Working with data in Google Sheets often means harnessing the power of formulas. While these formulas are incredibly useful, they can occasionally be obstacles to our objectives.
There are moments when you might want to turn the outcome of a formula into a static value, effectively replacing the formula with its result.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a duo of methods to make this transition:
1. Through the ‘Paste as Values’ option.
2. By deploying a nifty keyboard trick.
Why Make the Switch from Formula to Value?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s ponder the why. There are several scenarios where this transition can be beneficial:
– Copying formulas between cells might lead to unforeseen errors because the formula recalculates its result due to shifting cell references. By converting the formula to its outcome before the move can mitigate this issue.
– Functions like RAND and RANDBETWEEN refresh with each modification in the sheet. If you desire a constant value, transform the formula into its result.
– If you’re sharing your spreadsheet, you might prefer to keep your formulas confidential. Transform them into values.
– In voluminous spreadsheets, an abundance of formulas might lag performance. Swapping them for static values can amp up the speed.
Beyond these, there might be myriad other circumstances nudging you towards this change.
The Transformation Process
To illuminate these methods, let’s consider a sample dataset:
Imagine a dataset where Column B employs formulas to square Column A’s numbers.
Opting for ‘Paste as Values’:
1. First, select the formula-filled cells you’re aiming to transform. For our sample, that’d be cells B2 through B10.
2. Initiate a copy command with CTRL+C (or Cmd+C for Mac users).
3. Right-click to bring up a context menu and navigate to ‘Paste Special.’
4. A submenu emerges. Choose ‘Paste values only.’
Your formulas will now don the avatar of their results.
Keyboard Shortcut Route:
For those who love speeding things up:
1. Select your formula-rich cells – in our case, cells B2 to B10.
2. Copy with CTRL+C (Mac users, it’s Cmd+C).
3. Deploy the magical combo: CTRL+SHIFT+V. Mac enthusiasts, replace CTRL with Cmd.
Voilà! Formulas have metamorphosed into their outputs.
To recap, this guide offered a twin-track approach to morphing formulas into values in Google Sheets. Whether you’re a right-click aficionado or a keyboard shortcut whiz, there’s a path for you. We trust you’ve found this elucidation both enlightening and straightforward.