How to Add Rows in Google Sheets Without Overwriting Formulas?

Status: Open · Asked by Sven Bosau on · 0 views

sven-bo — Question ·

I’m having trouble with Google Sheets when adding new rows through Pabbly.

I want to add a new row to my spreadsheet but only update specific columns. For example, I have formulas in some columns that should not be touched. In my simplified example (see screenshot attached):

  • I want to enter First Name and Last Name in columns A and B.
  • Column C has a formula (e.g., =A2&" "&B2) to automatically combine the values.

When I try using the "Add New Row"-Action to leave the column blank using {{blank}}, {{skip}}, or leaving it empty in Pabbly, it overwrites the formula in column C with a blank value, which breaks the formula.

How can I add new rows while updating only specific columns without affecting formulas in other columns?

Thanks in advance!

Preeti Paryani — Reply ·

Hello @sven-bo,

Please provide us with the workflow URL where you're encountering this issue.

Preeti Paryani — Reply ·

Hello @sven-bo,

The Google Sheets "Add New Row" API endpoint replaces any field containing a formula with a blank value upon execution. Unfortunately, this is how the endpoint functions, and we do not have a way to preserve the formula while adding a new row.

sven-bo — Reply ·

Ok, well noted. Thanks!

Fagun Shah — Reply ·
Ok, well noted. Thanks!

Actually you can easily overcome this issue by following this video guide where I show how you can pass formulas dynamically as well using google sheet- add new row action.

youtube.com/watch?v=P_Ejh2aasyY

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