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# Google Sheets: 4 tricks that save hours every month
- URL: https://www.jeffsu.org/newsletter-221/
- Published: 2025-10-10T13:00:49.000Z
- Updated: 2025-10-10T13:00:49.000Z
- Description: #221
- Author: Jeff
- Tags: #newsletter, Google Sheets

*Want to see these tips early?* [*Subscribe to the newsletter*](https://www.jeffsu.org/newsletter/?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=post&utm%5Fcampaign=beginning)*!*

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Most of us use Google Sheets daily but barely tap into what it can actually do. Today I'm sharing 4 of my favorite - yet underutilized - features that'll save you hours, let’s dive right in!

## Feature 1: The One-Click Filter

**❌ The standard approach:**

- Select all data → Create filter → Configure settings through multiple menus.

**✅ The faster way:**

- Right-click any cell with your target value → Select "Filter by cell value." Done.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2025/10/CleanShot-2025-10-08-at-14.08.50@2x.png)

## Feature 2: Dynamic Formula Ranges

**The problem:** You write =COUNTA(A1:A100), add more data that extends beyond “A100”, and suddenly your formula is outdated and the numbers you’re seeing are (probably) wrong.

**The solution:** Use =COUNTA(A1:A) or =COUNTA(A:A) instead. Google Sheets accepts open-ended ranges that automatically expand with your data. Set it once so you can forget it forever.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2025/10/CleanShot-2025-10-08-at-14.14.34@2x.png)

## Feature 3: Centralized Comment Management

When you're tagged in 5+ comments across different tabs in Google Sheets, keeping track becomes overwhelming. "Did I already respond? Where was that comment again?"

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2025/10/CleanShot-2025-10-08-at-14.15.42@2x.png)

**The fix:** Click the Comment icon (top-right) → Filter by "For You." You'll see every comment assigned to you in one view! You can even review resolved comments.

## Feature 4: Direct Cell Linking

We've all been on that call: *"Go to the 12th tab, scroll to cell B456…no, not that tab..."* 😵

*(you’d be surprised how many of my colleagues at Google did this, it drove me CRAZY)*

**What they should have done instead:** Right-click any cell → View more cell actions → Get link to this cell. Send the link, and recipients land exactly where you intended.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2025/10/CleanShot-2025-10-08-at-14.18.31.gif)

## Why bother?

Even if you’re not a high-maintenance productivity nerd like me, each one of these tips addresses a specific friction point.

Individually, these are small wins. Stack them together, and you're saving hours monthly while reducing frustration significantly! 😉

💡

****Bonus:** CMD or CTRL + K creates hyperlinks within cells. You can even highlight specific text to hyperlink just that portion.

Try one this week and let me know how it goes!

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**Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help you:**

💻 [The Workspace Academy:](https://academy.jeffsu.org/workspace-academy?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=post&utm%5Fcampaign=footer) Never lose a file, task, or note again with my CORE workflow for Google Workspace. Adopted by over 10,000 Googlers.

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