Reference To Another Sheet In Excel

What Is Reference To Another Sheet In Excel?

Reference to another sheet in Excel is a feature that allows users to access and retrieve data from a different worksheet within the same workbook. This functionality is particularly useful when working on large and complex spreadsheets with multiple sheets, as it enables seamless integration and organization of data. 

Referencing an Excel cell or a range of cells within the same worksheet is simple. Let’s walk through the process step by step to ensure clarity.

Let’s say we are currently in cell E7 and require the data from cell B4. In cell B4, we have value 2. Our aim is to create a link between this value and cell E7. To achieve this, we must enter an equal sign in cell E7.

Reference To Another Sheet

Two ways to select the desired cell are by using the mouse to click on cell B4 or directly typing “B4” into the formula bar. Next, press Enter key. We can see the value in cell E7.

It is important to note that cell E7 is now entirely dependent on the value in cell B4. Consequently, any modifications made to cell B4 will directly impact the content of cell E7, except for cell formatting.

Reference To Another Sheet result
Key Takeaways
  • Excel Reference to another sheet is a feature used to access and retrieve data from a different worksheet within the same workbook.
  • When referring to cells within the same sheet, Excel provides us with their respective cell addresses.
  • However, when referencing a cell from another sheet within the same workbook, Excel provides the cell address. Also, it includes the worksheet’s name. This additional information helps us maintain clarity and organization within our workbooks.
  • In the scenario where we reference a cell from a different Excel worksheet within the same workbook, we obtain what is known as a relative Excel reference.

How To Reference Another Sheet Or Workbook In Excel? (With Steps)

  • First, start by typing the equals sign (=) in the cell where you want to display the referenced data.
  • Then, go to the desired sheet by clicking on it directly or using the shortcuts. Press CTRL + PgUp (to move to the previous sheet) or CTRL + PgDn (to move to the next sheet).
  • Next, select the specific cell(s) that contain the data you want to reference and press Enter.
  • To reference a different workbook altogether, use a similar approach but begin with typing an equals sign followed by opening brackets ([), then navigate to the target workbook and specify its name within single quotes (‘Workbook Name.xlsx’), separate it from the sheet name by an exclamation mark (!), and finally specify the cell(s) needed.


Excel VBA – All in One Courses Bundle (35+ Hours of Video Tutorials)

If you want to learn Excel and VBA professionally, then ​Excel VBA All in One Courses Bundle​ (35+ hours) is the perfect solution. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this bundle covers it all – from Basic Excel to Advanced Excel, Macros, Power Query, and VBA.

Examples

Example #1 – Reference In The Same Worksheet

Referencing an Excel cell or range of cells within the same worksheet is a fundamental and straightforward task. Allow me to guide you through the step-by-step process, ensuring utmost clarity.

Reference To Another Sheet example 1

Step 1: Let’s assume we are currently in cell E8 and need to retrieve the data from cell B2. In cell B2, we have the Sales of Beijing. We aim to establish a seamless connection between this value and cell E8. To achieve this, we must enter an equal sign in cell E8.

Step 2: There are two methods to select the desired cell: by using the mouse to click on cell B2 or by directly typing B2 into the formula bar.

Reference To Another Sheet example 1 step2

Step 3: Once the selection is made, press the Enter key. The value from cell B2 is now elegantly displayed in cell E8.

Step 4: It is crucial to note that cell E8 is now entirely reliant on the value in cell B2.

Consequently, any modifications made to cell B2 will directly impact the content of cell E8, except for cell formatting.

Reference To Another Sheet example 1 step 4

Example #2 – Reference In The Same Workbook But From A Different Sheet

Referencing a cell from the same sheet in Excel does not require advanced technical knowledge. Similarly, referencing different worksheets within the same workbook is a straightforward process.

Step 1: Consider a scenario with sheets named Sheet3 and Sheet4.

Reference To Another Sheet example 2 step 1

Step 2: In Sheet 3, we have annual salary data, and in Sheet 4, we want to calculate the total salary.

Reference To Another Sheet example 2 step 2

Step 3: To accomplish this, we need to open the SUM excel function in the A2 cell of Sheet 4.

Reference To Another Sheet example 2 step 3

Step 4: Next, navigate to Sheet 3 and select the desired cell range, which in this case is B2 to B6.

Step 5: Return to Sheet 4 and close the formula by pressing the “Enter” key once you have selected the range.

Reference To Another Sheet example 2 step 5

Example #3 – Reference In The Different Workbook Sheet

When referencing cells or ranges from another sheet in Excel, we obtain the sheet name. Similarly, when referencing cells or ranges from different workbooks, we obtain the workbook name, worksheet name, and cell reference.

Let’s walk through the steps to illustrate this process clearly and concisely:

Step 1: Consider two workbooks: “Excel Reference to Another Sheet” and “New Excel Reference to Another Sheet Worksheet.”

Reference To Another Sheet example 3 step 1

Step 2: To sum up cells B2:B10 from the sheet “Sheet5″ in the ” Excel Reference to Another Sheet,” we need to open the equal sign in the “New Excel Reference to Another Sheet Worksheet.”

Step 3: Proceed to the ” Excel Reference to Another Sheet ” > “Sheet 5” and select cell B2:B10.

Step 4: To achieve this, we must open the SUM function in cell A2 of “Sheet 1” of the “New Excel Reference to Another Sheet Worksheet.”

Step 5: Next, navigate to “Sheet 5″ of the ” Excel Reference to Another Sheet ” and select the desired cell range, which in this case is B2 to B10.

Reference To Another Sheet example 3 step 5

Step 6: Return to “Sheet 1” of the “New Excel Reference to Another Sheet Worksheet” and close the formula by pressing the Enter key once you have selected the range. The result is shown in cell A2 of the “New Excel Reference to Another Sheet Worksheet.”

Reference To Another Sheet example 3 step 6

Important Things To Note

  • By referring to another sheet, users can extract specific information, perform calculations, or create formulas that utilize data from different sources without manually copying and pasting values.
  • This ensures consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in data analysis and reporting.
  • The reference can be made by typing the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark (!) before specifying the required cell or range of cells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between referencing data from the same sheet and referencing data from another sheet in Excel?

This method refers to cells by their address or name thus allowing users to get desired data. On the other hand, referencing data from another sheet requires a slightly different approach. In this case, one must specify the source sheet followed by an exclamation mark (!) before indicating the cell reference.
By referencing external sheets, users access data across multiple sheets or workbooks while maintaining organizational structure and seamless data management. Furthermore, this technique facilitates collaboration amongst colleagues by consolidating information in a central location without duplicating data entries.

2. Are there any limitations to referencing data from another sheet in Excel?

First, the referenced data will only update if the source data changes if both sheets are open simultaneously. If one sheet is closed while working on the other, the reference will remain static until both are active.
There is a limit to how many references can be made in a single formula across multiple sheets, currently set at 255.

3. Are there any best practices or tips for referencing other Excel sheets?

Referencing an Excel cell or a range of cells within the same worksheet is easy. Let’s imagine we are currently in cell E7, and we need to retrieve the data from cell B2. In cell B2, we have the Sales/Month. Our aim is to create a link between this value and cell E7. To achieve this, we must enter an equal sign in cell E7.

FAQ Example-Reference to another sheet

There are two ways to select the desired cell: either use the mouse to click on cell B2 or directly type B2 into the formula bar. Now, press Enter key. We can see the result in cell E7.

It is crucial to note that cell E7 is now entirely dependent on the value in cell B2. Consequently, any modifications made to cell B2 will directly impact the content of cell E7, except for cell formatting.

FAQ Example Result

Download Template

This article must help us understand the Reference to Another Sheet in Excel formulas and examples. We can download the template here to use it instantly.

Guide to Reference To Another Sheet In Excel. Here we learn how to reference another sheet or workbook in excel with step by step examples and template. You can learn more from the following articles –

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *