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ENCODEURL

The ENCODEURL formula is used to encode a string of text into a URL-friendly format. This is particularly useful when working with web applications that require URLs to be formatted in a specific way.

Usage

Use the ENCODEURL formula with the syntax shown below, it has 1 required parameter:

=ENCODEURL(text)
Parameters:
  1. text (required):
    The text that you want to encode as a URL. This can be a cell reference or a static string.

Examples

Here are a few example use cases that explain how to use the ENCODEURL formula in Google Sheets.

Creating a clickable URL

By using the ENCODEURL formula, you can create a clickable URL in a cell by combining it with other text. For example, you could use the formula ="Click here: "&ENCODEURL("https://www.example.com") to create a clickable link to a website.

Working with APIs

Many APIs require URLs to be formatted in a specific way. The ENCODEURL formula can be used to ensure that your URLs meet these requirements. For example, you could use the formula ="https://api.example.com/search?q="&ENCODEURL(A2) to construct a URL for an API that searches for a specific query term.

Sharing URLs in spreadsheets

If you're sharing a spreadsheet with others, you may want to include URLs in it. However, URLs can be long and difficult to read. By using the ENCODEURL formula, you can make URLs more manageable. For example, you could use the formula =ENCODEURL("https://www.example.com") to create a shortened, more readable version of a URL.

Common Mistakes

ENCODEURL not working? Here are some common mistakes people make when using the ENCODEURL Google Sheets Formula:

Forgetting to enclose text in quotes

When using the ENCODEURL formula, it is important to enclose the text string in quotes. Forgetting to do so will result in a formula error. To correct this mistake, simply enclose the text string in quotes.

Encoding an already encoded string

The ENCODEURL formula should only be used to encode text strings that have not already been encoded. If you try to encode an already encoded string, it will result in an incorrectly formatted URL. To correct this mistake, make sure that the text string has not already been encoded.

Related Formulas

The following functions are similar to ENCODEURL or are often used with it in a formula:

  • HYPERLINK

    The HYPERLINK function creates a clickable hyperlink in a cell. It is commonly used to link to external websites, other sheets within the same document, or to specific cells within a sheet.

Learn More

You can learn more about the ENCODEURL Google Sheets function on Google Support.