A Complete Guide to Custom Functions and Add-Ons in Google Sheets

Nowadays, every organization is using Google Sheets to maintain their data as it is an open-source tool anyone can use to access it whenever required. Google Sheets is an important tool for organizing, studying, and maintaining data.

It has several built-in features to work on any task, but sometimes, we require some custom functions and add-ons to do some specific types of tasks. With the proper use of custom functions, you can create formulas to do some specific type of calculations. Add-ons can enhance the capabilities of Google Sheets by adding some new tools and automation options.

This guide will thoroughly explain how to write custom functions, install and use add-ons, create your add-ons, and even publish them in the Google Workspace Marketplace. These features will be helpful for those experienced as well as for freshers. Whether you are new to Google Sheets or already have some experience, learning about these features can help you work faster and smarter.

Writing Custom Functions for Google Sheets

Custom functions let you expand the functionalities of Google Sheets with new formulas. These formulas work just like built-in functions such as SUM or AVERAGE but are tailored to specific needs.

Example: Creating a Custom Function

Let's say you want a function to convert miles to kilometers.

Open Google Sheets.
Click on Extensions > Apps Script.
Delete the existing code and paste this:

function milesToKilometers(miles) { return miles * 1.60934;}

Click Save and go back to Google Sheets.
In a cell, type =milesToKilometers(10), and it will return 16.0934.

Custom functions can be used for data calculations, text modifications, or anything that ultimately transforms your workflow.

Understanding Add-Ons: What They Are and How to Use Them

Add-ons are extra tools that you can install to make Google Sheets more useful. Some popular add-ons include:

Supermetrics – Helps with marketing and data analysis.
Power Tools – Offers bulk editing and formatting options.
Translate My Sheet – Translates text into different languages.

How to Install an Add-On

Open Google Sheets.
Click Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons.
Search for an add-on (e.g., "Translate My Sheet").

function milesToKilometers(miles) {
  return miles * 1.60934;}

Click Save and go back to Google Sheets.
In a cell, type =milesToKilometers(10), and it will return 16.0934.

Custom functions can be used for data calculations, text modifications, or anything that ultimately transforms your workflow.

Understanding Add-Ons: What They Are and How to Use Them

Add-ons are extra tools that you can install to make Google Sheets more useful. Some popular add-ons include:

Supermetrics – Helps with marketing and data analysis.
Power Tools – Offers bulk editing and formatting options.
Translate My Sheet – Translates text into different languages.

How to Install an Add-On

Open Google Sheets.
Click Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons.
Search for an add-on (e.g., "Translate My Sheet").

4. Click Install and grant the necessary permissions.
5.Access the add-on from the Extensions menu.

Creating Your First Add-On

You can create your add-on using Google Apps Script.

Example: Simple Add-On to Insert Date

Open Google Sheets.
Click Extensions > Apps Script.
Paste this code:

function insertDate() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  var cell = sheet.getActiveCell();
  cell.setValue(new Date());
}

Click Save.
Assign the function to a button:
- Insert a drawing (Insert > Drawing).
- Click Assign script and type insertDate.

Now, clicking the button will insert the current date.

This is just a basic example, but you can build more complex add-ons for automation, reporting, or integrations.

Publishing and Deploying Add-Ons to Google Workspace Marketplace

If you want to share your add-on with others, you can publish it in the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Steps to Publish an Add-On:

Finish developing your add-on in Apps Script.
Test it carefully to make sure it works correctly.
Click Deploy > New Deployment in Apps Script.|

4. Choose Add-On as the deployment type.
5. Add a name, description, and logo.
6. Submit it for Google’s review.
7. Once approved, it will be available for users to install.

Conclusion

Here is the complete analysis of custom functions and how you can use it. Learning how to create custom functions and add-ons can make working with Google Sheets much easier. Custom functions help you perform specific calculations that the default formulas may not cover. Add-ons bring additional tools and features to automate tasks and improve your workflow.

If you go one step further and publish your add-ons, you can help others while also making your work more efficient. Whether you want to automate simple tasks or develop complex tools, understanding custom functions and add-ons is a valuable skill.