5 Ways To Get Last Value In Google Sheets Column

Intro

Discover how to get the last value in a Google Sheets column with ease. Learn 5 simple methods to extract the last value, including using formulas like INDEX/MATCH, OFFSET, and ARRAYFORMULA. Improve your spreadsheet skills and boost productivity with these expert tips and tricks for working with Google Sheets columns.

The eternal quest for the last value in a Google Sheets column! Whether you're tracking expenses, sales, or anything else, getting the latest data point is crucial for informed decision-making. In this article, we'll explore five ways to get the last value in a Google Sheets column, so you can stay on top of your data.

Method 1: Using the OFFSET Function

OFFSET Function in Google Sheets

The OFFSET function is a powerful tool for manipulating data in Google Sheets. To get the last value in a column using OFFSET, follow these steps:

  1. Assume your data is in column A (change the column letter as needed).
  2. In a new cell, enter the formula: =OFFSET(A1, COUNT(A:A)-1, 0)
  3. Press Enter to get the last value in column A.

Here's how it works:

  • A1 is the starting cell for the OFFSET function.
  • COUNT(A:A)-1 calculates the number of rows in column A minus 1, effectively getting the last row.
  • 0 is the column offset, which remains the same since we're working within the same column.

Method 2: Using the INDEX-MATCH Function Combo

INDEX-MATCH Function Combo in Google Sheets

Another approach is to use the INDEX-MATCH function combination. This method is particularly useful when dealing with multiple columns or rows.

  1. Assume your data is in column A (change the column letter as needed).
  2. In a new cell, enter the formula: =INDEX(A:A, MATCH(2, 1/(A:A<>"")))
  3. Press Enter to get the last value in column A.

Here's how it works:

  • INDEX(A:A,...) returns the value at the specified position in column A.
  • MATCH(2, 1/(A:A<>"")) finds the relative position of the last non-empty cell in column A.

Method 3: Using the FILTER Function

FILTER Function in Google Sheets

The FILTER function is a more recent addition to Google Sheets, but it's incredibly powerful for data manipulation. To get the last value in a column using FILTER, follow these steps:

  1. Assume your data is in column A (change the column letter as needed).
  2. In a new cell, enter the formula: =FILTER(A:A, ROW(A:A)=MAX(ROW(A:A)))
  3. Press Enter to get the last value in column A.

Here's how it works:

  • FILTER(A:A,...) returns the values in column A that meet the specified condition.
  • ROW(A:A)=MAX(ROW(A:A)) filters the data to only include the last row.

Method 4: Using the SORT Function

SORT Function in Google Sheets

Sorting data in Google Sheets can be a simple way to get the last value in a column. Here's how:

  1. Assume your data is in column A (change the column letter as needed).
  2. In a new cell, enter the formula: =SORT(A:A, ROW(A:A), FALSE)
  3. Press Enter to get the sorted data.
  4. The last value in the sorted column is the last value in the original column.

Here's how it works:

  • SORT(A:A,...) sorts the data in column A.
  • ROW(A:A) sorts the data based on the row number.
  • FALSE sorts the data in descending order, so the last value is at the top.

Method 5: Using the LOOKUP Function

LOOKUP Function in Google Sheets

Finally, the LOOKUP function is another way to get the last value in a column. Here's how:

  1. Assume your data is in column A (change the column letter as needed).
  2. In a new cell, enter the formula: =LOOKUP(2, 1/(A:A<>""))
  3. Press Enter to get the last value in column A.

Here's how it works:

  • LOOKUP(2,...) looks up the value 2 in the specified range.
  • 1/(A:A<>"") creates an array of 1s and #N/A! errors, where the last non-empty cell is the last value.

Gallery of Last Value Functions:

Now that you've learned five ways to get the last value in a Google Sheets column, you can choose the method that works best for your specific use case. Whether you're a seasoned spreadsheet pro or just starting out, mastering these techniques will save you time and improve your productivity.

What's your favorite method for getting the last value in a Google Sheets column? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Jonny Richards

Love Minecraft, my world is there. At VALPO, you can save as a template and then reuse that template wherever you want.