The FORMULATEXT function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that allows users to display the formula contained in a specific cell as text. This can be particularly useful for documentation, sharing, or debugging purposes, providing clear visibility into the underlying calculations being performed.

Syntax

FORMULATEXT(reference)

• reference: The cell reference containing the formula you want to display. For example, A1.

Example #1

=FORMULATEXT(A1)

This function will return the formula from cell A1 as a string. If A1 contains the formula =SUM(B1:B10), the result will be “=SUM(B1:B10)”.

Example #2

=FORMULATEXT(B2)

If B2 holds the formula =A12, this function will show “=A12” as the output.

Example #3

=FORMULATEXT(C3)

If C3 contains =AVERAGE(D1:D5), the output will be “=AVERAGE(D1:D5)” allowing you to see the exact calculation used.

Error handling

• N/A: This error occurs if the referenced cell does not contain a formula. In such a case, FORMULATEXT cannot return a valid output.
• REF!: This indicates that the specified reference is invalid, often due to deleted cells or ranges.
• VALUE!: This error occurs when an argument is of the wrong type, which can happen if the reference provided is not a valid cell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the FORMULATEXT function is an invaluable asset for anyone looking to enhance their Google Sheets experience. By providing the ability to display formulas as text, it aids in clarity, communication, and troubleshooting within complex spreadsheets. Understanding its syntax and potential error messages can significantly improve your efficiency and effectiveness when working with Google Sheets.