Protected ranges reduce accidental formula edits. They are not a confidentiality boundary for people who can access the spreadsheet.
Select the formula range
On a computer, open Data > Protect sheets and ranges. Add a range or select an existing protection, then verify its sheet and coordinates.
Keep intended input cells outside the protected range or define explicit exceptions when protecting a sheet. If the protection controls are missing, check whether the file is still in Microsoft Office editing mode.
Choose an actual edit restriction
Use Set permissions and distinguish a warning from Restrict who can edit this range. A warning asks for confirmation but does not block an editor from proceeding.
Choose the appropriate permitted editors. Owners retain their authority, and custom restrictions should be checked against the people responsible for maintaining formulas. Dollar signs in formula references do not provide this protection.
Verify access and confidentiality separately
Test permitted input cells and restricted formula cells with the relevant authorized role. Do not claim that an owner-side test proves other users are blocked.
Google explicitly warns against treating sheet protection as a security measure: accessible content can still be viewed and may be copied or exported subject to applicable file settings. Keep confidential data in separately permissioned files rather than hidden or protected tabs. Review sharing and copy restrictions as separate controls, and do not assume they retrieve data already distributed. Retain a recovery point before broad protection changes so legitimate maintenance is not disrupted by an overly wide range or an accidentally excluded input section.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.