The Google Sheets formula reference covers the essential formulas organized by category: lookup, conditional, text, array, date, and QUERY. Each formula includes syntax and a practical example you can copy directly into your sheet.
No formulas match your search.
How to Use Google Sheets Formulas
Google Sheets shares most Excel formulas but has several powerful additions. This Google Sheets formula reference highlights the formulas that are unique to Sheets or significantly more capable than their Excel equivalents.
Step 1: Master XLOOKUP over VLOOKUP
XLOOKUP is available in modern Excel and all of Google Sheets. Use it instead of VLOOKUP: =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array). It can look left, doesn't require a column index number, and handles errors gracefully with an optional fourth argument.
Step 2: Use ARRAYFORMULA for dynamic ranges
Wrap any formula in ARRAYFORMULA to apply it to an entire column: =ARRAYFORMULA(A2:A*B2:B). This is especially powerful for calculated columns in large datasets — no need to copy formulas down.
Step 3: Learn QUERY for data analysis
QUERY is like SQL for your sheet: =QUERY(A1:D100, "SELECT A, B, SUM(D) WHERE C='Active' GROUP BY A, B ORDER BY A"). Master SELECT, WHERE, GROUP BY, and ORDER BY clauses and you can do most data analysis without leaving Sheets.
FAQ
Is this Google Sheets formula reference free?
Yes, completely free with no signup. All formulas are searchable and filterable.
What is the difference between VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP?
XLOOKUP is the modern replacement for VLOOKUP. Key differences: XLOOKUP can look left (VLOOKUP only right), XLOOKUP returns a range instead of a column number, XLOOKUP handles exact/approximate match more clearly, and XLOOKUP supports wildcard matching. If both are available in your sheet, use XLOOKUP.
What is ARRAYFORMULA in Google Sheets?
ARRAYFORMULA allows a formula to apply to an entire column or range without copying it to each row. Example: =ARRAYFORMULA(A2:A100*B2:B100) multiplies column A by column B for all 99 rows in one formula. Essential for dynamic sheets that grow with data.
How does the QUERY formula work?
QUERY uses a SQL-like syntax to filter, sort, group, and aggregate data within a Google Sheet. The basic syntax is =QUERY(data, "SELECT col WHERE condition ORDER BY col"). Column references use A, B, C not column names. It is one of the most powerful and underused Sheets features.
Is my data safe when using this reference?
Yes. This reference runs entirely in your browser with no server communication.