Google Sheets is a powerful spreadsheet software that performs complex computations on the data using many built-in features, formulas, functions, App scripts, extensions, etc. Today, we will learn how to do a function in Google Sheets. We will learn what functions are, how to use them, their limitations, and how to do a custom function in Google Sheets.
A formula is a legitimate logical or mathematical expression that instructs Google Sheets to conduct specific actions and return a result based on the calculation we specified using that formula. Similarly, a function is a formula, but it is pre-defined by Google Sheets and may be used directly with function names rather than having to specify the full logic.
So, functions come in various forms; in Google Sheets, we have several functions, some of which we use daily and others just sometimes. We can also create a custom formula and assign it to a named function for regular use.
Significance of using Named Function in Google Sheets
The Functions and Formulas in Google Sheets are what make the application totally dynamic and interactive. The difference between a formula and a function is that formulas can be developed with logical logic based on user requirements, whereas functions are pre-built formulas available in Google Sheets. Google Sheets has previously created certain functions utilizing logic. Functions can be used to save time, reduce mistake rates, and execute repeated tasks.
For example, if you want to add a row with some data using a formula, enter the following custom formula into a cell.
=A1+B1+C1+D1+E1+F1
The formula above will calculate the SUM of all the values in these cells.
If you don’t want to use a formula, you can use the following function to do the same thing.
=SUM(A1:F1)
The function and formula syntaxes differ. The functions have a short syntax and almost no chances of error, but the formula has a complex syntax and many cell addresses, which increases the chances of errors. How to do a Named Function in Google Sheets?
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How to do a Named Function in Google Sheets?
We will learn how to use conventional functions in Google Sheets, then use custom formulae when functions are insufficient, and finally perform a function from a custom formula and store it as a named function. This is quite useful when we need to use a custom formula repeatedly in our spreadsheets.
How to do a Function in Google Sheets – Simple Functions in Google Sheets
In this section, we’ll learn how to perform a function in Google Sheets, focusing on typical functions. This allows us to get started with the functions and better comprehend their workflow.
Step 1>
Assume we wish to conduct simple math operations; we now have an SUM function that allows us to execute addition and subtraction.
Write the sum function.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-1.png)
Note that every built-in function starts with an equal sign. =SUM, IF, QUERY, and so on.
Step 2>
If you want to add, pass comma-separated values; otherwise, pass the values with their operation sign, such as + or -.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-2a.png)
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-2b.png)
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-2c.png)
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-2d.png)
Note: After the function name, we must write opening and closing round brackets for the function.
=SUM(), =IF(), = or QUERY()
Here is the result, which shows how functions work in Sheets.
Every function has a fixed syntax, and we can’t use more than the permitted variables.
Let’s examine another function.
Step 3>
Let’s look at the =COUNT function.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-3a.png)
Write the function name, then pass the variables, hit Enter, and here is the result.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-3b.png)
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-3c.png)
So those are some fundamental Google Sheets functionalities. They only work with the syntax that is allowed; custom variables cannot be added to them.
On the other hand, we have formulae. Let us see them.
How to do a Function in Google Sheets – Formulas in Google Sheets
In this section, we will learn how to perform a function and use formulae in Google Sheets. Logic is synonymous with formulas and functions. However, functions are limited, and formulas are unique. We can call functions by their names, and they have defined tasks. For example, a function named Doctor will always work on your medical problems, but a function named Driver will always drive. However, formulas do not have defined tasks. Formulas do not have a name; they must be defined every time, and they do not have fixed variables like functions.
Step 1>
You can use formulae instead of functions if you’d like, but you’ll need to specify what these formulas will accomplish.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-11a.png)
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-11b.png)
Note: Functions can be included in custom formulas.
Step 2>
Suppose you have a complicated situation for which you can create a bespoke formula using some internal functions.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-12.png)
=IF(AND(B2=true,C2=True,D2=True,E2=True),”Sit in Exams”,IFS(B2=FALSE,”Get your admit card”,C2=false,”Submit your fees”,D2=False,”Receive your date sheet”,E2=False,”Clear your pre-requisites”))
This unique formula resolves a challenging issue with plenty of moving parts.
The issue is that we have to keep writing it down anytime we need it.
Recently, Google Sheets offered the ability to build custom formulas and use them like regular functions.
How to do a Function in Google Sheets – Named Functions in Google Sheets
In this section, we’ll learn how to use a Google Sheets function and how to use the recently added functionality to make them reusable. Similar to named ranges, Google Sheets has also included named functions, which allow us to convert our unique formulas into reusable functions that work just like regular functions. After I’ve explained the distinctions between the two, you should have no trouble understanding how to use and why the Named Function feature is necessary. Now let’s get things going.
Step 1>
Writing your formula and validating it with some data is the first step.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-21.png)
Step 2>
Once your formula is open, click the “Add new Function” keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Alt + N) that appears below.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-22.png)
Step 3>
On the left side of your sheet, a “New Named Function” sidebar will appear with several possibilities.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-23.png)
Step 4>
The function’s name is the first and most important input. Since you are turning it into a function, you must give it a meaningful name. You can write a name in this field now, but it will depend on how your formula functions. This field must be filled in.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-24.png)
I’ll write the name Nested If Else because my custom formula does a nested if else function.
Note: The underscore (_) character is the only special character that can be used in the named function name.
Step 5>
Another input box is located below, and it is here that you must enter a description for this function. When you use your function in the future, this will also show up in the About section. Additionally, this field is required. Here, I’m attempting to write a description that makes sense based on my formula.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-25.png)
Description:
It accepts several inputs and generates a custom message for each one. You can specify input values and change the custom messages.
Step 6>
We now have an optional field. The placeholders for the variables that users will enter can be defined here. Here are some placeholders that we can use: cell_values, positions_to_check, custom_message, and others.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-26.png)
Note: Placeholders are not meant to be interchangeable with the name of the function or how it operates. If you wish to hide all placeholders, you can omit this field.
Step 7>
You can write the definition of the formula here. When utilizing this feature, the user is assisted by the text. Any time you use a built-in function in Google Sheets, it assists you in passing arguments, provides data validation information, and highlights problems when something goes wrong. All of these options are available to you via this field; otherwise, you can leave it set to default.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-27.png)
Step 8>
Press the Next button.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-28.png)
Step 9>
After seeing the final preview of the function you have named, click the Create button below.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-29.png)
Step 10>
Once the function has been constructed, you can use it in the same way as a function whose name starts with an equal sign.
![How to Do a Function in Google Sheets How to Do a Function in Google Sheets](https://officechaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-Do-a-Function-in-Google-Sheets-30.png)
This is the process for executing a function in Google Sheets. Using a named function will enable you to reuse and future-proof your custom formula. A custom formula has a lot of logic behind it and is hard to write again, therefore Google Sheets offers a better alternative with their named function feature, which makes managing custom formulas as functions easier.
I hope this guide is useful to you.
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Thing to Remember
- By preserving a custom formula as a named function, it can be used similarly to a function.
- Using placeholders and formula definitions makes a function easier for new users to use.
- As many custom formulas as you like can be added.
- These named functions are exclusively available on the sheets they are built on; you cannot use them to traverse between sheets.
Conclusion
All of this relates to using a function in Google Sheets. I attempted to explain every aspect of a typical function in Google Sheets in this post. I started off with basic formulas and functions to give you a basic understanding of how they operate. Next, we covered named functions and learned their significance and practical applications.
I hope the information provided above was helpful to you and that you have gained new knowledge about Google Sheets functions. Many thanks, and enjoy more tips, tricks, and guides with Office Chaser.