Is there a method to execute a query on cells that contain formulas in Google Sheets? I encounter parse errors whenever I attempt this operation. Should I convert the cells filled with formulas to static values before performing a query, or is it feasible to run the query directly on those formula-based cells?
It’s possible to run queries directly on cells with formulas in Google Sheets, but there are some nuances to be aware of. Formulas might return empty strings or non-standard values which can lead to parsing errors. One approach is to use the ARRAYFORMULA function along with ISNUMBER or IFERROR functions to handle potential issues before querying. Ensure your formulas return consistent data types. Alternatively, consider using helper columns to preprocess data if your queries consistently fail.
One possible solution is to enclose your formula outputs in curly braces to create array literals. This sometimes bypasses parsing issues when combined with QUERY. Keeping cell formatting in mind is crucial since mismatched formats often lead to failures. Experiment a bit - it’s all about trial and error!
I have faced a similar issue, and one approach that worked for me is using the QUERY function itself to handle the data preprocessing. By wrapping your formula ranges in a TO_TEXT or similar function within the QUERY function, you can sometimes bypass parse errors. Also, ensure your formulas are outputting consistent data types like text or numbers for each row. This can often help in minimizing errors while running queries on cells with formulas. It’s definitely about finding the right setup that aligns with your data structure.