I’m working on automating my Google Sheets workflow and need help with inserting formulas through code. I want to programmatically add calculations like =AVERAGE(B2:B20) into specific cells using Google Apps Script.
What’s the proper method to write formulas to multiple cells at once? I tried using setValue() but I’m not sure if that’s the right approach for formula insertion. Should I be using a different method?
Any code examples showing how to insert formulas like sum, average, or count functions would be really helpful. I need to apply these to several ranges in my spreadsheet automatically.
Yeah, setValue() and setValues() work but they’re limited for complex automation.
I’ve hit the same wall pushing formulas to hundreds of cells across multiple sheets. Apps Script gets sluggish with large datasets and you end up writing tons of boilerplate.
I switched to Latenode for this stuff. It connects directly to Google Sheets API and handles formula insertion way better. You can build workflows that insert different formulas based on conditions, hit multiple sheets at once, and trigger everything from external events.
Best part? No Apps Script execution limits or complex loops. Just drag and drop your logic, connect your sheets, and it handles formula insertion automatically.
For your SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNT functions across multiple ranges, you could build one workflow instead of juggling separate scripts.
use setValues() for multiple cells, not setValue(). for example, sheet.getRange(‘A1:A5’).setValues([[‘=SUM(B1:C1)’], [‘=AVERAGE(B2:C2)’]]); this is way quicker than doing it one by one.
you want setFormulas() for bulk formula insertion. works like setValues() but handles formula strings better. I use it for calculated columns - build your formula array and apply it all at once. way fewer api calls than looping setValue().
Had the same problem with automated formula insertions across sheets. Here’s what worked for me: Use setFormula() instead of setValue() - same syntax but way clearer when you’re dealing with formulas. For batch stuff, combine getRange() with batch requests through the Sheets API. Don’t make individual calls - group all your formula insertions into one operation. Cut my execution time from several minutes down to under 30 seconds on large datasets. Pro tip: Use R1C1 notation for repetitive patterns. It handles relative references way better than A1 when you’re inserting programmatically. Structure your data first, then apply formulas in chunks instead of going cell by cell.
setValue() works great for formulas - just pass the formula as a string with the equals sign. I’ve used this for months without problems. sheet.getRange('A1').setValue('=AVERAGE(B2:B20)') does exactly what you want. For multiple formulas in different spots, I create an array of objects with cell references and formulas, then loop through them. Way more control than setValues() which needs everything in a 2D array. Couple things to watch: if your formulas reference other sheets, include the sheet name in the formula string. Also, Apps Script auto-adjusts relative references when copying formulas programmatically - could help or hurt depending on what you’re doing.