How to apply function to the whole column of Google Sheet

Applying a formula to a whole column in a spreadsheet is crucial for efficiency, scalability, consistency, and flexibility. It allows you to perform calculations or operations on a large set of data efficiently, saving time and effort. It also accommodates changes or additions to the dataset without requiring manual adjustments to the formula. By applying the formula consistently to each cell in the column, data integrity is maintained. Overall, applying a formula to a whole column streamlines data analysis and manipulation, making it an essential technique in spreadsheet applications like Excel and Google Sheets.

The provided dataset captures the marks of students in three subjects, along with their respective IDs and names. This dataset allows for easy identification and differentiation of students while providing insights into their performance. In this tutorial we will learn how to apply a common function to the whole column in Excel.

Method – 1 The Fill handle method

One approach you can employ to apply a formula to an entire column in Google Sheets is by utilizing the fill handle. The fill handle is represented as a small square located at the bottom right of a selected cell. By clicking and dragging this square, you can propagate the formula to adjacent cells. It’s important to note that if you remove the formula from the initial cell, it will be removed from the remaining cells in the column as well.

Step – 1 Type the Formula

• Open Google Sheets through the applications button on your computer or through a web-based search.
• Enter the data on which you want to perform the desired calculation.
• Type the formula you want to use into the top-most empty cell in the column.

Step – 2 Apply the formula to the whole column

• Hover your cursor over the bottom right of the cell until it changes to a “+” symbol.
• Click and drag the box down the column until you apply the formula in the empty cell to every cell you require for the calculation.

Method – 2 The AUTO FILL feature

The AUTO FILL feature provides another method for applying a formula to an entire column AUTO FILL automatically populates the formula to each empty cell in the column. This feature is beneficial when adding new rows of data as it eliminates the need to reapply the formula to the entire column again.

Step – 1 Type the Formula

• Open Google Sheets through the applications feature on your computer or a web-based search.
• Enter the data on which you want to apply the formula.
• Type the formula you want to use into a blank cell at the top of the column.

Step – 2 Apply the formula to the whole column

• Click the check mark when Google Sheets prompts you with the option to fill the column.
• Check that you applied the formula correct for rows you filled automatically to ensure Google Sheets is making the correct calculation.

Method – 3 Using Array Formula 

Step – 1 Type any function 

• Select the entire column where you want to apply the function.
• Click on the formula bar at the top of the Excel window.
• Type the formula you want to apply to the column. For example, if you want to sum the values in the column, you can use the SUM function.

Step – 2 Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter

• Instead of pressing Enter to apply the formula, press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. This will turn the formula into an array formula.
• The formula will be applied to the entire selected column, and the result will be displayed in each cell of the column.

Conclusion:

In summary, the practice of applying a formula to an entire column in Google Sheets is crucial for enhancing efficiency and scalability in data analysis. By performing calculations or operations on a large dataset with a single formula, time and effort are saved. Moreover, the flexibility to accommodate changes or additions to the dataset without manual adjustments ensures scalability. Consistently applying the formula across the column maintains data integrity, leading to accurate and reliable results. Ultimately, the application of formulas to entire columns optimizes productivity, scalability, and the accuracy of data analysis in Google Sheets.