Formula syntax, names and language
Use English function names and separators in the Amharic and English browser interfaces, with practical calculation examples.
Applies to Grid 0.7.0 on doc.et.
Use canonical English formulas in both available interface languages. Formula localization in other upstream editions does not change this browser deployment.
The formula language on doc.et#
The Amharic and English interfaces use the English formula table. Use English function names, commas between arguments and a decimal point in numbers. Interface translation does not translate workbook formulas into Amharic. Names are case-insensitive.
The upstream desktop documentation also describes a Spanish entry mode. That mode is not one of doc.et's Amharic/English interface choices, so its translated names and semicolon conventions should not be used for this workflow.
Examples to try#
| Formula | Meaning | Result |
|---|---|---|
| =SUM(1,2) | Add two numbers | 3 |
| =AVERAGE(2,4,6) | Arithmetic mean | 4 |
| =IF(TRUE,10,0) | Choose a value using a condition | 10 |
| =SUM(1.5,2.25) | Add decimal values | 3.75 |
=SUM(A1:A10)
=IF(B2>0,"Positive","Zero or negative")These examples use Latin input. The shared Ethiopic keyboard preserves Latin entry for Sheets formulas beginning with an equals sign. Text typed inside a quoted formula string remains text; do not translate punctuation or function identifiers when sharing a formula.
Names and stored formulas#
Workbook and sheet names, table names, LET bindings and LAMBDA parameters are identifiers, not translated interface labels. Preserve the names that the workbook actually uses. Stored formulas and XLSX exchange use canonical English syntax; advanced dialogs such as Name Manager and conditional-format rules also use that syntax.
Diagnose a formula problem#
Check the leading equals sign, parentheses, decimal points, argument commas and referenced cell ranges. A value imported from ODS or XLSB may be a cached result rather than a live formula. Inspect the formula bar before expecting it to recalculate.
Continue reading
Sources and edition notes
Adapted for the browser edition from the pinned Gridcraft 0.7.0 source. Upstream documentation may also describe desktop workflows.
- docs/formula-input.md — Adapted from the upstream documentation for this pinned release.
Try it in Sheets
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