Convert formulas to values in Google Sheets
In this article, you will learn about two ways of replacing all formulas with their results in a spreadsheet.
Whether you need to transfer data between sheets or even spreadsheets, keep formulas from recalculating (for example, the RAND function), or simply speed up your spreadsheet performance, having the calculated values instead of their formulas will help.
Today I offer you two options for making this possible: the standard and the fastest.
Classic way to replace formulas with values in Google Sheets
Let's imagine you have a list of web pages and you use a special function to pull the domain names from those long links:
Now you need to switch all formulas to results instead. Here's what you can do:
- Highlight all cells you need to modify.
- Take all formulas to the clipboard by pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
- Then press Ctrl+Shift+V to paste back the values only:
Tip. Ctrl+Shift+V is the Google Sheets shortcut for Paste value only.
The quickest way to convert formulas to values in your spreadsheet
If you'd rather avoid stumbling over incorrect buttons, we've got you covered. Our Power Tools - a collection of 30+ add-ons for Google Sheets - contains a perfect assistant.
- Run the collection from Add-ons > Power Tools > Start and click the Formulas icon:
Tip. To run the Formulas tool right away, go to Add-ons > Power Tools > Formulas. - Select all cells you want to alter and choose Convert formulas to values:
- Hit Run and voila - all formulas are replaced in a click:
I highly recommend you to try other add-ons from Power Tools: 5 minutes saved here and 15 there may become a game changer in your work efficiency.
9 Responses to "Convert formulas to values in Google Sheets"
Hi. Is there a way to convert formulas to values automatically when data is entered for the first time rather than having to manually copy and paste or run power tool? Thanks in advance.
Hi Claire,
I'm afraid our tools cannot be run automatically. You need to start Power Tools whenever you want to convert formulas to values.
However, there's a way to do that faster.
Once you go through Convert formulas to values, return to the main Power Tools window where there are Recent and Favorite tools at the bottom. Recent tools will feature the last action - Convert formula to value.
Hover the mouse over it and when the star icon appears, click on it. The operation will be added to the Favorite tools tab.
The next time you run the add-on, just initiate the conversion in one click from that tab.
Hope this will ease your task.
Hi Claire,
I have a VLOOKUP that returns a value from another spreadsheet (not tab) if a matching value to the VLOOKUP exists. Pretty standard.
However; if no match exists the result is the cell gets filled in with #N/A
This pretty much ruins my ability to perform any more calculations on that column.
So, do you know of a way to change #N/A to a number?
If not, can we stop the result from displaying #N/A?
If not, is there a way to create and if statement using VLOOKUP as the logical_expression in an if statement and as the value if true and using "0" if false?
I love the powertools! great for repeating tasks and quick hits.
Rich
Hi Richard,
You will find ways of replacing VLOOKUP errors with your own text/number in this article:
https://www.ablebits.com/office-addins-blog/2018/05/17/fix-vlookup-errors-google-sheets/#hide-errors
Thank you for your feedback on Power Tools! :) We'd appreciate if you could leave it in the store as well:
https://gsuite.google.com/marketplace/app/power_tools/1058867473888
You can use "IFERROR" condition;
IFERROR(VLOOKUP formula),value if FALSE
Exmple: =IFERROR(VLOOKUP(A1,G:H,2,false),0)
Another way to accomplish this is found here:.
Copy the data, right click > paste special > paste values only.
Hello Brady,
I actually described this way in the first paragraph, only using hotkeys to make it quicker. Please take a closer look: Classic way to replace formulas with values in Google Sheets
Hi
Is there a way to have a formula that calculates a value but after a particular date or time is then fixed
So even if you change the values in the cells it is using to calculate a figure then this will no longer effect that figure?
Is it also possible to have a formula that does not start calculating until a particular date or time?
Hi Peggy,
I'm sorry but your first question is not clear. If you could describe it in more detail, maybe with examples, it would help.
As for the second one, yes, you can create the IF formula to check the date first and then either return the result of your required calculation or keep a cell empty.