What replaces M language in Google Sheets?
M is the formula language behind Power Query steps in Excel. Google Sheets has no M runtime; express the same transforms with QUERY, array formulas, or Apps Script. Record intermediate columns when a Power Query script was long.
When to use it
Use QUERY or Apps Script when you need to port readable M steps from Excel.
When to skip it
Skip line-by-line M ports when an add-on or Connected Sheets SQL already produces the table.
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Read post →Related terms
Power Query
Power Query is Excel's click-and-refresh ETL engine. Google Sheets combines IMPORT functions, QUERY, Apps Script, Connected Sheets, and add-ons for the same jobs: pull web or file data, reshape tables, and refresh on a schedule. There is no Power Query UI inside Sheets.
Read guide →QUERY
QUERY runs a SQL-like statement against a range of cells and returns a new table of results. You pass a data range, a query string with SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, and optional headers. It is the fastest way to filter, sort, group, and pivot sheet data without helper columns.
Read guide →Google Apps Script
Apps Script is Google's JavaScript platform for automating Sheets and other Workspace apps. From a spreadsheet you can open Extensions > Apps Script to write code that reads cells, sends email, builds menus, and runs on triggers. It goes beyond formulas when you need custom workflows tied to your file.
Read guide →VBA
Google Sheets automation runs through Google Apps Script (JavaScript) and recorded macros, not VBA. In Excel, VBA is the desktop language behind macros, UserForms, and many add-ins. Rebuild Excel VBA in Apps Script: triggers, custom menus, and batch range updates replace most workbook automation.
Read guide →Visual Basic
Visual Basic is the language family behind Excel VBA. Google Sheets does not run VB or VBA; the closest equivalent is Google Apps Script, which uses modern JavaScript syntax. Recorded macros in Sheets generate Apps Script you can extend, similar to how Excel's macro recorder outputs VBA.
Read guide →Google Sheets macros
A macro records your clicks and keystrokes in Google Sheets, then saves them as an Apps Script function you can run again from the Extensions menu or a keyboard shortcut. Macros are the fastest on-ramp to automation when your task is a fixed sequence of formatting or edits.
Read guide →Done reading about M language?
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