When working with multiple spreadsheets, it can be useful to link data from one spreadsheet to another. This allows you to create more complex formulas and calculations that reference data from different sources. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to link data from one spreadsheet to another in Google Sheets:
Step 1: Open Both Spreadsheets
Open the spreadsheet that contains the data that you want to link to another spreadsheet. Open the second spreadsheet that you want to link the data to.
Step 2: Select the Cells to Link
Select the cells in the first spreadsheet that you want to link to the second spreadsheet. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse across the cells.
Step 3: Copy the Data
Once you have selected the cells, right-click on them and select “Copy” from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Go to the Second Spreadsheet
Switch to the second spreadsheet that you want to link the data to.
Step 5: Select the Destination Cell
Select the cell where you want to paste the data from the first spreadsheet. This cell can be in the same sheet or a different sheet within the second spreadsheet.
Step 6: Paste the Data
Right-click on the selected cell and select “Paste special” from the drop-down menu. In the “Paste special” menu, select “Paste link” to create a link to the data in the first spreadsheet.
Step 7: Verify the Link
Once you have pasted the data, you should see a small icon in the corner of the linked cell that indicates that it is linked to another sheet. To verify the link, click on the linked cell and check the formula bar to ensure that it is referencing the correct cell in the first spreadsheet.
Step 8: Refresh the Data
If you make changes to the data in the first spreadsheet, you may need to refresh the data in the second spreadsheet to ensure that it is up-to-date. To do this, go to the “Data” menu and select “Data validation.” In the “Data validation” menu, click on “Refresh all.”
In conclusion, linking data from one spreadsheet to another can be a useful way to streamline your workflow and create more complex formulas and calculations. By following these simple steps, you can easily link data from one spreadsheet to another in Google Sheets.