Google Sheets Update Row

Google Sheets Update Row

Update entire rows in Google Sheets programmatically

Node Type

Action

Category

Google Sheets Integration

Icon

Google Sheets

Overview

The Google Sheets Update Row node allows you to update entire rows in Google Sheets. This node is perfect for modifying existing data, updating records, or maintaining data consistency across your spreadsheets.

Key Features

  • Row-Level Updates: Update entire rows with a single operation
  • Dynamic Selection: Browse and select spreadsheets from your Google Drive
  • Flexible Ranges: Use A1 notation to target specific rows and columns
  • Batch Updates: Update multiple cells in a row efficiently
  • Success Tracking: Returns detailed update statistics and confirmation

Prerequisites

Google Integration

Must be connected to access Google Sheets API

Google account connected
Google Sheets write scope granted
Write access to target Google Sheets

Required Scopes

OAuth scopes needed for updating rows

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/spreadsheets
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.file

Node Configuration

Required Fields

Spreadsheet ID

Type:Google Drive Picker
Required:Yes
Value Type:string

The ID of the Google Sheets spreadsheet you want to update. You can select from your connected Google Drive files or enter the ID manually.

Range

Type:text
Required:Yes
Value Type:string

A1 notation of the row to update (e.g., Sheet1!A1:D1 or Sheet1!1:1). This specifies which row and columns to update.

Row Data

Type:JSON Array
Required:Yes
Value Type:array

Array of values for the row as a JSON array. Each element in the array corresponds to a cell in the row.

Examples & Use Cases

Update User Record

Update a specific row with user information

{
  "spreadsheetId": "1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms",
  "range": "Users!A2:D2",
  "rowData": ["John Doe", "[email protected]", "Active", "2024-01-15"]
}

Updates row 2 with user information across columns A through D.

Dynamic Row Update

Update row based on workflow data

{
  "spreadsheetId": "{{config.dataSheetId}}",
  "range": "Sheet1!A{{rowNumber}}:E{{rowNumber}}",
  "rowData": [
    "{{user.name}}",
    "{{user.email}}",
    "{{status}}",
    "{{timestamp}}",
    "{{notes}}"
  ]
}

Uses template variables to dynamically construct the range and populate row data from workflow context.

Status Update Workflow

Automated workflow for updating record statuses

Workflow Structure

📊 Read Sheets → ✅ Validate Data → 🔄 Update Row → 📧 Send Notification

Read existing data, validate conditions, update the row with new status, and notify stakeholders.

Best Practices

Do's

  • Use specific ranges to target exact rows
  • Validate row data before updating
  • Check the success field before proceeding
  • Use dynamic variables for flexible workflows
  • Match array length to the number of columns in range
  • Test with sample data before production use

Don'ts

  • Don't update without verifying write permissions
  • Avoid hardcoding ranges when possible
  • Don't forget to handle update failures
  • Avoid updating critical data without backups
  • Don't assume row data length matches range
  • Avoid updating very large ranges frequently
💡
Pro Tip: When updating rows dynamically, use row numbers from previous nodes (like Google Sheets Read) to target specific records. Combine with conditional logic to update only rows that meet certain criteria.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Permission Errors

Symptoms: Node fails with insufficient permissions

Solution: Ensure your Google account connection has write scope and that you have edit access to the spreadsheet. Verify the spreadsheet is shared with edit permissions.

Invalid Range Format

Symptoms: Node fails with 'Invalid range' error

Solution: Check your range uses proper A1 notation (e.g., 'Sheet1!A2:D2'). Ensure the sheet name is correct and the range coordinates are valid.

Row Data Mismatch

Symptoms: Update succeeds but data is incomplete or truncated

Solution: Ensure your row data array length matches the number of columns in your range. If range is A1:D1, provide exactly 4 values in the array.

Update Not Reflecting

Symptoms: Node succeeds but changes don't appear in spreadsheet

Solution: Refresh your spreadsheet view. Check that you're viewing the correct sheet and range. Verify the spreadsheet ID is correct.

Related Resources