Google Sheets makes tracking stocks easy using a built-in function called GOOGLEFINANCE. The formula lets you track various metrics, including stock holding, cost of buying, current price, and profit or loss.
Once you set up a stock tracking sheet, the data automatically updates, so you can always view your portfolio as a whole instead of looking at individual prices. In this article, we walk you through how Google Sheets helps you track your stocks and create a historical data record.
What Is the GOOGLEFINANCE Function?
GOOGLEFINANCE is a Google Sheets function that helps you track stocks by pulling data from Google Finance. The stock prices don’t update in real time. The data might take up to 20 minutes to update.
This means GOOGLEFINANCE isn’t the best option for day traders or seasoned investors. However, if you have a portfolio that you often check but don’t want to deal with the complexity of an investment app, the GOOGLEFINANCE function is an excellent alternative.
you’re able to alsocreate a stock watchlist on Google Financeto keep track of other critical metrics you might need for analysis. Here’s what the formula looks like:
Screenshot by Dharini Udani – No attribution required
Here’s what each of the arguments in the GOOGLEFINANCE function means:
How to Use the GOOGLEFINANCE Function to Track Stocks in Google Sheets
You can alwayscheck stock prices online. But GOOGLEFINANCE makes it easier by putting your portfolio on a spreadsheet. Once you have the data you need, you can even deploy advanced analysis techniques, such ascreating trendlines in Google Sheetsto visualize price trends.
To start using the GOOGLEFINANCE function to track stocks:
Next, you’ll need to enter the arguments required by the function. These arguments will appear in the formula bar in Google Sheets as you type the formula. We explain these arguments in greater detail below.
Specify the Ticker
Enter the exchange symbol or leave it blank, as per your preference. If you don’t specify the exchange symbol, Google will select the stock exchange for you. However, entering a ticker is mandatory. If you specify the exchange, here’s what the formula should look like:
If you have a ticker already typed into a cell, you can reference that cell in the GOOGLEFINANCE function to get stock data. Use the cell reference that has the ticker symbol in the GOOGLEFINANCE function like so:
Since the ticker is the only mandatory argument, you’ll see the current price of the specified stock once you enter this formula.
The ticker shouldn’t be in double quotes when you’re using cell references for the GOOGLEFINANCE function.
Specify the Attributes
“Price” is the default attribute. If you leave the attribute argument blank, you’ll get the current price of the specified stock. Alternatively, you’re able to specify an attribute to get specific data about the stock. You can insert the attribute within quotation marks like so:
Here are some of the most commonly used attributes you may use to fetch real-time, historical, or mutual fund data:
The complete list of attributes is available on the Google Docs Editors Help page.
Add dates to the formula to fetch historical data. Enter the start date to get data for a specific day. You can also add an end date to get data for a specific range of dates.
Here’s what the formula should look like at this point:
Alternatively, you’re able to enter the number of days between the start and end dates to get data for that period. Google also lets you track data on a rolling basis by nesting another function called “TODAY” inside the GOOGLEFINANCE function.
Type in the function name, followed by the minus sign, and the number of days for which you want the historical data. For instance, we want the last 15 days’ data. Here’s how to use the GOOGLEFINANCE function without inserting any dates:
Select an Interval
The interval argument helps fetch data at specific intervals. you’re able to specify the interval as “DAILY” or “WEEKLY”. Enter the start and end dates, and then insert the intervals like so:
Alternatively, you may enter either 1 or 7 for daily or weekly frequency, respectively. Unfortunately, monthly or quarterly intervals aren’t an option.
Tracking Stocks Made Easy With Google Sheets
Tracking stocks as a beginner can be less overwhelming with an interface you’re already familiar with. Instead of tracking stocks on a complex interface with numbers blinking at a dizzying pace, try using the GOOGLEFINANCE function to simplify stock tracking.
Once you gain more confidence, you can start using apps that help you discover stock investing opportunities to take things to the next level.
