The LET function in Google Sheets provides a powerful way to make formulas more organized and efficient by allowing users to define named variables within a formula. This enables easier readability and reduces redundant calculations, thereby enhancing performance.

Syntax

LET(name1, value_expression1, [name2, value_expression2, ...], formula_expression)

• name1: The first name to assign within the function.
• value_expression1: The value assigned to name1, which can be any expression.
• name2, value_expression2, …: (Optional) Additional names and their corresponding values.
• formula_expression: The final expression that uses the defined names and returns the result.

Example #1

LET(x, 5, y, 10, x + y)

This function sums the values assigned to x (5) and y (10), returning a result of 15.

Example #2

LET(a, 3, b, a^2, b + 4)

This calculates the square of a (3), assigning it to b (9), then adds 4 to b, resulting in 13.

Example #3

LET(price_per_item, 20, quantity, 3, total, price_per_item  quantity, total)

In this case, it computes the total cost by multiplying price_per_item (20) with quantity (3), returning a total of 60 in the result.

Error handling

• NAME?: Indicates that a defined name is not recognized, implying a typo or omission in the name.
• VALUE!: Occurs when the provided expression is invalid, often due to using incorrect data types.
• REF!: Indicates that a referenced name does not exist or is not accessible within the provided scope.

Conclusion

In summary, the LET function enhances Google Sheets by allowing users to define named variables, which helps streamline calculations and improve clarity in complex formulas. By minimizing redundancy and improving performance, it becomes an invaluable tool for data management and analysis.