Automate Google Sheets with Google Apps Script: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

Google Apps Script is a free, cloud-based JavaScript platform that lets you add super-powers to Google Workspace. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to automate Google Sheets in just a few minutes—no prior coding experience required.

Why Automate Google Sheets?

• Save time by turning manual tasks into one-click actions.
• Reduce errors caused by copy-and-paste or formula mishaps.
• Stay organised with scheduled triggers that run while you sleep.

SEO tip: People often search for “how to automate Google Sheets” or “beginner Google Apps Script.” We use these phrases naturally throughout the article to help readers (and search engines) find us.

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Prerequisites

1. A Google account (Gmail works fine).
2. A Google Sheet with some sample data.
3. Basic familiarity with spreadsheets—no coding knowledge needed!

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Step 1: Open the Apps Script Editor

1. Open your Google Sheet.
2. Click Extensions → Apps Script.
3. Delete any code inside the editor so you start fresh.

You’re now in the Apps Script IDE, ready to code.

Step 2: Write Your First Script

Paste the following snippet into the editor. It takes the values in column A, adds today’s date to column B, and sets the status in column C to “Processed.”

function addTimestampAndStatus() {
  const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  const dataRange = sheet.getRange("A2:A" + sheet.getLastRow());
  const data = dataRange.getValues();

  data.forEach((row, i) => {
    if (row[0] !== "") { // skip empty rows
      sheet.getRange(i + 2, 2).setValue(new Date());        // Column B
      sheet.getRange(i + 2, 3).setValue("Processed");      // Column C
    }
  });
}

What the Code Does

• Gets the active sheet so you don’t need to hard-code the name.
• Loops through every non-empty row in column A.
• Adds a timestamp in column B.
• Marks the status as “Processed” in column C.

Step 3: Run the Script Manually

1. Click the save icon (or press Ctrl + S).
2. Name your project (e.g., Sheet Automation).
3. Click the Run ▶️ button.
4. Authorise the script (first-time only).

Check your sheet—column B now shows today’s date, and column C says “Processed.” 🎉

Step 4: Schedule It with a Trigger (Optional)

Running the script by hand is fine, but automation truly shines when it runs on a schedule.

1. In the Apps Script editor, click Triggers (clock icon on left).
2. Click Add Trigger.
3. Choose:
   • Function: addTimestampAndStatus
   • Event source: Time-driven
   • Type: Hour timer → Every hour (or your preference)
4. Save.

Now your script runs automatically—no clicks required!

Troubleshooting Tips

• Script won’t run? Make sure you granted permissions during the first run.
• Wrong column? Double-check the column numbers in getRange(row, column).
• Quota limits? Free Google Workspace accounts have daily quotas. Keep scripts efficient and batch operations where possible.

Key Takeaways

• Google Apps Script can automate Google Sheets in just a few lines of code.
• Use time-driven triggers to run tasks on a schedule.
• Start small—automate one repetitive task, then build from there.

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What’s Next?

In future posts, we’ll cover:

• Sending personalised emails directly from Sheets.
• Building custom menus and sidebars.
• Connecting Google Sheets to external APIs.

Have an automation idea? Share it in the comments below, and we might feature your challenge in an upcoming tutorial!

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