[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Google Sheets’ wide variety of functions, features, and add-ons makes it a great tool for manipulating and sharing data. If you use separate files or tabs for different calculations and data processes, you probably need to reuse some of the data in multiple files. Copying and pasting is one way to import data into Google Sheets, but it’s not a very good one. If the source data is updated, you\u2019ll have to copy and paste it again.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, there are multiple methods available to link your data across multiple Sheets files. In this article, you will learn how to import data from another tab in the same Sheets file, as well as how to import data from a different Sheets file. One of the methods you will learn uses the IMPORTRANGE function, which you can learn about in more detail in our related article on how to use the IMPORTRANGE function in Google Sheets<\/a>. The last section shows which function to use when the data comes from a CSV file or a web page.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”import-data-from-another-tab-in-the-same” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You can easily import data from one tab to another by linking the cells.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open the spreadsheet containing the data you want to import.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-source-tab.webp” alt=”Import data from another tab in Google Sheets \u2014 cryptodata tab with coin names, symbols, and prices” title_text=”Cryptodata tab with coin names, symbols, and prices” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Click on the tab you want to import the data to. If you don\u2019t already have one, click \u201c+\u201d to add a new tab.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-new-tab.webp” alt=”Import data from another tab in Google Sheets \u2014 empty cryptoanalysis tab with cell A1 selected” title_text=”Empty cryptoanalysis tab with cell A1 selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Choose an empty cell and type an equal sign (=).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-equal-sign.webp” alt=”Import data from another tab in Google Sheets \u2014 equal sign typed in cell A1 of the cryptoanalysis tab” title_text=”Equal sign typed in cell A1 of the cryptoanalysis tab” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Click on the tab with the data you want and select the first cell you want to import. You\u2019ll see the reference to the tab and the cell added to the formula.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-select-source-cell.webp” alt=”Import data from another tab in Google Sheets \u2014 cell B1 selected on the cryptodata tab, formula reads =cryptodata!B1″ title_text=”Cell B1 selected on the cryptodata tab, formula reads =cryptodata!B1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Press \u201cEnter\u201d immediately after selecting the cell. You will be switched back to the tab with the formula, which now contains the imported cell.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-imported-cell.webp” alt=”Import data from another tab in Google Sheets \u2014 Name imported into cell A1 of the cryptoanalysis tab” title_text=”Name imported into cell A1 of the cryptoanalysis tab” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> To expand the selection, click on the cell with the formula, then on the blue square on the bottom-right corner of the cell. Drag it to expand.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-expand-selection.webp” alt=”Import data from another tab in Google Sheets \u2014 formula dragged across A1:E7 to fill in names, symbols, ranks, and prices” title_text=”Formula dragged across A1:E7 to fill in names, symbols, ranks, and prices” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Alternatively, you can type in the reference directly after the equal sign. For example, =Sheet1!A1:A20<\/strong> would import the first 20 rows of column A from Sheet1.<\/p>\n For more ways to link data across tabs and files, see how to reference another sheet in Google Sheets<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”import-data-from-another-google-sheets-f” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You can import data from one Google Sheets file to another by using the IMPORTRANGE function<\/a>. Alternatively, you can use Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform, to transfer selected data between your files automatically, as shown below.<\/p>\n To import the data with IMPORTRANGE:<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open both the Sheets source file – containing the data you want – and the Sheets destination file – the one to which you want to import the data.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-source-and-destination.webp” alt=”Import data from another Google Sheets file \u2014 source file with sales_data next to the empty destination file” title_text=”Source file with sales_data next to the empty destination file” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> In the destination file, click on the cell where you want to import the data and type in the IMPORTRANGE formula. Make sure that there are enough empty cells for the data you want to import.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-importrange-formula.webp” alt=”Import data from another Google Sheets file \u2014 IMPORTRANGE formula started in cell A1 of the destination file” title_text=”IMPORTRANGE formula started in cell A1 of the destination file” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> The first parameter is the URL of the source file, which you can copy from the address bar of that file.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-copy-url.webp” alt=”Import data from another Google Sheets file \u2014 source file URL selected in the browser address bar” title_text=”Source file URL selected in the browser address bar” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Add the URL, enclosed in quotation marks (“”), as the first parameter of the formula, then add a comma.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-add-url.webp” alt=”Import data from another Google Sheets file \u2014 source file URL pasted in quotation marks as the first argument” title_text=”Source file URL pasted in quotation marks as the first argument” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> The second parameter provides the range of cells to import and should also be enclosed in quotes (“”). If the source file has multiple tabs, you\u2019ll need to specify the sheet first: \u201cSheet_name!Cell:range\u201d. Once you\u2019ve added the range, close the parenthesis and press \u201cEnter\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-add-range.webp” alt=”Import data from another Google Sheets file \u2014 range sales_data!B1:D122 added as the second argument” title_text=”Range sales_data!B1:D122 added as the second argument” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> You\u2019ll see a \u201c#REF!\u201d error that can be resolved by clicking on \u201cAllow access\u201d to connect the files.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-allow-access.webp” alt=”Import data from another Google Sheets file \u2014 #REF! error with the Allow access button” title_text=”#REF! error with the Allow access button” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If the cell still shows an error after you allow access, our article on IMPORTRANGE not working<\/a> lists the common causes and fixes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 7.<\/strong> That\u2019s it! Your data has been imported to the destination file.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/import-data-google-sheets-data-imported.webp” alt=”Import data from another Google Sheets file \u2014 sales amounts, agents, and products imported into the destination file” title_text=”Sales amounts, agents, and products imported into the destination file” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n For the full syntax and the function’s limits, see our IMPORTRANGE guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”import-data-with-sheetgo” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If you want a simpler and more reliable way to import Google Sheets data into another Google Sheets file (or Excel file) you can connect your files and transfer data between them automatically. This enables you to:<\/p>\n Additionally, you can transfer the formatting from the source file, so you won\u2019t have to waste any time fixing it in the destination file. You will also be able to keep the source file private, allowing you full control over who has access to what data. To learn more about this, check out this post on Google Sheets\u2019 IMPORTRANGE vs. Sheetgo.<\/a><\/p>\n Sheetgo turns spreadsheets into a data pipeline that’s ready for AI. It can connect Google Sheets<\/a> files to each other and to Excel or CSV files. The four steps below import data from one Google Sheets file into another.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Go to app.sheetgo.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Log in and click +Create workflow<\/strong> > Connect.<\/strong><\/p>\n At the top of the screen, give the Untitled workflow<\/strong> a name so you can identify and edit the workflow later.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Firstly, select which file type you want to import data from.\u00a0<\/p>\n Click Sheet file(s) <\/strong>to import data from a single or multiple spreadsheets.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Import-Google-Sheets-1.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-1″ title_text=”Import Google Sheets-1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n In this example, I want to import survey data from my colleague’s spreadsheet. It’s a file named “Customer Survey USA”.<\/p>\n Select how much data you want to import<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Click the Next Step\u00a0<\/strong>button.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Import-range.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-2″ title_text=”Import range” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ width=”100%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/import-range-2-1.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-2″ title_text=”import range 2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ width=”100%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n By default, Sheetgo will import the entire dataset from your source tab into another file \u2014 but you don’t need to import all of the data in the tab if you don’t want to.<\/p>\n Click on Filter data<\/strong> to choose exactly which data you want to import. You can select data by condition, cell color, or by writing a SQL-type query.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Import-Google-Sheets-3.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-3″ title_text=”Import Google Sheets-3″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Under Send data to<\/strong>, select which file type you want to import the data into. This is your destination file. It can be another Google Sheets file, an Excel file, or a CSV file.<\/p>\n For all file types, you can send the data to an existing file or a new file that Sheetgo will create for you automatically.<\/p>\n Sheetgo will create a new tab\u00a0<\/strong>(sheet or worksheet)\u00a0in the destination file containing the imported data.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Import data into an existing spreadsheet<\/strong><\/p>\n Import data into a new spreadsheet<\/strong><\/p>\n In this example, I want to import the data to a new Google Sheets file. I name the file “Regional Analysis January” and the tab “USA”. Sheetgo will create the destination file for me automatically and save it in my Google Drive.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Import-Google-Sheets-5.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-5″ title_text=”Import Google Sheets-5″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Click Finish and Save<\/strong> to create the connection and start the data import.<\/p>\n Check out your destination file. It now contains a new tab with the imported data from your source file. The padlock icon and green bar show you that this is a connected<\/strong> tab.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Import-Google-Sheets-7.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-7″ title_text=”Import Google Sheets-7″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Your Google Sheets files (or other spreadsheets) are now connected by Sheetgo and you can update, or refresh, the data in the destination tab at any time by clicking Run<\/strong> on the floating workflow menu.<\/p>\n After each update, any changes to the source sheet will be reflected in the destination sheet.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Import-Google-Sheets-6.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-6″ title_text=”Import Google Sheets-6″ module_class=”sheetgo-post-no-shadow-img” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To ensure you’ve always got the latest data in your spreadsheets without having to open Sheetgo, you can schedule automatic updates.<\/p>\n Click Automate<\/strong> on the floating menu bar and choose how frequently you want the data to be updated: from once an hour to once a month.<\/p>\n This can help you compile automated reports or power dashboards with accurate and up-to-date information.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Import-Google-Sheets-8.png” alt=”Import Google Sheets-8″ title_text=”Import Google Sheets-8″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To copy the source file’s formatting along with the data, see how to transfer data between Google Sheets automatically<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Now that you’ve created a workflow you can expand it by connecting more files to automate and integrate your processes even further.<\/p>\n Often, you may want to combine, or merge, data from multiple Google Sheets into one<\/a>. You can do this by creating a new workflow and selecting Send Data to <\/strong>> Multiple Files<\/strong> or by adding more files to the workflow you’ve already created.<\/p>\n To add another source file to your existing workflow, open Sheetgo<\/a> and select the workflow from the list on the left of the screen. Click +Connect<\/strong> on the floating workflow menu and add another source file. Under Destination, <\/strong>select the same destination file<\/strong> and destination tab<\/strong> as your previous connection. This will import data from multiple Google Sheets, consolidating the information into one central tab.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”other-ways-to-import-data-into-google-sh” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n When the data isn’t in another spreadsheet, pick the tool that matches where it lives. Each function links to its own guide with the syntax and examples.<\/p>\nImport data from another tab in the same file<\/h2>\n
Import data from another Google Sheets file<\/h2>\n
Import data with Sheetgo<\/h2>\n
\n
Step 1: Open Sheetgo<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Select your source data<\/h3>\n
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Step 3: Filter (optional)<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Select your destination file<\/h3>\n
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How to update the imported data<\/h3>\n
Schedule automatic updates<\/h3>\n
Import data from multiple Google Sheets files<\/h3>\n
Add more files<\/h3>\n
Other ways to import data into Google Sheets<\/h2>\n