Google Sheets is a powerful and user-friendly tool for managing and analyzing data. One of its most useful features is the ability to use formulas to automate calculations and data manipulation. However, there are instances where you might want to keep the formulas hidden from view, while still displaying the results. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to hide a formula in Google Sheets.
Please note: Google Sheets doesn’t natively support the hiding of formulas. But, we can use a workaround to achieve our goal.
Method 1: Using Protected Ranges
One way to hide a formula in Google Sheets is to use its ‘Protected ranges’ feature. This can prevent other users from accessing or editing specific cells, including those containing formulas. Here’s how:
Step 1: Select the cell(s) containing the formula you want to hide.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Data’ menu at the top, then select ‘Protected sheets and ranges’.
Step 3: In the pane that appears on the right, click on ‘Set permissions’.
Step 4: Choose ‘Restrict who can edit this range’ and then select ‘Only you’.
Now, other users can’t see or edit the formula in the cell.
Method 2: Using a Script
If you are comfortable with scripting, you can use Google Apps Script to create a custom function that hides the formula. Below is an example of how you can do this:
function MYFUNCTION(input) {
// Your formula here
return /* The result of your formula */;
}
Now, you can call MYFUNCTION from your sheet as if it was a built-in function, and your formula will be hidden within the script.
Conclusion
While Google Sheets does not directly allow formulas to be hidden, the use of protected ranges or custom scripts can effectively keep your formulas away from prying eyes. However, it’s important to note that these methods can only prevent users from seeing your formulas, not from copying your data or viewing your results.
It’s always crucial to be mindful of who has access to your Google Sheets data, and to use the appropriate sharing settings to manage this access.
