How to pull cryptocurrency data into Google Sheets automatically

Other Questions Google Sheets
1

I need help with fetching crypto prices in Google Sheets

I’ve been struggling with this for weeks now. I want to get live cryptocurrency prices directly into my spreadsheet but everything I try fails.

I’ve attempted multiple approaches including different APIs and various functions but keep running into errors. The built-in GOOGLEFINANCE function only supports a handful of cryptocurrencies which isn’t enough for my needs.

Here’s what I’m trying to accomplish:

  • Get current prices for various cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Bitcoin, etc.
  • Update the data automatically or with minimal manual intervention
  • Display the prices in specific cells within my spreadsheet

I know there are paid add-ons available but I’d prefer to learn how to do this using native Google Sheets functionality or free APIs. Has anyone successfully implemented a working solution for this? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

2

I faced similar challenges before discovering that CoinGecko provides a free API, which integrates seamlessly with Google Sheets. You can use the IMPORTDATA function to fetch data directly, like this: =IMPORTDATA(“https://api.coingecko.com/api/v3/simple/price?ids=bitcoin,ethereum&vs_currencies=usd”). To handle the JSON response effectively, a custom function in Apps Script may be required. This method has worked well for me over the last six months, and the data updates every time the sheet refreshes. CoinGecko offers a much broader selection of cryptocurrencies than the limited offerings of the GOOGLEFINANCE function, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to automate crypto price tracking.

3

Had the same frustration and finally cracked it with IMPORTXML and CryptoCompare’s API. The trick is using their XML endpoint instead of JSON - Google Sheets handles it way better. I use =IMPORTXML(“https://min-api.cryptocompare.com/data/price?fsym=BTC&tsyms=USD&extraParams=your_app_name","//USD”) and it grabs current prices without any custom scripts. Refreshes automatically when you reopen the sheet, or just edit the cell to force it. Definitely wrap it in IFERROR so your sheet doesn’t break when the API goes down. Been rock solid for 8 months across multiple coins.

4

cryptowatch api works pretty good too if coingecko gives you trouble. just use =IMPORTJSON with their endpoint and you dont need apps script for basic stuff. been using it for months without issues, way better than trying to make googlefinance work with alts