✨ What Are Arguments/Inputs and Outputs?
In Google Sheets, formulas rely on different components to function correctly:
Inputs – The values or references provided to a formula. These can be Scalars, Ranges, Arrays, Boolean values, and Expressions. Arguments of a function are the specific inputs that the function requires to operate. Each function has a predefined structure, and arguments/inputs must be provided in the correct order and type.
Outputs – The result that a formula returns. These can be Scalars, Arrays, Boolean values, or Errors.
Understanding these components is essential for writing, debugging, and optimizing formulas effectively. In this article, you will learn how to know the arguments of a function and its detailed documentation in Google spreadsheets.
🔍 How to Identify Formula Components in Google Sheets
📌 Checking Formula Arguments
When using a function in Google Sheets, the arguments appear as a tooltip while typing the formula.
Start typing a function (e.g.,
=SUM().A small pop-up will display the required arguments.
Each argument is separated by a comma and follows a specific order.
💡 Tip: Hover over a function in the formula bar to see argument details.
📌 Finding Function Documentation
Google Sheets provides built-in documentation for functions.
To access it:
Type
=followed by a function name (e.g.,=SUM).Click on the down arrow that appears at the end of the small green pop-up, and it will expand
Scroll down on the expanded pop-up, and you will see the “Learn more option”
Click on it, and a Help panel will open. There, you can go even deeper with the explanations, including examples
🏗️ Example: Input and Output Types in Action
Let's analyze the function FILTER, which returns specific values based on a condition.
📌 Formula:
=FILTER(A2:A6, C2:C6="Completed")
🔹 Inputs:
A2:A6→ A range (list of data).C2:C6="Completed"→ A logical condition that filters the range.
🔹 Output:
Returns an array containing only the matching values from
A2:A6.
🎯 Input and Output Type Variations with Examples
📑 Check 📊 Google Sheets-Link, which includes a dataset with example formulas!
🛠️ Practice and Experiment
The best way to master formulas is to experiment with different functions and observe how inputs affect the output. Try modifying arguments and see how results change!