Convert formulas to values in Google Sheets

Natalia Sharashova by , updated on

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 to make 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:
The IF formula to extract domain names from links.

Now you need to switch all formulas to results instead. Here's what you can do:

  1. Highlight all cells you need to modify.
  2. Take all formulas to the clipboard by pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
  3. Then press Ctrl+Shift+V to paste back the values only:
    Insert results instead of original formulas.

    Tip. Ctrl+Shift+V is the Google Sheets shortcut for Paste values only (right-click a cell > Paste special > Paste values 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.

  1. Run the collection from Add-ons > Power Tools > Start and click the Formulas icon:
    Formulas tool to help you insert results instead of formulas.

    Tip. To run the Formulas tool right away, go to Add-ons > Power Tools > Formulas.

  2. Select all cells you want to alter and choose Convert formulas to values:
    Change formulas to values using Ablebits tool.
  3. Hit Run and voila – all formulas are replaced in a click:
    Get values instead of their formulas in a click.

    Tip. You can repeat this action even quicker from the main Power Tools window.

    Once you convert formulas to values, this action will appear in the Recent tools tab at the bottom of the main window. Click there to run the tool again or star it to add it to your Favorite tools for future use:
    Find the action in the recently used or add to favorites.

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.

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