I rely on my Google Sheets formula cheat sheet. Technically, I made two. The first is a robust 13-page document that contains all the most common Google Sheets formulas and functions. The second is my favorite. It’s only three pages, and it breaks down into three columns: Function, Use, and Syntax.

Below, I’ll share my Google Sheets formula cheat sheet. You can access it for free. Print it out, hang it at your desk, or just bookmark it to reference anytime you need it.

Access the Google Sheets Cheat Sheet PDF

While we cover everything in this article, be sure to access our Google Sheets cheat sheet PDF. We will cover the same topics touched on here — so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.

If you’re a more experienced user and only want a formula reference, feel free to use my Google Sheets formulas PDF file instead.

The Most Common Functions Most People Use

Google Sheets has many functions and uses to make your work easier (and your spreadsheet more intuitive). Some of the most popular functions include:

IF

IF functions perform multiple calculations (such as SUMIF). For a complete guide, check out my advice on using the IF THEN formula.

The IF function performs conditional logic that’s based on a given condition. It evaluates a logical expression and returns one value if the condition is true (and another value if the condition is false).
The basic syntax of the IF function is as follows:

=IF(logical_expression, value_if_true, value_if_false)

The IF function can be nested within itself — or combined with other functions — to create more complex logical tests. Some examples include search functions, such as:

• REGEXMATCH
• SEARCH
• AND
• OR

You can use multiple IF functions to build nested conditions for various scenarios and outcomes.

Note: You may also use the IFS function for this purpose.

VLOOKUP

VLOOKUP is another popular and powerful function in Google Sheets. It searches for a value in the first column of a range (table) and returns a corresponding value from a specified column in the same row.

This function is particularly useful for performing table lookups and retrieving associated data. LOOKUP can manage and analyze databases by retrieving relevant information based on specified criteria. It enables you to search for specific records, retrieve related data, and perform various data manipulations and calculations. It works similarly to the HLOOKUP function.

The syntax for the VLOOKUP function in Google Sheets is as follows:

=VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, is_sorted)

SUMIF

The SUMIF function in Google Sheets allows you to add up values in a range that’s based on a specified condition or criteria. To perform more complex calculations, you can also use logical operators (e.g., less than, greater than) in the criteria.

The syntax for the SUMIF function is as follows:

=SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range])

In the above example, we are using SUMIF to calculate only positive integers by using the “less than or equal to operator” and 0 as the criteria.

ARRAYFORMULA

The ARRAYFORMULA function lets you apply a formula to a range of cells rather than entering the formula in each cell. It’s especially useful when working with functions that can’t automatically handle arrays — and eliminates the need to manually drag or copy formulas across a range.

It enables you to perform calculations, apply logical tests, and manipulate text — all within a single formula. This is especially useful if you’re working with large datasets.

The syntax of ARRAYFORMULA is simple:

=ARRAYFORMULA(array_formula)

CONCATENATE

CONCATENATE is used to combine multiple text strings into a single string. It takes two or more text arguments and joins them in the order provided. This function is invaluable when merging data or creating customized labels, reports, or summaries.

The syntax of the CONCATENATE function is:

=CONCATENATE(text1, [text2, ...])

LEN

The LEN function calculates the number of characters in a given cell, including letters, numbers, spaces, and special characters. The LEN function can also be used to manipulate text, extract substrings, dynamically calculate lengths, and perform various other operations on strings in Google Sheets.

The syntax of the LEN function is straightforward:

=LEN(TEXT)

In this syntax, the TEXT argument is the cell or text string you want to measure. In the image above, the TEXT argument is under A2. Let’s explain this further.

You can see that the formula: =LEN(A2) gives the result 17, which is the number of characters in the text Avengers:

Endgame. This is a simple example of what the LEN function could be used for.

IMPORTRANGE

The IMPORTRANGE function in Google Sheets allows you to import data from one spreadsheet to another. It enables you to establish a connection between different sheets, even if they are located in separate files or folders.

Using IMPORTRANGE can fetch smaller sections of specific data or an entire sheet of cells from a source sheet, then incorporate it into your destination sheet.

The syntax for the IMPORTRANGE function in Google Sheets is as follows:

=IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string)

QUERY

The QUERY function in Google Sheets allows users to extract and manipulate data from a specified range based on queries similar to those you would use in databases (SQL queries).

It provides an efficient way to filter, sort, and aggregate data within your spreadsheet. Use it to extract specific columns or rows from your data range by specifying the desired fields in the query string. You’ll be able to retrieve only the relevant information for your analysis.

The syntax of the QUERY function is as follows:

=QUERY(data, query, [headers])

INDEX

The INDEX function in Google Sheets is a versatile function that allows you to retrieve the value of a cell within a specified range based on its row and column numbers. It provides flexibility in extracting specific data points from a range.

INDEX is commonly used in combination with other functions for advanced data retrieval and analysis (like MATCH, in the example above).

By using the INDEX function in combination with array formulas or other functions, you can retrieve entire rows or columns from a range.

Note: INDEX is most commonly used together with the MATCH function to perform advanced lookups that VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP aren’t able to do.

The syntax of the INDEX function is:

=INDEX(range, row_num, [column_num])

Related: Excel vs. Google Sheets

Table for Google Sheets Formula Cheat Sheet

The following table shows the functions in Google Sheets and their syntax:

Function	Use	Syntax
SUM	Calculates the sum of a range of cells	SUM(range1, [range2, …])
AVERAGE	Calculates the average of a range of cells	AVERAGE(range1, [range2, …])
COUNT	Counts the number of cells in a range	COUNT(range1, [range2, …])
MAX	Finds the maximum value in a range of cells	MAX(range1, [range2, …])
MIN	Finds the minimum value in a range of cells	MIN(range1, [range2, …])
IF	Performs conditional logic based on a given condition	IF(logical_expression, value_if_true, value_if_false)
VLOOKUP	Searches for a value in the first column of a range	VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])
CONCATENATE	Combines multiple strings into a single string	CONCATENATE(string1, [string2, …])
SUBSTITUTE	Replaces specific text within a string	SUBSTITUTE(text, old_text, new_text, [occurrence])
DATE	Creates a date value from year, month, and day components	DATE(year, month, day)
TODAY	Returns the current date	TODAY()
LEN	Calculates the length of a text string	LEN(text)
LEFT	Extracts a specified number of characters from the beginning of a text string	LEFT(text, num_chars)
RIGHT	Extracts a specified number of characters from the end of a text string	RIGHT(text, num_chars)
MID	Extracts a substring from a text string	MID(text, start, num_chars)
CONCAT	Combines multiple strings into a single string	CONCAT(string1, [string2, …])
COUNTIF	Counts the number of cells in a range that meet a given criterion	COUNTIF(range, criterion)
SUMIF	Sums the values in a range that meet a given criterion	SUMIF(range, criterion, [sum_range])
IFERROR	Returns a value if a formula generates an error	IFERROR(value, [value if error])
OFFSET	Returns a range reference that is offset from a given reference	OFFSET(reference, rows, cols, [height], [width])
ROUND	Rounds a number to a specified number of decimal places	ROUND(number, num_digits)
TRIM	Removes leading and trailing spaces from a text string	TRIM(text)
FIND	Finds the position of a specified text within another text string	FIND(find_text, within_text, [start_num])
LEFTB	Extracts a specified number of bytes from the beginning of a text string	LEFTB(text, num_bytes)
RIGHTB	Extracts a specified number of bytes from the end of a text string	RIGHTB(text, num_bytes)
MIDB	Extracts a substring from a text string using bytes	MIDB(text, start_byte, num_bytes)
SUBSTITUTE	Replaces specific text within a string	SUBSTITUTE(text, old_text, new_text, [occurrence])
REGEXEXTRACT	Extracts a matching substring from a text string using a regular expression	REGEXEXTRACT(text, regular_expression)
REGEXREPLACE	Replaces matching substrings within a text string using a regular expression	REGEXREPLACE(text, regular_expression, replacement)
SPLIT	Splits a text string into separate substrings based on a delimiter	SPLIT(text, delimiter, [split_by_each])
TRANSPOSE	Transposes a range of cells (converts rows into columns and vice versa)	TRANSPOSE(array)

Additional Considerations for the Formula Cheat Sheet

Here are a few other things you may want to consider on a one-sheet guide to Google Sheets formulas. I’ve used all of these methods to save time while building spreadsheets.

6 Time-Saving Shortcuts for Google Sheets Formulas

Here are some tips, tricks, and shortcuts to enhance your experience when using functions in Google Sheets:

1. Autocomplete

Instead of manually inputting your formulas, try an autocomplete function. Begin typing a function name in a cell, then press “Tab” to autocomplete the function (or display a list of available functions that match your input). Sheets will suggest filling an entire row or column with a function to save you time.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts will significantly increase the speed of creating spreadsheets. You can find a list of explanations for all the Google Sheets keyboard shortcuts simply by pressing Ctrl + / (⌘ + / for MacOS devices).

3. Select Ranges

When specifying a range as an argument, you can use your mouse or the Shift+Arrow keys to quickly select a range of cells.
For example, Shift + Down Arrow will select the next cell in a column. If you use Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow, it will select all of the rows in a column until the last contiguous cell.

4. Range Names in Functions

Instead of manually typing cell references in your formulas, consider using named ranges. Named ranges make formulas more readable and easier to maintain. You can create and manage named ranges from the “Dat” menu under “Named ranges.”

5. Function Dragging

When applying a function to multiple cells, drag the fill handle (a small blue square in the bottom-right corner of the selected cell) to populate the formula in the adjacent cells automatically. This is a quick way to replicate your formula across a range.

6. Function Nesting

Function nesting can perform complex calculations. You can use the result of one function as an argument in another function, allowing you to build more powerful and customized formulas.
An example would be to use another function inside an IF function (like if the result is TRUE), and then perform another function. Like in the example above, the function is finding the SUM of N8 and O8, but only if N8 is greater than 15.
Related: The Best Online Google Sheets Courses

Why Use a Google Sheets Formula Cheat Sheet

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a Google Sheets functions cheat sheet is an incredibly useful resource. Here are some ways that this cheat sheet could be helpful to you:

1. Easy Reference

A formula cheat sheet serves as a convenient reference guide. Ours provides a comprehensive list of Google Sheets formulas and their functionalities.
Instead of searching through lengthy documentation or browsing the internet for answers, you can have all the information at your fingertips. It lets you find the formula you need and check its syntax quickly.

2. Quick Troubleshooting

If your formulas are returning errors — they aren’t working quite right — it can be challenging to find the problem. Our cheat sheet is a quick reference to ensure that formulas are organized and nested correctly.
You can reduce the likelihood of mistakes (such as incorrect formula usage or formatting issues) and create accurate, reliable spreadsheets.

3. Efficient Workflow

A formula cheat sheet speeds up and streamlines your productivity and efficiency. Simply refer to the cheat sheet for a clear and brief overview (rather than squandering valuable time trying to remember a specific formula or experimenting with alternative combinations).
Rather than figuring out functions and formulas from scratch, referring to the cheat sheet is fast work.

4. Discover Hidden Gems

Google Sheets has a vast array of formulas. As such, you may not know some lesser-known functions (and combinations) that can significantly enhance your spreadsheet capabilities. A formula cheat sheet can introduce you to these hidden gems by providing an organized compilation of all available formulas.

5. Learn and Expand Your Google Sheets Skills

A formula cheat sheet isn’t just a tool for quick reference: It’s also an educational resource. Using the cheat sheet regularly makes you more familiar with the formulas and their applications. You’ll also discover how to leverage this knowledge to tackle complex tasks or build more sophisticated spreadsheets.
Related: The Best Google Sheets Templates to Improve Workflow

Conclusion

Our Google Sheets cheat sheet helps ensure accurate and efficient data processing. These practical insights and tips help me automate tasks, visualize data, and enhance how to use the functions in Google Sheets.
Be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to charts for Google Sheets, too!
Related:

• How To Auto-Refresh Google Sheets Formulas (Updates Every 1-Minute)
• How To Use Formulas In Google Sheets: Ultimate Guide
• How To Copy Values and Not Formulas in Google Sheets
• Ultimate Guide to the Best Excel Keyboard Shortcuts