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Sheets: avoid unexpected costs

Google Sheets automatically recalculates all formulas in the following cases:

  • If you move columns or rows around, or sort your rows
  • Automatically every few hours when you don’t touch your spreadsheet, even if it is not opened

This includes GPT formulas and can lead to unexpected costs and result loss. To minimize the impact, you can:

warning

Do not delete, move cells, or sort your sheet while formulas are loading.

What triggers formula recalculation

The following triggers cause your GPT formulas to recalculate in your spreadsheet:

Recalculation TriggerWhat cells get recalculated
Google Sheets automatically reloads your spreadsheet every few hoursAll GPT formulas
Sorting data in your sheetOnly the relocated GPT formulas
Undoing the deletion of a GPT formula from a cellOnly the restored GPT formula
Moving a GPT formula to a different cellOnly the relocated GPT formula
Adding or moving a row/column positioned before a cell containing GPT formulasGPT formulas in subsequent rows/columns
Opening the spreadsheet, particularly if it hasn't been accessed recentlyPotentially all GPT formulas