10 Google Sheets Tips Every User Should Know

Google Sheets is more than just a free Excel alternative, it’s a powerful cloud-based spreadsheet tool used by teams and individuals worldwide. From data analysis to automation, it offers a wide range of functionalities. But many users miss out on simple features that could dramatically boost productivity. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 must-know Google Sheets tips, from fixing formula errors to importing text files quickly.

1. Google Sheets Dark Mode

What it is: A theme that reduces eye strain by changing your UI to a darker palette.
How to enable:

• On mobile: System dark mode enables Sheets dark mode.

• On desktop: No built-in dark mode, but you can use Chrome extensions like “Dark Reader” or tweak custom themes.
  Why it helps: Saves your eyes during late-night spreadsheet work.

2. How to Merge Cells in Google Sheets

What it does: Combines multiple cells into one.
How to use:

• Select the cells → Click on "Format" → "Merge cells" → Choose horizontal, vertical, or all.
  Use case: Create headings or titles that span across multiple columns.

3. VLOOKUP in Google Sheets

What is VLOOKUP?
VLOOKUP stands for “Vertical Lookup.” It’s used to search a column for a specific value and return a corresponding value from another column in the same row. It's one of the most useful functions for working with relational data in a spreadsheet.

Syntax:

=VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [FALSE]

• search_key: The value you want to search for.

• range: The table where you want to search.

• index: The column number (starting from 1) from which to return the value.

• Use FALSE for exact matches (recommended).

Example Scenario:

Let’s say you run an e-commerce store and you have the following product data:

You want to quickly find out the price of Mango using a formula.

Formula:

Explanation:

• "Mango" is what you're searching for in column A.

• A2:B5 is the range that contains your lookup table.

• 2 is the column number from which to return a value (Price is in column 2).

• FALSE ensures you get an exact match.

Result:

Why It's Useful:

• Automatically pull related data (e.g., price from product name, department from employee ID).

• Saves time on manual searching or copying across rows.

• Helps create dynamic dashboards where changing the search_key updates the result instantly.

Let me know if you'd like a downloadable Google Sheet or graphic to explain this visually.

4. Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets

How to do it:

1. Select the range of cells (e.g., A2:A100).

2. Go to Format > Conditional formatting.

3. In the sidebar, under “Format cells if,” choose 'Custom formula is'.

4. Enter the formula:

   =COUNTIF(A:A, A2) > 1

5. Choose a highlight color and click Done.

5. How to Alphabetize in Google Sheets

How to use:

• Select the column → Data → “Sort range” → A to Z or Z to A.
  Tip: Use “Sort range” with header row checked to keep titles intact.
  Use case: Cleanly organize lists, names, or categories.

6. Formula Parse Error in Google Sheets

What it means: Google Sheets can't understand your formula syntax.
Common causes:

• Mismatched brackets

• Wrong separators (comma vs. semicolon depending on region)

• Referring to non-existent cells
  How to fix: Double-check formula structure, range validity, and function names.

7. How to Sort in Google Sheets

How to use:

• For simple sort: Select data → Data → Sort range.

• For dynamic sort: Use =SORT(A2:B10, 1, TRUE) to sort by first column in ascending order.
  Use case: Automatically keep data sorted as new rows are added.

8. COUNTIF in Google Sheets

What it does: Counts how many times a condition is met in a range.
Purpose:
COUNTIF lets you count how many cells meet a certain condition — like counting how many times a name appears or how many scores are above 80.

Syntax:

=COUNTIF(range, criteria)

Example:
Count how many times “Paid” appears in column B:

=COUNTIF(B2:B100, "Paid")

Result:
Returns the number of cells in B2:B100 that contain “Paid”.

9. How to Add Error Bars in Google Sheets

Where: Only for charts like line or bar charts.
How to use:

• Insert chart → Double click chart → Customize → Series → Check “Error bars” → Choose constant or percentage value.
  Why use: Helps visualize data variability or uncertainty.

10. How to Insert Information from TXT to Google Sheet Quickly

Method:

• Go to File → Import → Upload TXT/CSV → Choose options (detect separators, import location).
  Faster method: Drag and drop your .txt file into the Google Sheet tab.
  Use case: Efficient for importing bulk data from exported files, logs, or APIs.

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