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How to use the FORMULATEXT Function in Google Sheets

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发布日期: 2024年6月5日

Returns the formula as a string.

The FORMULATEXT function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that allows users to display the formula within a specific cell as text. This function is especially useful for documentation, auditing, and understanding complex spreadsheets. By revealing the formulas, it becomes easier to troubleshoot errors, share complex calculations with collaborators, and maintain a clear record of the logic used in your spreadsheet.

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Benefits of Using FORMULATEXT

1. Transparency: Provides visibility into the formulas used in your sheets, making it easier for others to understand your calculations.

2. Troubleshooting: Helps in identifying errors or issues in your formulas by displaying them as text.

3. Documentation: Useful for creating documentation or training materials that explain how your spreadsheet works.

4. Comparison: Enables side-by-side comparison of formulas without copying and pasting them elsewhere.

5. Automation: Assists in creating automated checks and balances within your spreadsheet by revealing underlying logic.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using FORMULATEXT

Step 1: Open Google Sheets

1. Open your web browser and go to [Google Sheets](https://sheets.google.com).

2. Create a new spreadsheet or open an existing one where you want to use the FORMULATEXT function.

Step 2: Enter a Formula in a Cell

1. Select any cell and enter a formula. For example, in cell A1, you might enter =SUM(B1:B10).

2. Press Enter to complete the formula.

Step 3: Use FORMULATEXT to Display the Formula

1. Select another cell where you want to display the formula as text.

2. Type =FORMULATEXT( and then click on the cell that contains the formula (in this example, A1). Your complete formula will look like =FORMULATEXT(A1).

3. Press Enter.

Step 4: Observe the Result

- The cell where you entered the FORMULATEXT function will now display the text =SUM(B1:B10), showing the formula used in cell A1.

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Example

Scenario: Monthly Sales Report

Imagine you have a monthly sales report with the following setup:

- Column A: Product Names

- Column B: Units Sold

- Column C: Price per Unit

- Column D: Total Sales (Units Sold * Price per Unit)

- Column E: Commission (10% of Total Sales)

- Column F: Total Revenue (Total Sales + Commission)

You want to document the formulas used in columns D, E, and F.

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Step-by-Step Example

1. Setup Your Data:

| A | B | C | D | E | F |

|-----------|--------|---------|-------------|----------------|----------------|

| Product 1 | 10 | 15 | =B2*C2 | =D2*0.1 | =D2+E2 |

| Product 2 | 5 | 20 | =B3*C3 | =D3*0.1 | =D3+E3 |

| Product 3 | 8 | 12 | =B4*C4 | =D4*0.1 | =D4+E4 |

| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |

2. Document Formulas with FORMULATEXT:

Let's say you want to display the formulas in row 6:

- In cell G2, enter =FORMULATEXT(D2). This will display =B2*C2.

- In cell H2, enter =FORMULATEXT(E2). This will display =D2*0.1.

- In cell I2, enter =FORMULATEXT(F2). This will display =D2+E2.

Repeat for other rows if necessary.

3. Result:

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| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |

|-----------|--------|---------|-------|-------|-------|-----------|----------|----------|

| Product 1 | 10 | 15 | 150 | 15 | 165 | =B2*C2 | =D2*0.1 | =D2+E2 |

| Product 2 | 5 | 20 | 100 | 10 | 110 | =B3*C3 | =D3*0.1 | =D3+E3 |

| Product 3 | 8 | 12 | 96 | 9.6 | 105.6 | =B4*C4 | =D4*0.1 | =D4+E4 |

| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |

This setup makes it easy to see not just the results, but also the underlying logic of your calculations.

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Advanced Tips

1. Conditional FORMULATEXT Usage

Use IF statements to conditionally display formulas. For example, if a cell has no formula, you might want to display "No formula":

=IF(ISFORMULA(A1), FORMULATEXT(A1), "No formula")

2. Dynamic References

Combine FORMULATEXT with INDIRECT to create dynamic references. This can be particularly useful when dealing with large datasets or complex models:

=FORMULATEXT(INDIRECT("A" & ROW()))

3. Error Handling

Incorporate error handling to manage cases where the referenced cell does not contain a formula:

=IFERROR(FORMULATEXT(A1), "No formula")

4. Auditing and Debugging

Create an auditing sheet that lists all critical formulas in your spreadsheet. Use FORMULATEXT to keep track of any changes made over time:

=ARRAYFORMULA(FORMULATEXT(A1:A10))

5. Combining with Other Functions

Combine FORMULATEXT with REGEXMATCH or SEARCH to find specific functions within your formulas. For example, to check if a formula contains the SUM function:

=IF(REGEXMATCH(FORMULATEXT(A1), "SUM"), "Contains SUM", "Does not contain SUM")

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