4 Ways to Convert Formulas to Values in Google Sheets

In this post, I’m going to demonstrate different techniques to convert formulas to values in Google Sheets. Formulas are great for calculations and data manipulation, but sometimes you may want to preserve the derived values without the formula itself. This is particularly useful when dealing with random number generation or optimizing spreadsheet performance.

Convert Formulas to Values using the Edit Menu

Let’s start with the Edit menu method:

1. Select the cells containing the formulas you want to convert.
2. Click on the Edit menu.
3. Choose Copy from the options.
4. The selected cells will have dashed lines, indicating that they are copied to your clipboard.

Now, let’s perform the conversion:

5. Go back to the Edit menu and select Paste Special.
6. From the options, choose Values only.
7. Voila! The formulas are removed, and you now have raw values with the desired format.

Convert Formula to Values with a Right Click

Alternatively, you can use the right-click method:

1. Select the cells with the formulas.
2. Right-click anywhere within the selection.
3. Choose Copy.
4. The selected cells will now have dashed lines.

Now, let’s convert the formulas:

5. Right-click within the selection again.
6. Select Paste special.
7. Choose Values only.

Convert Formulas to Values with a Keyboard Shortcut

To save time and reduce mouse-clicks, you can utilize a simple keyboard shortcut:

1. Select the cells containing the formulas.
2. Press Ctrl + C to copy the cells.
3. While still having the same cells selected, press Ctrl + Shift + V on your keyboard.

By following these two steps, you can instantly convert formulas to values.

Convert Formulas to Values with Apps Scripts

For a more automated approach, you can use Apps Scripts:

1. Go to the Extensions menu and choose Apps Script.

2. Copy and paste the provided code into your Apps Script editor window and save it.
3. After saving, a custom menu called Custom Menu will appear in your spreadsheet user interface.
4. Once you click on Custom Menu, you will find the Paste Values option.
5. The script will copy the selected cells and paste only their values, discarding the formulas.

Conclusion

Knowing how to convert formulas to values is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance your spreadsheet capabilities. Whether you choose the Edit menu, right-click method, keyboard shortcut, or Apps Scripts, these methods will save you time and ensure your data is accurate and stable.

So, which method do you think you’ll use most frequently? Let me know in the comments below!

Mr Reviews