A virtual machine made with Google Sheets formulas (no script)
In a popular post today[1] the title claims "VM in Google Sheets", but it's actually in Google Script, which is basically Javascript and not an interesting technical accomplishment (definitely a useful educational tool, though). Disappointed, I set out to fix it. Voila! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1g3-FZBnkDuLqFYOmk457... A Brainfk interpreter in pure Google Sheets formulas. The hard part was parentheses matching, so I think other VMs would be even easier. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14701460
A virtual machine made with Google Sheets formulas (no script) launched on July 5, 2017 with 620 votes, #9 of 2,972 launches that month and more than 99% of that year's launches.
In plain words
This is a Brainfuck interpreter built entirely with Google Sheets formulas, without using Google Script or any code. It demonstrates that complex computational tasks can be accomplished using only spreadsheet formulas, with the main technical challenge being parentheses matching. The project is intended for developers and educators interested in exploring unconventional uses of spreadsheet tools and understanding how virtual machines work.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
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