ARRAYFORMULA Function in Google Sheets: Syntax, Examples & Compatibility
Learn how to apply a calculation to every row of one or more ranges without copying the formula in Google Sheets. Includes syntax, two verified-by-reasoning results, troubleshooting and portability notes.
Verification status: Official documentation referenced; example outcomes independently reasoned or arithmetically checked where stated. Not executed in Google Sheets. How formula examples are checked
Quick answer: apply a calculation to every row of one or more ranges without copying the formula in Google Sheets. The reproducible examples below use explicit values so the formula’s meaning is testable without a large workbook.
Evidence: The function name and syntax are documented in the linked vendor function reference. Expected outputs were independently reasoned or checked outside the application. These are not native Google Sheets test results. A guide being published here does not certify every software release or file-import scenario.
Syntax and arguments
=ARRAYFORMULA(array_formula)
Pass an expression containing one or more ranges of compatible shape. The result expands into adjacent cells.
Best use case: Apply a calculation to every row of one or more ranges without copying the formula.
Set up the example sheet
Enter this invoice dataset into the two columns:
| Row | A: Unit price | B: Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 | 2 |
| 4 | 7 | 4 |
Enter the formula in an unused cell. For a formula returning several values, leave an unobstructed area where those values can expand. These formulas use comma argument separators in a typical English-language locale; commas or semicolons inside quoted text are data, not argument separators. Adapt the separator if your regional settings require it.
Worked example 1: ARRAYFORMULA with known input
=ARRAYFORMULA(A2:A4*B2:B4)
Expected output: vertical results 12, 10, 28.
Each unit price is multiplied by its corresponding row’s quantity.
Worked example 2: a second ARRAYFORMULA case
=ARRAYFORMULA(A2:A4+1)
Expected output: vertical results 5, 6, 8.
One is added to each source value, producing three output cells.
Compare both results before replacing literal values or short sample ranges with your own workbook data. For a spilling formula, compare every output cell, not only the top-left result.
Practical advice and troubleshooting
When this formula helps: Place ARRAYFORMULA in the first desired output cell and leave the result column empty; the calculation automatically expands.
Important edge case: Arrays may expand automatically for some Google Sheets functions without ARRAYFORMULA, but formulas requiring element-wise behavior can still benefit from it.
If the result differs, first verify the text-versus-number types of the input cells, the argument separators for your locale, and the range size. For dynamic arrays, inspect occupied cells in the output area. An error that looks like a missing function may reflect a software version rather than incorrect data.
Compatibility and version considerations
Modern Excel has native dynamic arrays but does not use Google Sheets ARRAYFORMULA as a wrapper. Remove or redesign the wrapper when migrating.
Check your installed release for availability and dynamic-array support.
Function availability and parameter behavior must be judged for the specific application and release; a function documented in one spreadsheet does not automatically work in another.
Related guides and official documentation
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Google Sheets documentation for ARRAYFORMULA — function syntax and current vendor information.
Editorial verification: Vendor catalogue referenced as of 2026-10-12. The two example outputs are independently reasoned; no native application run, screenshot, or version-specific output is claimed. Review the editorial testing standards if you require stronger proof before importing a workbook.