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Google Sheets MAP Function (How to Use It in 2024)

May 8, 2024

Google Sheets MAP Function

The MAP function in Google Sheets allows you to apply a specified operation to each element of a range or an array, essentially mapping one set of values to another through the operation you define.

The basic syntax of the MAP function is as follows: 

=MAP(array1, [array2, ...], lambda)

Where: 

array1, [array2, ...]: These are the ranges or arrays over which you want to perform the operation. You can specify multiple arrays, and the MAP function will perform the operation element-wise across these arrays.

lambda: This is a LAMBDA function that defines the operation to be performed on each element(s) of the specified array(s). The lambda function takes as many arguments as there are arrays specified and applies a calculation or transformation to these elements.

How to Use the MAP Function in Google Sheets

Below we have outlined the steps you can follow to use the MAP function in Google Sheets effectively:

Step 1: Set Up Your Spreadsheet

Suppose you have a list of sales figures for different products in column A, and you want to apply a 10% discount to all products that have sales over $100. The original sales figures are in A2:A10, and you want the discounted prices (where applicable) to appear in B2:B10.

Here's an example:

google sheets map

Step 2: Type Your Formula 

Click on cell B2 where you want to start displaying the discounted prices. Enter the following formula: 

=MAP(A2:A10, LAMBDA(x, IF(x > 100, x*0.9, x)))

The breakdown of the formula is as follows:

LAMBDA(x, ...): This introduces the lambda function where x represents each value in your specified range (A2:A10).

IF(x > 100, x*0.9, x): This is the condition you're applying. It checks if the value (x) is greater than $100. If it is, it multiplies the value by 0.9 (applying a 10% discount). If not, it leaves the value unchanged (x).

google sheets map function

Step 3: Press Enter

After typing the formula, press Enter. The results should immediately appear in B2:B10, with each applicable sales figure discounted by 10%, and figures $100 or below remaining unchanged.

map function google sheets

If the formula doesn't work as expected, double-check each part of the lambda function for syntax errors or logical mistakes.

We hope that this article has helped you and given you a better understanding of how to use the MAP function in Google Sheets.

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