The ARRAYFORMULA function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that allows users to perform calculations and manipulate data across entire ranges, efficiently applying functions to arrays. This function can return multiple values at once, transforming how spreadsheet users manage their data and enhancing productivity by maximizing the capabilities of Sheets.

Syntax

ARRAYFORMULA(array_formula)

• array_formula – This is the primary parameter where you specify the range or formula you want to apply across multiple cells.

Example #1

=ARRAYFORMULA(A1:A10  B1:B10)

This function multiplies each value in range A1:A10 with the corresponding value in B1:B10, displaying the results in multiple cells. For instance, if A1=2 and B1=3, the output in the result cell will be 6, and so forth for the other pairs of values.

Example #2

=ARRAYFORMULA(IF(A1:A10 > 10, "Over 10", "Under 10"))

This formula checks each value in the range A1:A10. If a value is greater than 10, it returns “Over 10”; otherwise, it returns “Under 10”. For example, if A1=12, the corresponding output will be “Over 10”.

Example #3

=ARRAYFORMULA(CONCATENATE(A1:A10, " - ", B1:B10))

This use of ARRAYFORMULA concatenates text from cells in ranges A1:A10 and B1:B10 with ” – ” in between. If A1= “Product” and B1= “Available”, the output will be “Product – Available” in the result cell.

Error handling

• VALUE! – This error occurs when the arrays provided have incompatible dimensions, meaning they cannot be processed together.
• REF! – This error indicates a reference issue, often arising when the range specified is deleted or invalid.
• N/A – This error appears when a value is not available for a function or formula, often due to mismatched data types or ranges.

Conclusion

The ARRAYFORMULA function is essential for anyone looking to enhance their Google Sheets experience. By allowing operations across entire data sets, it not only saves time but also simplifies complex tasks. Utilizing this function effectively can lead to more organized data management and insightful analysis, revolutionizing how users interact with their spreadsheets.