How to Convert Formula to Value Automatically in Google Sheets

If you work with Google Sheets regularly, you know that formulas are essential for keeping your data accurate and effective.

However, sometimes it’s necessary to convert your formulas into static values to help streamline your workflow or ensure that you’re viewing the latest data.

In this article, we’ll explore how to convert formula to value automatically in Google Sheets, so you can save time and improve the efficiency of your spreadsheets.

Why Convert Formula to Value?

When a formula in a cell is no longer necessary, you may want to convert it to a static value. Some reasons why you may want to do this include:

• Reducing the file size of your Sheet, as formulas take up more space than values
• Preventing unwanted changes to your data or formulas
• Creating an archive of your data, so you can look back on previous versions of your Sheet without worrying about formulas changing

There are many scenarios when being able to convert a formula to value in Google Sheets can be useful. Keep reading to learn how to do it.

How to Convert Formula to Value in Google Sheets

There are a few different methods you can use to convert formula to value automatically in Google Sheets. Here are three effective options:

Option 1: Copy and Paste Values

This simple method involves copying your formula cells and pasting them as values:

1. Highlight the cells that contain your formulas
2. Right-click and select ‘Copy’ or press Ctrl+C to copy the cells
3. Right-click the same cells again and select ‘Paste special’ or press Ctrl+Shift+V
4. In the menu that pops up, select ‘Values only’ and click ‘OK’

Your formulas will now be replaced with their corresponding values, which will be easier to manage and archive.

Option 2: Use a Macro

Google Sheets allows you to automate repetitive tasks with macros. Here’s how to use a macro to convert formula to value:

1. Open the Sheet where you want to convert formulas to values
2. Click on ‘Tools’ from the top menu
3. Select ‘Script Editor’ from the dropdown menu
4. In the Script Editor, paste this code:

Javascript

function ConvertToValues() {
    var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();
    var range = sheet.getDataRange();
    range.copyValuesToRange(sheet, 1, range.getNumColumns(), 1, range.getNumRows());
    range.clearContent();
 }

5. Click ‘File’ from the top menu
6. Select ‘Save’
7. Name the macro and click ‘OK’
8. Go back to your Sheet and click ‘Macros’ from the top menu
9. Select the macro you just created and click ‘Run’

All formulas on your selected sheet will now be converted to values.

Option 3: Use the ARRAYFORMULA Function

This method is best if you want to convert an entire column of formulas to values at once:

1. Select the entire column of cells containing the formulas you want to convert
2. Type in the following formula:

=ARRAYFORMULA(A1:A50)

3. Replace ‘A1:A50’ with the range of cells you want to convert
4. Press ‘Enter’

The selected cells will now contain the values from the formulas. Note that this method won’t remove the actual formula, but it will hide them out of sight.

Conclusion

Now you know how to convert formula to value automatically in Google Sheets using several different methods.

Whether you opt for copying and pasting or using a macro, streamlining your spreadsheet data by converting formulas to values can save time and prevent errors.

Consider incorporating these techniques into your future Sheets projects to improve the efficiency of your workflow.