What replaces the Cells object in Google Sheets?
Excel VBA often uses Cells(row, column) for numeric addressing. In Apps Script, call getRange(row, column) or getRange('A1') on a sheet instead. Named ranges and A1 notation stay the most readable options for collaborators.
When to use it
Use getRange(row, column) when porting Cells-based loops from VBA.
When to skip it
Skip numeric addressing when A1 notation or a named range makes the script easier to audit.
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Range object
Excel's Range object represents cells you read or write in VBA. Apps Script uses Range too, returned by spreadsheet.getRange(), getActiveRange(), or getRangeByName(). Methods like getValue, setValues, and getValues map closely to common VBA Range calls.
Read guide →getRange
getRange returns a Range object pointing at one or more cells on a sheet. You call it on a Sheet to read with getValue or getValues and write with setValue or setValues. Correct range targeting is the foundation of almost every Sheets script.
Read guide →A1 notation
A1 notation names cells with letters for columns and numbers for rows, like C5. R1C1 notation names cells by row and column index instead. Google Sheets shows and accepts A1 style in the formula bar for almost all work.
Read guide →Named range
A named range gives a block of cells a readable label like Revenue or ValidStatuses instead of only B2:B500. Define names from Data > Named ranges. Formulas, charts, pivot tables, and validation rules can reference the name, which makes models easier to audit and safer when rows shift inside the named block.
Read guide →Done reading about Cells object?
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