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How do you change the formula in multiple cells in Google Sheets?

Published in Google Sheets Formulas 5 mins read

There are several methods to efficiently change formulas in multiple cells within Google Sheets, depending on the nature of the change you want to make. Here's a breakdown of common techniques:

1. Dragging the Fill Handle

This is the simplest and most common method for applying a formula across adjacent cells.

  1. Enter the formula: Type the formula into the first cell.
  2. Select the cell: Click on the cell containing the formula.
  3. Drag the fill handle: Locate the small square at the bottom-right corner of the selected cell (the fill handle). Click and drag this handle across the cells you want to apply the formula to.
  • Google Sheets will automatically adjust relative cell references in the formula as it's copied, maintaining the relationship between the formula and its neighboring cells.

2. Copy and Paste

This method is useful for copying a formula to non-adjacent cells or a large range.

  1. Copy the cell: Select the cell containing the formula and press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on a Mac).
  2. Select the destination cells: Click and drag to select the range of cells where you want to paste the formula, or hold Ctrl (or Cmd on a Mac) to select individual, non-adjacent cells.
  3. Paste the formula: Press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on a Mac).
  • Like dragging the fill handle, copy and paste adjusts relative cell references.

3. Array Formulas

Array formulas allow you to apply a single formula to an entire range of cells simultaneously. This is efficient for performing calculations on entire columns or rows.

  1. Select the output range: Select the entire range where you want the results of the formula to appear (e.g., B1:B10). Make sure this range is empty.
  2. Enter the array formula: Type the formula into the first cell of the output range (e.g., B1). Use the ARRAYFORMULA() function to specify the range you are operating on. For example, =ARRAYFORMULA(A1:A10*2) will multiply each value in the range A1:A10 by 2 and output the results into B1:B10.
  3. Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter (or Cmd+Shift+Enter on Mac): After typing the formula and before pressing Enter, hold down Ctrl+Shift (or Cmd+Shift on a Mac) and then press Enter. Google Sheets will automatically wrap the formula in ARRAYFORMULA(), if you haven't already.
  • Important: You can only edit the array formula in the first cell of the range. To modify the formula, you must change it in the cell where you originally entered the array formula (e.g., B1 in the example).

4. Find and Replace (for Specific Formula Changes)

This method is useful for making consistent changes to parts of a formula across multiple cells.

  1. Select the range: Select the range of cells containing the formulas you want to modify.
  2. Open Find and Replace: Press Ctrl+H (or Cmd+H on a Mac) to open the Find and Replace dialog box.
  3. Enter Find and Replace values:
    • In the "Find" field, enter the part of the formula you want to change (e.g., "A1").
    • In the "Replace with" field, enter the new value (e.g., "B1").
  4. Configure options:
    • Make sure the "Search" dropdown is set to "Specific range."
    • Consider using "Match case" and "Match entire cell contents" depending on your needs.
    • Select "Search using regular expressions" only if you know how to use regular expressions. This can be powerful but also risky if used incorrectly.
  5. Click "Replace all": Click the "Replace all" button to apply the changes to all matching formulas in the selected range.
  • Caution: Use Find and Replace carefully, as it can easily introduce errors if not used correctly. Back up your sheet before making large-scale changes.

5. Using Add-ons (e.g., Power Tools)

Some Google Sheets add-ons, like "Power Tools," offer features specifically designed for managing and modifying formulas across multiple cells. According to the provided reference, you can convert relative cell references to absolute references using this type of add-on.

  1. Install the add-on: Install "Power Tools" (or a similar add-on) from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
  2. Open the add-on: Go to Extensions -> Power Tools -> Start in the Google Sheets menu.
  3. Access formula tools: Click on the Formulas icon in the add-on sidebar.
  4. Select the range: Select the range of cells you want to modify.
  5. Choose the action: Select the desired action (e.g., "Convert relative to absolute").
  6. Apply: Apply the changes.

Examples

  • Incrementing a Row Number: If you want to change A1+B1 in one cell to A2+B2 in the next row, use the drag-and-fill method.
  • Converting all A1 references to B1: Use the Find and Replace method across the relevant cells.
  • Applying the same calculation to an entire column of data: Use an array formula.

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