I’m trying to figure out how to replicate a Google Sheets feature in Excel. In Sheets, I can use curly braces to input a mix of text and formulas, with the formulas calculating automatically. For instance, typing ={"Header";CONCATENATE(A1:B1)} would display “Header” in one cell and the result of the CONCATENATE function in the cell below.
This is really useful for keeping formulas intact when I modify the dataset. However, when I attempt this in Excel, I get an error saying “there’s a problem with this formula.”
Is there an Excel equivalent for this functionality? I need to use Excel for work, even though I prefer Google Sheets for personal use. Any suggestions on how to achieve this in Excel would be greatly appreciated!
Here’s a simple example of what I’m trying to do:
Cell A1: Product
Cell A2: =SUM(B2:D2)
I want to ensure that even if I delete rows, the formula in A2 stays put. Any Excel wizards out there who can help?
While Excel doesn’t offer a direct equivalent to Google Sheets’ array formulas, a dynamic alternative is to use Dynamic Named Ranges. First, go to Formulas > Name Manager > New and create a Named Range (for example, ‘ProductSum’) with the formula =OFFSET($A$1,COUNTA($A:$A),0). Then, in cell A2, enter =ProductSum. This setup ensures the formula remains intact even when rows are added or deleted, because the Named Range automatically adjusts to reference the cell below the header. For more complex calculations, the Named Range formula can be modified accordingly. Although this approach requires an initial setup, it is highly valuable for larger datasets.
I’ve encountered this issue before, and while Excel doesn’t have an exact equivalent to Google Sheets’ array formulas, there are workarounds. One method I’ve found effective is using Excel’s ‘Offset’ function combined with ‘Counta’. Here’s how:
In cell A2, try this formula: =OFFSET($A$1,COUNTA($A:$A),0)
This formula will always reference the cell directly below the last non-empty cell in column A. So even if you add or delete rows, it’ll adjust.
For your specific example, you could use:
=OFFSET($A$1,COUNTA($A:$A),0) & " " & SUM(B2:D2)
This combines the header text with your sum formula. It’s not as elegant as Google Sheets, but it’s a robust solution that’s saved me countless hours of formula maintenance. Hope this helps!
hey mandy, i know exel can be quirky. have u tried using named ranges? they might secure formulas in cell references. check formulas tab and ‘define name’, then use name in formula. rly hope it works!