Your Sheety Questions Answered
I'm a Google Sheets wizard. A god-tier spreadsheet user.
I really wanted to write a Google Sheets textbook. But, my wife reminded me it's 2026. Nobody reads textbooks anymore.
So I built answers to your Google Sheets questions here. Added links to more learning materials like videos, templates, blogs, code examples, and tools you can actually use. Enjoy!
How to divide a column by a number in Google Sheets
Divide with =A1/B1 or =DIVIDE(A1, B1). Wrap with IFERROR(...,0) if divisors can be blank or zero. Format the result as a number or percent as needed.
Open answer →
How to quickly add rows in Google Sheets
Right-click a row header and choose Insert 1 row above. New rows shift existing ones and usually keep relative formulas intact.
Open answer →
How to do average in Google Sheets
Use =AVERAGE(range) for a mean, or do average with a matching Sheets function. Point formulas at ranges, not single cells, when you want the result to grow with new rows.
Open answer →
How to get average in Google Sheets
Use =AVERAGE(range) for a mean, or get average with a matching Sheets function. Point formulas at ranges, not single cells, when you want the result to grow with new rows.
Open answer →
How to minus in Google Sheets
Use a minus formula such as =A1-B1, or =MINUS(A1, B1). Fill down for a column. Subtracting dates returns day counts; format duration results appropriately.
Open answer →
How to subtract in Google Sheets formula
Use a minus formula such as =A1-B1, or =MINUS(A1, B1). Fill down for a column. Subtracting dates returns day counts; format duration results appropriately.
Open answer →
How to mass delete rows in Google Sheets
Right-click the row header and choose Delete row. Select several rows first to remove a block. Deletion shifts neighboring rows; check formulas that referenced the removed cells.
Open answer →
How to view hidden rows in Google Sheets
Right-click the row number and choose Hide row. Select multiple rows first to hide a block. Hidden rows stay in the sheet for formulas. Unhide by selecting surrounding rows → Unhide rows.
Open answer →
How to do weighted average in Google Sheets
Use =AVERAGE(range) for a mean, or do weighted average with a matching Sheets function. Point formulas at ranges, not single cells, when you want the result to grow with new rows.
Open answer →
What is the formula for average in Google Sheets
Use =AVERAGE(range) for a mean, or the formula for average with a matching Sheets function. Point formulas at ranges, not single cells, when you want the result to grow with new rows.
Open answer →
How to not copy hidden cells Google Sheets
Right-click the row number and choose Hide row. Select multiple rows first to hide a block. Hidden rows stay in the sheet for formulas. Unhide by selecting surrounding rows → Unhide rows.
Open answer →
How to remove rows in Google Sheets
Right-click the row header and choose Delete row. Select several rows first to remove a block. Deletion shifts neighboring rows; check formulas that referenced the removed cells.
Open answer →
How to calculate weighted average in Google Sheets
Use =AVERAGE(range) for a mean, or calculate weighted average with a matching Sheets function. Point formulas at ranges, not single cells, when you want the result to grow with new rows.
Open answer →
How to see hidden rows in Google Sheets
Right-click the row number and choose Hide row. Select multiple rows first to hide a block. Hidden rows stay in the sheet for formulas. Unhide by selecting surrounding rows → Unhide rows.
Open answer →
Cant unhide columns in Google Sheets
Select the columns on both sides of the hidden gap, right-click, and choose Unhide columns. Or click the small arrows between column letters. View → Hidden sheets is separate and only applies to whole sheets.
Open answer →
How to do mail merge in Google Sheets
Select the cells, then Format → Merge cells (or the toolbar Merge icon). Choose Merge all, horizontally, or vertically. Only the top-left value is kept. Avoid merging inside data tables you still sort or filter.
Open answer →
How to unfreeze rows in Google Sheets
Go to View → Freeze → No rows (or No columns) to unlock frozen panes. You can also drag the thick gray freeze handle back to the top-left corner. After unfreezing, the whole sheet scrolls together again.
Open answer →
How to show hidden columns in Google Sheets
Select the columns on both sides of the hidden gap, right-click, and choose Unhide columns. Or click the small arrows between column letters. View → Hidden sheets is separate and only applies to whole sheets.
Open answer →
How to center text in merged cells Google Sheets
Select the cells, then Format → Merge cells (or the toolbar Merge icon). Choose Merge all, horizontally, or vertically. Only the top-left value is kept. Avoid merging inside data tables you still sort or filter.
Open answer →
How to unmerge all cells in Google Sheets
Select the cells, then Format → Merge cells (or the toolbar Merge icon). Choose Merge all, horizontally, or vertically. Only the top-left value is kept. Avoid merging inside data tables you still sort or filter.
Open answer →
How to do text to columns in Google Sheets
Use Data → Split text to columns for delimiter-based splits, or the SPLIT formula like =SPLIT(A1, ","). Pick the separator (comma, space, custom). Formulas update live; the menu action rewrites values in place.
Open answer →
How to combine cells Google Sheets
Select the cells, then Format → Merge cells (or the toolbar Merge icon). Choose Merge all, horizontally, or vertically. Only the top-left value is kept. Avoid merging inside data tables you still sort or filter.
Open answer →
How to update pivot table in Google Sheets
Select your data table, then Insert → Pivot table. Choose New sheet or Existing sheet. Drag fields into Rows, Columns, Values, and Filters in the pivot editor. Refresh by editing the source range; keep headers clean and one row per record.
Open answer →
How to edit pivot table in Google Sheets
Select your data table, then Insert → Pivot table. Choose New sheet or Existing sheet. Drag fields into Rows, Columns, Values, and Filters in the pivot editor. Refresh by editing the source range; keep headers clean and one row per record.
Open answer →
How to auto sort in Google Sheets when data changes
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.
Open answer →
How to keep rows together when sorting in Google Sheets
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.
Open answer →
How to refresh pivot table Google Sheets
Select your data table, then Insert → Pivot table. Choose New sheet or Existing sheet. Drag fields into Rows, Columns, Values, and Filters in the pivot editor. Refresh by editing the source range; keep headers clean and one row per record.
Open answer →
How to automatically sort data in Google Sheets
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.
Open answer →
How are sorting tools helpful for using spreadsheets and databases
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.
Open answer →
When using a spreadsheet sum in the expression
Click the cell for the total and enter =SUM(range), for example =SUM(A2:A100). Or select the numbers and read the sum in the bottom-right explore/status area, then click it to paste. SUM ignores text; use SUMIF/SUMIFS when you need conditions.
Open answer →
How to have Google Sheets add numbers
Click the cell for the total and enter =SUM(range), for example =SUM(A2:A100). Or select the numbers and read the sum in the bottom-right explore/status area, then click it to paste. SUM ignores text; use SUMIF/SUMIFS when you need conditions.
Open answer →
Can we use pivot table in Google Sheets
Select your data table, then Insert → Pivot table. Choose New sheet or Existing sheet. Drag fields into Rows, Columns, Values, and Filters in the pivot editor. Refresh by editing the source range; keep headers clean and one row per record.
Open answer →
How to lock rows in Google Sheets for sorting
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.
Open answer →
Which function in Google Sheets lets you add numbers
Click the cell for the total and enter =SUM(range), for example =SUM(A2:A100). Or select the numbers and read the sum in the bottom-right explore/status area, then click it to paste. SUM ignores text; use SUMIF/SUMIFS when you need conditions.
Open answer →
How to custom sort in Google Sheets
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.
Open answer →
How to create pivot table Google Sheets
Select your data table, then Insert → Pivot table. Choose New sheet or Existing sheet. Drag fields into Rows, Columns, Values, and Filters in the pivot editor. Refresh by editing the source range; keep headers clean and one row per record.
Open answer →
Can you conditional format a pivot table
Select your data table, then Insert → Pivot table. Choose New sheet or Existing sheet. Drag fields into Rows, Columns, Values, and Filters in the pivot editor. Refresh by editing the source range; keep headers clean and one row per record.
Open answer →
How to undo sort in Google Sheets
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.
Open answer →
Can vlookup sum multiple rows
Click the cell for the total and enter =SUM(range), for example =SUM(A2:A100). Or select the numbers and read the sum in the bottom-right explore/status area, then click it to paste. SUM ignores text; use SUMIF/SUMIFS when you need conditions.
Open answer →
How to count filtered rows in Google Sheets
Select your header row and choose Data → Create a filter (funnel icon). Use the column menus to filter values. Filter views (Data → Filter views) save personal filters without changing what collaborators see. FILTER() builds a formula-based filtered table elsewhere.
Open answer →
What does filtering data in a spreadsheet do
Select your header row and choose Data → Create a filter (funnel icon). Use the column menus to filter values. Filter views (Data → Filter views) save personal filters without changing what collaborators see. FILTER() builds a formula-based filtered table elsewhere.
Open answer →
What is the purpose of filtering data in a spreadsheet
Select your header row and choose Data → Create a filter (funnel icon). Use the column menus to filter values. Filter views (Data → Filter views) save personal filters without changing what collaborators see. FILTER() builds a formula-based filtered table elsewhere.
Open answer →
How to clear filters in Google Sheets
Select your header row and choose Data → Create a filter (funnel icon). Use the column menus to filter values. Filter views (Data → Filter views) save personal filters without changing what collaborators see. FILTER() builds a formula-based filtered table elsewhere.
Open answer →
What is Google Sheets app
App in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is a row in Google Sheets
A row in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What does $ mean in Google Sheets
$ mean in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What are Google Sheets used for
Used for in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is dropdown in Google Sheets
Dropdown in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is autocrat in Google Sheets
Autocrat in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is a cell in Google Sheets
A cell in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is a slicer in Google Sheets
A slicer in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What are cells in Google Sheets
Cells in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is series in Google Sheets
Series in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is a tab in Google Sheets
A tab in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is macro in google sheet
Macro in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What are tables in Google Sheets
Tables in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is a range in Google Sheets
A range in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What is a column in Google Sheets
A column in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What are macros in Google Sheets
Macros in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
What does ref mean in Google Sheets
Ref mean in Google Sheets is a feature, function, or behavior you can use inside a spreadsheet. The short version: learn the definition, try it on a small range, then wire it into your real sheet. Use the glossary and formula links on this page when you want the deeper reference.
Open answer →
Popular questions
How to merge cells in Google Sheets
Select the cells you want to combine, then go to Format → Merge cells and pick Merge all, Merge horizontally, or Merge vertically. You can also click the Merge icon in the toolbar. Only the top-left value is kept; other values are discarded. Use merge for titles and labels, not for data you still need to sort or filter.
Get the answer →How to alphabetize in Google Sheets
Click any cell in the column you want to alphabetize, then go to Data → Sort sheet → Sort sheet by column A to Z (or Z to A). To sort only part of the sheet, select the range first and use Data → Sort range. Turn on “Data has header row” so titles stay put. For a live sorted copy, use the SORT formula instead of permanently rearranging the sheet.
Get the answer →How to wrap text in Google Sheets
Select the cells, then go to Format → Wrapping → Wrap (or use the Text wrapping toolbar icon and choose Wrap). Sheets expands the row height so the full text stays visible inside the cell. Choose Overflow to let text spill into empty neighbors, or Clip to hide overflow. Wrap is best for notes, addresses, and multi-line labels.
Get the answer →How to sort in Google Sheets
Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and A → Z or Z → A. For multi-column sorts, open Data → Sort range → Advanced range sorting options and add sort columns. Sorting changes the sheet in place. If you want a sorted view that stays linked to the source data, use =SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending) on another sheet.
Get the answer →How to freeze a row in Google Sheets
Click View → Freeze → 1 row to lock the top header while you scroll. You can also drag the thick gray freeze handle just below row 1 (or to the right of column A for columns). Frozen rows stay visible as you move through long lists. To undo, choose View → Freeze → No rows.
Get the answer →How to add columns in Google Sheets
Right-click any column letter and choose Insert 1 column left or Insert 1 column right. To add several at once, select multiple columns first, then insert. On a keyboard, select a column and use Ctrl + Alt + = (Windows) or Option + Ctrl + = (Mac) after opening the insert menu via right-click is the surest path. New columns shift existing ones and keep formulas adjusted when references are relative.
Get the answer →How to subtract in Google Sheets
Type a formula with a minus sign, for example =A1-B1, and press Enter. You can also use =MINUS(A1, B1). Subtract dates to get day counts, or subtract times for durations (format the result as a number or duration). For a whole column, put the formula in the first data row and fill down, or wrap it in ARRAYFORMULA.
Get the answer →How to make a pie chart in Google Sheets
Put categories in one column and numbers in the next. Select both columns, then Insert → Chart. In the Chart editor, set Chart type to Pie chart (or Doughnut). Use the Customize tab for slice colors, legend, and titles. Pie charts work best for parts of a whole with a few categories; use a bar chart when you have many slices or want precise comparisons.
Get the answer →How to sort by date in Google Sheets
Click a cell in your date column, then Data → Sort sheet → Sort by that column A to Z for oldest to newest (Z to A for newest first). Dates must be real date values, not text that only looks like dates. Format the column as Format → Number → Date first if sorts look wrong. For a list that stays sorted automatically, use =SORT(A2:C, 1, true) pointing at the date column.
Get the answer →How to freeze rows in Google Sheets
Go to View → Freeze and choose 1 row or 2 rows, or pick Up to row N after selecting a row. You can also drag the freeze handle below the row numbers until the rows you want are locked. Frozen rows stay on screen while the rest of the sheet scrolls. Unfreeze anytime with View → Freeze → No rows.
Get the answer →Common questions
- What is the Google Sheets questions hub?
- Short, direct answers to common how-to questions in Google Sheets. Each page leads with the fix, then links Better Sheets YouTube videos, glossary terms, and formula guides.
- How is this different from the glossary?
- The glossary explains what a term means. Questions pages answer how to do a task. Use both together when you need the steps and the vocabulary.
- Where do the videos come from?
- YouTube cards link to matching videos on youtube.com/bettersheets.
Got your answer. Want the walkthrough?
600+ walkthrough videos, unlimited generators, and every template. From $9/month. Practical lessons. Zero fluff.
Learning Sheets for real
Unlock the full library, generators, and templates with membership.