Free tool

AI Formula Converter

Convert formulas between Excel and Google Sheets™ instantly. Our AI handles syntax differences automatically.

Google Sheets

What is the Formula Converter?

The Formula Converter is a free AI-powered tool that translates spreadsheet formulas between Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets™. While both platforms share many common functions, there are significant differences in syntax, function names, and available features that can cause errors when copying formulas between them.

Our converter automatically handles these differences, transforming your formulas to work correctly in the target platform. Whether you're migrating spreadsheets, collaborating with users on different platforms, or working with templates designed for the other application, this tool saves you hours of manual conversion work.

Why Do Formulas Need Converting?

Different Function Names

Excel and Sheets often use different names for the same function (e.g., CONCATENATE vs CONCAT, SUMPRODUCT behavior differences)

Platform-Specific Features

Functions like QUERY, IMPORTRANGE, or XLOOKUP may only exist or work differently on one platform

Syntax Variations

Array formulas, error handling, and reference syntax can differ between platforms

How to Use the Formula Converter

  1. 1

    Select Source Platform

    Choose whether your formula is from Excel or Google Sheets™. Click the platform button to set the conversion direction.

  2. 2

    Paste Your Formula

    Copy the formula from your spreadsheet and paste it into the input field. Include the equals sign at the beginning.

  3. 3

    Convert

    Click "Convert" or press Ctrl+Enter. The AI will analyze your formula and generate the equivalent for the target platform.

  4. 4

    Copy and Use

    Review the converted formula and conversion notes, then copy it to your target spreadsheet. Adjust cell references as needed for your specific layout.

Common Conversion Scenarios

Excel → Sheets

VLOOKUP with Exact Match

Excel: =VLOOKUP(A2,B:C,2,FALSE)Sheets: =VLOOKUP(A2,B:C,2,FALSE)

Works the same, but Sheets also supports XLOOKUP alternative

Sheets → Excel

QUERY Function

Sheets: =QUERY(A:C,"SELECT * WHERE B>100")Excel: =FILTER(A:C,B:B>100)

QUERY doesn't exist in Excel; FILTER provides similar functionality

Excel → Sheets

XLOOKUP Function

Excel: =XLOOKUP(A2,B:B,C:C)Sheets: =XLOOKUP(A2,B:B,C:C)

Google Sheets™ now supports XLOOKUP natively

Sheets → Excel

ARRAYFORMULA

Sheets: =ARRAYFORMULA(A:A*B:B)Excel: =A:A*B:B (with dynamic arrays)

Excel 365 has native dynamic arrays; older versions need CSE

Key Differences Between Excel and Google Sheets™

FeatureExcelGoogle Sheets™
Query-like filteringFILTER, Advanced FilterQUERY, FILTER
Import external dataPower Query, WEBSERVICEIMPORTRANGE, IMPORTDATA
Array formulasDynamic arrays (365) or CSEARRAYFORMULA wrapper
Unique valuesUNIQUE (365)UNIQUE
Regex supportLimited (VBA required)REGEXMATCH, REGEXEXTRACT
Image in cellIMAGE (365)IMAGE

Benefits of Using Our Formula Converter

Save Time on Migrations

Converting spreadsheets between platforms manually can take hours. Our tool converts formulas instantly, making migrations painless.

Avoid Syntax Errors

Manual conversion often leads to syntax errors from subtle differences. Our AI handles these nuances automatically.

Learn Platform Differences

Each conversion includes notes explaining what changed and why, helping you understand both platforms better.

Handle Complex Formulas

Nested formulas with multiple functions are automatically analyzed and converted with all necessary adjustments.

Get Alternative Solutions

When a function doesn't exist on the target platform, we suggest the best alternative approach to achieve the same result.

100% Free

No signup required, no usage limits. Convert as many formulas as you need completely free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most formulas convert directly or have close equivalents. Some platform-specific functions (like QUERY in Sheets or certain Power Query features in Excel) may require alternative approaches, which we explain in the conversion notes.

Ready to Convert Your Formula?

Stop manually rewriting formulas. Paste your Excel or Google Sheets™ formula above and get an instant conversion.

Functions Exclusive to Each Platform

These functions exist only on one platform and need alternative solutions:

Google Sheets™ Only

QUERY

SQL-like data querying (use FILTER + SORT in Excel)

IMPORTRANGE

Import from other spreadsheets (use Power Query in Excel)

IMPORTDATA / IMPORTXML

Web data import (use WEBSERVICE in Excel)

REGEXMATCH / REGEXEXTRACT / REGEXREPLACE

Regex functions (use VBA or text functions in Excel)

GOOGLEFINANCE

Stock data (use STOCKHISTORY in Excel 365)

ARRAYFORMULA

Array wrapper (implicit in Excel 365)

Excel Only (or Limited in Sheets)

STOCKHISTORY

Historical stock data (use GOOGLEFINANCE in Sheets)

GETPIVOTDATA

Pull from pivot tables (no direct equivalent)

CUBE functions

OLAP data access (no equivalent in Sheets)

WEBSERVICE + FILTERXML

API data (use IMPORTDATA/IMPORTXML in Sheets)

RTD

Real-time data (no equivalent in Sheets)

PHONETIC

Extract phonetic characters (no equivalent)

Complete Spreadsheet Migration Guide

Moving your entire spreadsheet between platforms? Follow this checklist:

1. Check Formula Compatibility
Before migrating, identify formulas that may not convert directly. Check for platform-specific functions (QUERY, IMPORTRANGE, XLOOKUP), note any VBA macros or Apps Script that need rewriting, and test complex nested formulas individually.
2. Handle Array Formulas
Excel to Sheets: Remove CSE (Ctrl+Shift+Enter) and wrap with ARRAYFORMULA. Sheets to Excel 365: Remove ARRAYFORMULA wrapper. Sheets to older Excel: Convert to CSE format or use helper columns.
3. Update External References
Cross-file references need special care. IMPORTRANGE links need the new Google Sheets™ URL. Excel external links won't work - reimport data or use OneDrive links.
4. Verify Date and Number Formats
Formatting can shift between platforms. Date serial numbers start from different dates, and regional format settings may differ (DD/MM vs MM/DD).
5. Test and Validate Results
After migration, verify everything works. Compare key calculated values between original and migrated versions and check for any #NAME? or #VALUE! errors.

In-depth Formula Conversion FAQ

How do I convert Excel VLOOKUP to Google Sheets™?

VLOOKUP works identically! The syntax =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index, [range_lookup]) is the same in both platforms. For better performance in Sheets, consider using XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH instead.

What is the Google Sheets™ equivalent of Excel's XLOOKUP?

Google Sheets™ now supports XLOOKUP natively! Use the same syntax: =XLOOKUP(search_key, lookup_range, result_range, [missing_value], [match_mode], [search_mode]). If your Sheets version doesn't have XLOOKUP yet, use INDEX/MATCH as the equivalent.

How do I convert Google Sheets™ QUERY to Excel?

Excel doesn't have QUERY. Use these alternatives: For SELECT + WHERE, use FILTER. For GROUP BY with aggregation, use SUMIFS/COUNTIFS with UNIQUE. For sorting, add SORT. Complex queries may need Power Query or multiple helper columns combining these functions.

Why does my ARRAYFORMULA not work in Excel?

ARRAYFORMULA is a Google Sheets™ function. In Excel 365, simply remove the ARRAYFORMULA wrapper - formulas automatically spill to multiple cells. In older Excel versions, you need to enter as a CSE formula (Ctrl+Shift+Enter) and specify the output range first.

How do I replace IMPORTRANGE when moving to Excel?

Excel doesn't have IMPORTRANGE. Options: (1) Use Power Query to connect to other Excel files, (2) Use external data connections to pull from OneDrive/SharePoint files, (3) Consolidate all data into one workbook, (4) Use VBA to automate data imports.

Can I use regex in Excel like Google Sheets™?

Excel doesn't have native regex functions like REGEXMATCH, REGEXEXTRACT, or REGEXREPLACE. Alternatives: Use combinations of FIND, MID, LEFT, RIGHT, SUBSTITUTE for simple patterns. For complex regex, you'll need VBA or Power Query's M language, which supports regex.

How do semicolons in formulas affect conversion?

Argument separators depend on your locale, not the platform. English locales use commas (,) while European locales often use semicolons (;). Both Excel and Sheets respect your regional settings. When pasting formulas, your spreadsheet automatically converts separators to match your locale.

Does SUMPRODUCT work the same in Google Sheets™?

Yes, SUMPRODUCT syntax is identical. However, Google Sheets™ often handles array multiplication more naturally. In Sheets, you might use =SUM(ARRAYFORMULA((A:A="X")*(B:B))) or even a QUERY with SUM for the same result.

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