10 Google Sheets Automation Examples (With Scripts)

These ten Google Sheets automation examples mirror what operations teams request first: alerts, deduplication, scheduled PDFs, and CRM sync stubs. Each pattern uses batch I/O and installable triggers where external APIs are involved.

Examples assume a Data tab with headers in row 1 and no merged cells in the data rectangle. Copy functions into the script editor bound to your workbook, authorize once, then add triggers from the Triggers UI.

For macro limitations, see /blog/google-sheets-macro-vs-apps-script. For Slack-specific alerts, see /blog/google-sheets-send-slack-notification.

Example code

function alertLowStock() {
  const sh = SpreadsheetApp.getActive().getSheetByName('Inventory');
  const rows = sh.getRange(2, 1, sh.getLastRow() - 1, 4).getValues();
  const lows = rows.filter(function (r) { return r[3] < r[2]; }).map(function (r) { return r[0] + ': ' + r[3]; });
  if (!lows.length) return;
  MailApp.sendEmail(Session.getActiveUser().getEmail(), 'Low stock', lows.join('\n'));
}

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