Solving the Unable to Parse Query String Error in Google Sheets

Discover how to fix the `NO_COLUMN: E` error when querying multiple sheets in Google Sheets with this comprehensive guide.
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Solving the Unable to Parse Query String Error in Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for data management, allowing users to create multiple sheets that can reference and query data from each other. However, sometimes users encounter frustrating errors when trying to query data from multiple sheets, leading to confusion and wasted time. One common error that arises is: "Unable to parse query string for Function QUERY parameter 2: NO_COLUMN: E."

In this guide, we’ll explore this issue in detail and learn how to troubleshoot and resolve it effectively.

Understanding the Problem

Imagine you have a large Google Sheets document with multiple sheets structured similarly but containing different values. You might want to aggregate data from two or more of these sheets into one comprehensive report.

Let’s say you start with a single sheet query that works perfectly:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

But when you try to combine data from two sheets using the following query, you encounter an error:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This results in an error message indicating that it cannot find column E.

Why This Error Occurs

The core issue arises from how Google Sheets handles array constructions. When you combine data from multiple sheets into an array, the column references change. Instead of using the original column letters such as E, G, H, you have to rely on column position numbers (Col#) in your query.

The Solution

To fix the query error, simply replace the column letter references with their corresponding positional notations. Here’s how you can rewrite the query:

Revised Query

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Breakdown of Changes

Column References:

Replace E with Col1, since it represents the first column in the merged array.

Replace H with Col4, corresponding to the fourth column.

Replace G with Col3, corresponding to the third column.

Consistency Across Sheets: Ensure that both sheets have the same structure, meaning the columns should contain the same types of data in the same sequence.

Final Thoughts

Encountering errors in Google Sheets can be intimidating, especially when they disrupt your workflow. However, understanding the underlying mechanics of how data is structured and referenced in multiple sheets can empower you to resolve common issues quickly.

Using positional column references can help you efficiently aggregate information across sheets while minimizing errors that may arise from direct column letter references.

Now that you know how to resolve the NO_COLUMN: E error, you can swiftly get back to analyzing your data without further interruptions. Happy querying!