The PROPER function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool designed to format text by capitalizing the first letter of each word in a specified string. This function proves invaluable for enhancing the readability and appearance of text data, making it an essential feature for users managing lists of names, titles, or any string requiring consistent capitalization.

Syntax

PROPER(text)

text: The string that you want to format with capitalized initial letters.

Example #1

=PROPER("hello world")

The function capitalizes the initial letter of each word in the string, resulting in: “Hello World”.

Example #2

=PROPER("google sheets function")

This call transforms the text to have each word start with a capital letter, yielding: “Google Sheets Function”.

Example #3

=PROPER("WELCOME TO THE FUTURE")

The function ensures that every word starts with a capital letter, resulting in: “Welcome To The Future”.

Error handling

• VALUE! – This error occurs if the input to the function is not valid text, such as a number or an empty cell.
• NAME? – This error indicates that the function is unrecognized, which can happen if ‘PROPER’ is misspelled or not properly used.

Conclusion

In summary, the PROPER function in Google Sheets is an excellent solution for transforming text by ensuring all words are properly capitalized. By incorporating this function into your workflow, you can enhance the professionalism and clarity of your data presentation, making it easier to read and comprehend.