Use Google Finance to Get Crypto Prices in Sheets

If you use Google Sheets and need current prices for various cryptocurrencies, the GOOGLEFINANCE function will import them using only the ticker symbol. In minutes, you can have real-time and historical cryptocurrency data in your Google Sheets. However, a 20-minute delay between updates makes it unsuitable for high-frequency trading decisions.

This guide covers how to use the GOOGLEFINANCE function effectively and explores alternative methods to fetch crypto prices in Google Sheets.

Can You Use Google Finance for Crypto Prices?

Yes! Google Sheets’ GOOGLEFINANCE function supports cryptocurrency prices. Simply:

Enter the ticker symbol (e.g., "BTCUSD" for Bitcoin) as the function’s argument.
Or reference a cell containing the ticker symbol.

👉 Find a full list of crypto ticker symbols here.

How to Get Crypto Prices Using GOOGLEFINANCE

Follow these steps to import crypto prices into Google Sheets:

Open Google Sheets and select an empty cell.
Enter the ticker symbol (e.g., BTCUSD) in a cell.

In another cell, type:

=GOOGLEFINANCE(A1)  // Assuming A1 contains the ticker

Press Enter—the current price will load after a brief delay.
Format the cell as currency ($) using the toolbar.

Limitation: Prices update every 20 minutes, making this method unsuitable for real-time trading.

Alternative Methods to Fetch Crypto Prices

1. IMPORTXML for Web Scraping

Use IMPORTXML to extract prices from websites like CoinMarketCap:

Find the XPath of the price element using Chrome’s Inspect tool.
Use the formula:
```
=IMPORTXML("URL", "XPath")
```

2. IMPORTDATA for API-Based Prices

Cryptoprices.cc offers a simple API. Example:

=IMPORTDATA("https://cryptoprices.cc/btc")

3. CRYPTOFINANCE Add-on

Install the CRYPTOFINANCE add-on for advanced features like:

Real-time data (with paid Cryptowatch plans).
Historical price charts.

👉 Explore CRYPTOFINANCE here

FAQs

1. Does GOOGLEFINANCE support all cryptocurrencies?

Most major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, etc.) are supported, but check the ticker list for availability.

2. How often does GOOGLEFINANCE update crypto prices?

Every 20 minutes, so it’s not ideal for live trading.

3. Can I get historical crypto prices?

Yes! Use:

=GOOGLEFINANCE("BTCUSD", "price", DATE(2023,1,1), DATE(2023,12,31))

4. Are there free real-time alternatives?

The CRYPTOFINANCE add-on offers limited real-time data for free.

Conclusion

The GOOGLEFINANCE function is a quick way to import crypto prices into Google Sheets, though with a delay. For real-time data, consider:

IMPORTXML/IMPORTDATA for scraping.
CRYPTOFINANCE add-on for advanced features.

For deeper financial analysis, learn how to build a stock portfolio tracker in Google Sheets.