FLATTEN Function in Google Sheets: Syntax, Examples & Compatibility
Learn how to turn a two-dimensional range into one continuous column of values 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: turn a two-dimensional range into one continuous column of values 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
=FLATTEN(range1, [range2], ...)
The supplied range can have multiple rows and columns. FLATTEN returns the values in row-by-row input order.
Best use case: Turn a two-dimensional range into one continuous column of values.
Set up the example sheet
Enter A2=Pen, B2=12, A3=Pad, and B3=5 to create a small two-column table.
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: FLATTEN with known input
=FLATTEN(A2:B3)
Expected output: one column Pen, 12, Pad, 5.
The first source row is followed by the second source row.
Worked example 2: a second FLATTEN case
=FLATTEN(A2:A3)
Expected output: one column Pen, Pad.
For an existing single column, the output already has the desired shape.
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: If you need to ignore blanks or errors or control scan direction, TOCOL offers more explicit options in Google Sheets.
Important edge case: FLATTEN does not automatically filter empty input cells. Expect blank outputs for blank source cells unless separately filtered.
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
Excel TOCOL offers similar reshaping but FLATTEN is a Google Sheets-specific function name.
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
-
Google Sheets documentation for FLATTEN — 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.