the arguments are in=DUPLA(A1:B2)are interpreted by Apps Script asdouble([[1,3],[2,4]])🇧🇷 Note that the sample code forDOUBLEfrom aboveIt had to be like thischanged to accept an array as input.(Video) Google Sheets - Create Custom Functions (UDF) using Apps Script with AutoComplete Tutorial - Part 5
Custom function arguments must bedeterministic🇧🇷 That is, built-in worksheet functions that return a different result with each calculation, e.g
NOW()ÖCOINCIDENTALLY()— are not allowed as arguments to a user-defined function. If a user-defined function tries to return a value based on one of these volatile built-in functions, it will appearLoading...unlimited.
return values
Each user-defined function must return a value to be displayed so that:
- If a user-defined function returns a value, the value is displayed in the cell from which the function was called.
- When a user-defined function returns a two-dimensional array of values, the values ​​are carried into adjacent cells as long as those cells are empty. If this causes the array to overwrite existing cell contents, the user-defined function throws an error. See the above section for an exampleoptimize custom functions.
- A user-defined function cannot affect cells other than those for which it returns a value. In other words, a user-defined function cannot operate on arbitrary cells, only the cells it is called from and their adjacent cells. To edit any cell, use acustom menuto perform a function.
- A custom function call should return within 30 seconds. Otherwise the cell will show an error:
Internal error executing user-defined function.
data type
Google Sheets stores data indifferent formatsdepending on the type of data. When these values ​​are used in custom functions, AppsScript treats them ascorrect data type in JavaScriptThese are the most common areas of confusion:
- Times and Dates in SheetsDatumObjects in Apps Script. If the worksheet and the script use different time zones (a rare problem), the custom function needs to compensate.
- Permanent values ​​in sheets are also used
Datumobjects, butWorking with them can be difficult. - Percentages in sheets are converted to decimals in Apps Script. For example a cell with the value
10%becomes0,1in application scripts.
autocomplete
Google Sheets supports auto-completion for custom functions, e.gbuilt-in functions🇧🇷 When you type a function name in a cell, you will see a list of built-in and custom functions that match what you typed.
Custom functions appear in this list if your script includes oneJsDoc@customfunctionlabel, as inDOUBLE()example below.
/** * Multiplies the input value by 2. * * @param {number} input The value to multiply. * @return The input multiplied by 2. * @customfunction */function DOUBLE(input) { return input * 2;}Progressive
Using Apps Script Services
User-defined functions can call specific onesApplication Script Servicesto do more complex tasks. For example, a user-defined function can call thelanguageService to translate a sentence from English to Spanish.
Unlike most other types of application scripts, custom functions never prompt users to authorize access to personal data. Consequently, they can only access services that do not have access to personal data, namely the following:
| supported services | Nuts |
|---|---|
| cache | Works, but not particularly useful in custom functions |
| HTML | Can output HTML but not display (rarely useful) |
| JDBC | |
| language | |
| Close | Works, but not particularly useful in custom functions |
| cards | Can calculate directions but not display maps |
| Characteristics | getUserProperties()preserves sheet owner properties only. Table editors cannot set user properties in a custom role. |
| spreadsheet | Read-only (you can use mostTake it*()methods, but notset up*()).Cannot open other worksheets ( app.openById() worksheetÖSpreadsheetApp.openByUrl()). |
| URL fetch | |
| public utility services | |
| XML |
If your user-defined function throws the error messageYou are not allowed to call Service X., the service requires user authorization and therefore cannot be used in a custom role.
To use a service other than those listed above, create acustom menuwhich runs an Apps Script function instead of writing a custom function. A feature that is activated from a menu will request user authorization when required and consequently can use all Apps Script services.
Exchange
User-defined functions beginconnectedto the table in which they were created. This means that a user-defined function written in one sheet cannot be used in other sheets unless you use one of the following methods:
- give clickextensions > application scriptTo open the script editor, copy the script text from the original spreadsheet and paste it into the script editor of another spreadsheet.
- Make a copy of the worksheet containing the user-defined function by clickingFile > Make Copy🇧🇷 When a worksheet is copied, all attached scripts are also copied. Anyone with access to the spreadsheet can copy the script. (Read-only contributors can't open the script editor on the original worksheet. However, if they make a copy, they become the owner of the copy and can view the script.)
- Publish the script as Google SheetsAdd to.
improvement
Whenever a custom function is used in a spreadsheet, Google Sheets makes a separate call to the Apps Script server. If your spreadsheet contains tens (or hundreds or thousands!) of custom function calls, this process can be quite slow.
Therefore, if you intend to use a user-defined function multiple times for a variety of data, you should consider modifying the function to accept a range as input in the form of a two-dimensional array and then return a two-dimensional array that does so can overflow into the appropriate cells.
For example himDOUBLE()The function shown above can be rewritten to accept a single cell or a range of cells as follows:
/** * Multiplies the input value by 2. * * @param {number|Array<Array<number>>} input The value or range of cells to be multiplied *. * @return The input multiplied by 2. * @customfunction */function DOUBLE(input) { return Array.isArray(input) ? input.map(row => row.map(cell => cell * 2)) : input * 2;}The above approach uses theMapJavascript Methodeducationobject to be called recursivelyDOUBLEfor each value in the two-dimensional array of cells. Returns a two-dimensional array containing the results. Here's how you can callDOUBLEonly once, but let you calculate a large number of cells at once as below screenshot shown. (You can do the same with nestedestatements insteadMapPhone call.)
Similarly, the following user-defined function efficiently retrieves live content from the web and uses a two-dimensional array to display two columns of results with just one function call. If each cell required its own function call, the process would take much longer because the Apps Script server would have to download and parse the XML source each time.
/** * Displays the title and date of the first page of posts in the * developer blog. * * @return Two columns of data representing posts in * the developer's blog. * @customfunction */function getBlogPosts() { var array = []; var url = 'https://gsuite-developers.googleblog.com/atom.xml'; var xml = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url).getContentText(); var document = XmlService.parse(xml); var root = document.getRootElement(); var atom = XmlService.getNamespace('http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom'); var input = document.getRootElement().getChildren('input', atom); for (var i = 0; i <posts.length; i++) { var title = posts[i].getChild('title', atom).getText(); var date = posts[i].getChild('posted', atom).getValue(); array.push([title, date]); } returns array;}These techniques can be applied to virtually any user-defined function that is used repeatedly in a worksheet, although implementation details vary depending on the function's behavior.
FAQs
How do you add a function in Google Sheets app? ›
...
Tap the cell where you want to add the formula.
- To pick from a list of functions, tap Function. ...
- To enter a function manually, enter = and the function you want to use.
You can use Google Apps Script to write a custom function, then use it in Google Sheets just like a built-in function.
Can you do VBA in Google Sheets? ›VBA in Google Sheets is not available unfortunately, instead Google Sheets uses its own programming language called Google Apps Script which is similar to JavaScript.
Can you make your own functions in Google Sheets? ›Named functions let you create custom functions that can use built-in Sheets formulas. We've added the ability to import named functions so you can use them in more than one sheet.
What is automate functionality in Google Sheets? ›You can use Apps Script to extend Google Sheets to save time and effort. Apps Script provides the Spreadsheet service which allows scripts to interact with your Google Sheet files and the data they contain. You can use this service to automate the following common spreadsheet tasks: Create or modify a spreadsheet.
How do I automatically add formulas in Google Sheets? ›- Highlight the cells you wish to autofill, including at least one with the formula you wish to autofill.
- Use one of the following keyboard shortcuts. Fill Right: Ctrl + R. Fill Down: Ctrl + D.
- Create or open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Select the menu item Extensions > Apps Script.
- Delete any code in the script editor. For the DOUBLE function above, simply copy and paste the code into the script editor.
- At the top, click Save save.
Google Apps Script is a coding language based on JavaScript that allows you to extend and manipulate Google apps like Drive, Sheets, Docs, and Gmail. What is Apps Script?
What is custom function application? ›Custom functions help in automation where procedural logic is required, which cannot be implemented with the default actions such as, Alerts/Tasks/WebHooks, etc. With custom functions you can automatically update the data in the related CRM modules or third-party applications by executing simple program scripts.
Can I use Google Sheets as a API? ›The Google Spreadsheets data API is an extension of the GData API protocol, which you can use to create programs that interact with Google Spreadsheets.
Is VBA harder than Python? ›
Python is easier to learn and master, unlike Excel, which includes a personalized language known as VBA that is complex to master and execute. Transitioning from Excel to Python enables users to enjoy various benefits, such as an open-source coding platform, many volunteer contributors, and free libraries.
Can Google Sheets interact with API? ›The Google Sheets API lets you read, write, and format Google Sheets data with your preferred programming language, including Java, JavaScript, and Python.
How do I create a custom function? ›- Open VBE by pressing Alt+F11 on a PC or FN+ALT+F11 on a Mac.
- Locate "Insert."
- Select "Module."
- Type "Function," then specify what function you want to use.
- Confirm Excel automatically included "End Function."
- Update the code with any arguments and value specifications.
- Start with the function keyword.
- Then write the name of the function.
- Inside parenthesis () , list any parameters the function takes.
- Inside curly brackets {} , write the code that will run whenever the function is called. This is called the body of the function.
You can create a function using the Function constructor as shown in the following example. In the Function constructor, you pass parameters and function body as a string. The function created with the Function constructor is always created in the global scope.
Do VBA macros work in Google Sheets? ›You can convert macros in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to Google Sheets by re-creating them using Google Apps Script. Apps Script powers macros in Sheets, just like Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications does for Excel.
What is the VBA equivalent in Google Sheets? ›The Macro Converter is a Google Workspace add-on that makes it easier to convert Excel files that have Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code to Google Sheets files and Apps Script.
What are the five most commonly used functions in Google Sheets? ›- SUM.
- COUNT & COUNTA.
- SUMIF & COUNTIF.
- AVERAGE.
- MIN, MAX.
- IF.
- AND, OR.
- CONCATENATE.
Understand the other calculation options
The "Automatic Except for Data Tables," calculation setting enables auto calculation for all formulas in the range format, while "Formulas Embedded in Data Tables" requires manual formula activation.
Using formulas in named ranges to make them dynamic
Step 2: Create a named range for this cell with the string in. Step 3: Combine this named range with the INDIRECT function to refer to this string range inside your other formulas, which gives you a dynamic named range.
How do you create an automatic formula? ›
On the Formulas tab, in the Calculation group, click Calculation Options, and then click Automatic.
How do you write a function script? ›Create a Script with Local Functions
Add all local functions at end of the file, after the script code. Include at least one line of script code before the local functions. Each local function must begin with its own function definition statement and end with the end keyword. The functions can appear in any order.
Google Apps Script is a rapid application development platform that makes it fast and easy to create business applications that integrate with Google Workspace. You write code in modern JavaScript and have access to built-in libraries for favorite Google Workspace applications like Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and more.
How do I create a function button in Google Sheets? ›To create a button in Google Sheets, simply, navigate to Insert->Image or Insert->Drawing. Design or import the image for the button you want, and then assign a script or macro to it. The steps have been explained in detail in this tutorial.
Does Google Sheets have scripting? ›Google Apps Script lets you do new and cool things with Google Sheets. You can use Apps Script to add custom menus, dialogs, and sidebars to Google Sheets. It also lets you write custom functions for Sheets, as well as integrate Sheets with other Google services like Calendar, Drive, and Gmail.
Can I use Python code in Google Sheets? ›The motivation for using Python to write to Google Sheets
If you use Python with Google Sheets, it is easy to integrate your data with data analysis libraries, such as NumPy or Pandas, or with data visualization libraries, such as Matplotlib or Seaborn.
The Google Sheets SQL function is a very important function to Google Sheets users. It supports the use of database-type commands to manipulate Google Sheets data. It is a very powerful and versatile function. If you have used SQL, you will find the Google Sheets Query function easy to use.
What is custom function in JavaScript? ›For more flexibility, you can create custom JavaScript functions to manipulate data in coaches and views. In a coach, define the custom JavaScript function in a custom HTML, within <script> tags.
How do I create a custom function in VBA? ›- Go to the Data tab.
- Click the 'Insert Function' option.
- In the Insert Function dialog box, select User Defined as the category. ...
- Select the function from the list of all the Public User Defined functions.
- Click the Ok button.
GCC stands for GNU Compiler Collection, which is the collection of compilers which is generally used in C or C++ programs to convert the code into assembly language.
Is Google Sheet API free? ›
All use of the Google Sheets API is available at no additional cost. Exceeding the quota request limits doesn't incur extra charges and your account is not billed.
How do I convert Google Sheets to API? ›- Step 1: Open a new Sheet. Open a new blank Google Sheet and name it as per your requirement.
- Step 2: Open Apps Script Editor. ...
- Step 3: Name the Project. ...
- Step 4: Add API example code. ...
- Step 5: Run the Function. ...
- Step 6: Authorize your Script. ...
- Step 7: View the Logs.
- In the Google Cloud console, go to Menu menu > APIs & Services > Credentials. ...
- Click Create Credentials > OAuth client ID.
- Click Application type > Desktop app.
- In the Name field, type a name for the credential. ...
- Click Create. ...
- Click OK.
– Yes, absolutely! VBA is certainly not the most modern programming language, but due to the huge prevalence of Microsoft Office it is still a very relevant language in the year 2022.
Is Excel VBA going away? ›Microsoft is finally planning to block Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros by default in a variety of Office apps. The change will apply to Office files that are downloaded from the internet and include macros, so Office users will no longer be able to enable certain content with a simple click of a button.
Is VBA still in demand? ›Multiple industries still use Excel online. Therefore, many companies still have a need to use VBA. Certain industries like finance, logistics and inventory management, and data analytics can benefit from using this program.
Can I use Google Sheets as a backend? ›If you have a simple app and you don't need a very complex backend, you can use a Google spreadsheet to store your data. What is a database in our backends? It's a table, and Google spreadsheets are also tables.
Can you do integration in Google Sheets? ›Click on "Google Sheets" under the heading "Direct Integrations". Choose from the list of possible actions on the dropdown list provided.
What are the disadvantages of Google Sheets? ›- Spreadsheets are not user-friendly.
- Spreadsheets are not secure.
- It's hard to tell who edited the spreadsheet.
- There will be multiple versions of the truth.
- Spreadsheets are prone to errors.
- Reporting is painful.
- Visualizing data is difficult.
Creating The Dynamic Function
The Function object can also be used as a constructor function to create a new function on the fly. The syntax for creating a function from Function Object is as follows: const myFunction = new Function(arg1, arg2, … argN, body);
How do I import custom functions? ›
To import custom functions:
Open the file in which you want to import the custom functions. Choose File menu > Manage > Custom Functions. In the Manage Custom Functions dialog box, click Import.
We can declare a function inside a function, but it's not a nested function. Because nested functions definitions can not access local variables of the surrounding blocks, they can access only global variables of the containing module.
How do you program a function? ›- Understand the purpose of the function.
- Define the data that comes into the function from the caller (in the form of parameters)!
- Define what data variables are needed inside the function to accomplish its goal.
- Decide on the set of steps that the program will use to accomplish this goal. (
- Click the cell where you want the formula.
- To start the formula with the function, click in the formula bar. or start typing the formula in the cell. ...
- After you complete the arguments for the formula, press Enter to see the formula result in the cell.
Syntax of function prototype
returnType functionName(type1 argument1, type2 argument2, ...); In the above example, int addNumbers(int a, int b); is the function prototype which provides the following information to the compiler: name of the function is addNumbers() return type of the function is int.
There are 3 ways of writing a function in JavaScript: Function Declaration. Function Expression. Arrow Function.
What are 3 ways to call a function in JS? ›- As a function.
- As a method.
- As a constructor.
- via call and apply.
You can invoke a function by writing the name of the function followed by the parentheses.
Where is the function menu in Google Sheets? ›To access the function list: Click the Functions button and select More functions... from the drop-down menu. The Google sheets function list will appear in a new browser tab.
How do you add a formula in Google Docs Mobile? ›- Go to Insert > Equation. Build your equation using numbers and the equation toolbar. ...
- Press the Enter key to edit other parts of the document like text, images, etc.
- To write another equation, select New equation from the toolbar. When you're done, deselect Show equation toolbar in the View menu.
How do you Ctrl F in Google Sheets app? ›
You can find and replace words in a document, spreadsheet, or presentation with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. You can also search within a file using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + f (⌘ + f on a Mac).
How do I create a custom menu in Google Sheets? ›Custom menus in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms
To display the menu when the user opens a file, write the menu code within an onOpen() function. The example below shows how to add a menu with one item, followed by a visual separator, then a sub-menu that contains another item.
Google Sheets is a strong spreadsheet app, giving users plenty of options for performing calculations on data, creating useful results. But if you're only using Google Sheets for the most basic calculations, you're not unleashing its full power and capabilities.
Are Google sheet formulas same as Excel? ›Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are the two best-known spreadsheet applications available today. They are pretty much the same when it comes to formulas and calculations. This implies that many of their features are the same.
How do I copy a formula in Google script? ›Copy Formula Down in Google Sheets
Write your formula in the first row of your spreadsheet, and then point your mouse to the lower right corner of the formula cell. The pointer changes into a fill handle (black plus symbol) that you can drag to the last row of the sheet.
- Select a cell that has a formula you want to copy. If this cell contains a formula and some formatting, both will be copied and pasted by default.
- Click Edit on the menu bar.
- Select Copy.
- Select a cell to paste into.
- Click Edit on the menu bar.
- Select Paste special. ...
- Select Paste formula only.
Equatio® for Google is an easy-to-use extension for Google Chrome. It's the perfect equation editor for Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides and Drawings. It lets you add math equations, formulas and more with a click.
Does Google have an equation editor? ›Equation Editor ++ - Google Workspace Marketplace. Put equations in Google Docs or Slides with the power of LaTeX and the simplicity of a graphical editor. Put equations in Google Docs or Slides with the power of LaTeX and the simplicity of a graphical editor.
What does F4 do in Google Sheets? ›| Common actions | |
|---|---|
| Absolute/relative references (when entering a formula) | F4 |
| Toggle formula result previews (when entering a formula) | F9 |
| Resize formula bar (move up or down) | Ctrl + Up / Ctrl + Down |
| Help for screen readers | |
What are keyboard shortcuts for Google Sheets? Google Sheets shortcuts are combinations of keys on the keyboard that let you perform specific spreadsheet tasks (navigate, edit, etc.) quickly. Everyone knows the basic shortcuts, such as Ctrl(⌘)+c to copy, Ctrl(⌘)+v to paste, Ctrl(⌘)+z to undo, and so on.