Using IMPORTRANGE to Reference Another Google Sheet

Last Updated : 13 Oct, 2025

The IMPORTRANGE function in Google Sheets allows you to seamlessly import data from one spreadsheet to another, eliminating the need for manual copying and pasting. This dynamic function ensures that changes in the source spreadsheet are automatically reflected in the destination, streamlining data management.

1. IMPORTRANGE

IMPORTRANGE is a Google Sheets function that acts as a bridge, pulling data from a source spreadsheet into a destination spreadsheet. It updates in real-time, ensuring your data stays current without manual intervention. This makes it ideal for collaborative projects, data consolidation, or referencing external datasets.

IMPORTRANGE Syntax:

=IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string)

  • spreadsheet_url: The URL of the source spreadsheet (in quotes). You only need the portion up to /edit, or the spreadsheet ID.
  • range_string: The sheet name and cell range to import (e.g., 'Sheet1'!A1:C10). Enclose sheet names with spaces or numbers in single quotes.

Example:

=IMPORTRANGE("https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LdPxJKzgw-cwnGcg2XYjdkbQtNN37oqrqDzoGw6E28k/edit", "'Sales Data'!A1:C10")

2. How to use the IMPORTRANGE Function in Google Sheets

Step 1: Open the Browser

Open your preferred browser and go to "Google."

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Open the Browser


Step 2: Go to Google sheet

After clicking on Google, go to Google Workspace and scroll down to see "Google Sheets."

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Go to Google sheet


Step 3: Select the blank sheet

After clicking on Microsoft sheet, choose blank sheet and open it.

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Select the blank sheet


Step 4: Click on the cell

Choose a cell where you want to apply this formula.

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Click on the cell


Step 5: Copy the URL of sheet from which you need the data

Before putting Formulae, go on a spreadsheet whose data you want to copy, and copy the URL of that sheet.

Step 6: Back to a new sheet

After copying the URL from an old sheet, type Formulae in the new sheet you selected for this practice.

Step 7: Apply Formulae

Write the formula in a cell by typing =IMPORTARANGE and paste the URL you copied.

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Apply Formulae


=IMPORTRANGE("https://accounts.google.com/v3/signin/identifier?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fspreadsheets%2Fd%2F1LdPxJKzgw-cwnGcg2XYjdkbQtNN37oqrqDzoGw6E28k%2Fedit&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fspreadsheets%2Fd%2F1LdPxJKzgw-cwnGcg2XYjdkbQtNN37oqrqDzoGw6E28k%2Fedit&ifkv=AdBytiMKjAdnfDXL5EAGWB9CXdj_5Z-QDnsOYt3lzq1DhDKHXNsE0_N2lIMCHQKhmF9zZveHtTib<mpl=sheets&osid=1&passive=1209600&service=wise&flowName=WebLiteSignIn&flowEntry=ServiceLogin&dsh=S305956337%3A1753272379070804#gid=1837330146").

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Formula applied

Step 8: Build the range string

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The range string uses this format: SheetName![top-left cell]:[bottom-right cell].

  • SheetName: This is the name of the sheet containing your data. If it has spaces or numbers, enclose it in single quotes (').
  • Top-left cell: This is the reference (e.g., A1) of the cell at the very beginning of the data area you want to copy.
  • Bottom-right cell: This is the reference (e.g., G47) of the cell at the very end of the data area you wish to copy.

Example:

Imagine you want to import data from a "Sales Data" sheet in your original spreadsheet. The data starts in cell A1 and goes down to row 10, including columns A to C (so the bottom-right cell is C10).

Your range string for this example would be: 'Sales Data'!A1:C10

Step 9: Using the Range String in Your Function

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Using the Range String in Your Function


Once you have your range string, copy it and paste it into your function, surrounded by quotation marks ("). For instance, if you're using the IMPORT RANGE function, it would look like this:

=IMPORTRANGE("[Original Spreadsheet URL]", "'Sales Data'!A1:C10")

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Check your data


Note:

  • Double-check your sheet names and cell references for accuracy.
  • You can skip the single quotes if the sheet name is simple (without spaces or numbers).

Step 10: End your Command

If you close the bracket by putting parenthesis ")" and press enter, you will get a #REF error like the one below.

Step 11: Allow Access

Click "Allow access," and your data will be imported. Your new spreadsheet will now display a duplicate of the data from your previous spreadsheet. However, the IMPORTRANGE function will still appear if you choose the cell where you wrote the function.

Benefits of IMPORTRANGE Formulae

  • Conserve Time: Simplify the import of data from other spreadsheets.
  • Simple Data Comparison: Compare data between sheets quickly and easily.
  • Selective Data Import: Transfer particular rows from private files to safely shared documents.
  • No Need for Extra Tools: Functions without third-party applications or browser plugins.
  • Particular to Google Sheets: There needs to be a comparable feature in Excel.
  • Quick Results: Receive real-time data updates.
  • Minimize Errors: Steer clear of errors caused by manual copying and pasting.

3. Important Google Sheets functions to use with IMPORTRANGE

3.1. COUNTIF

COUNTIF will display the number of cells that satisfy the precise requirements you're looking for inside a particular range. You can use this formula instead of scrolling through rows and rows of data to discover what you're looking for.

4. How to use COUNTIF with IMPORTRANGE Function

Step 1: Type the formula

Start with =COUNTIF(.

Step 2: Choose your range

Inside the first parenthesis, specify the area you want to search. For example, A1:A50 would search cells A1 to A50.

Step 3: Set your criteria

Inside the second parenthesis, tell COUNTIF what to count.

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Countif with IMPORTRANG


Step 4: Press Enter

COUNTIF will show you how many cells match your criteria in that range.

5. How to Use VLOOKUP with Importrange

One of the best formulas for sorting through data is VLOOKUP. It may be used to locate relevant data, such as the pay of a specific employee or the quantity of sales a particular team produced in September. To put it briefly, data points can be easily compared.

=VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])

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VLookup with Importange

6. How to use SPLIT with IMPORTRANGE

SPLIT divides imported text into separate cells based on a delimiter.

Note: Google Sheets does not have a TEXTSPLIT function; use SPLIT instead.

Step 1: Enter text

Enter the cell reference or text you want to split.

Step 2: Use "TEXTSPLIT" Formula

Use quotes around the character or string you want to use as the cutting tool (like "," or a space).

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Split with Importrange Function

Step 3: Optional extras

You can choose to split by each character (",") or only whole words (") and even remove empty text after splitting.

7. Managing data imports from External files

  • IMPORTRANGE vs. IMPORTDATA:
    • IMPORTRANGE: Imports data between Google Sheets, ideal for linking spreadsheets.
    • IMPORTDATA: Imports data from external files (e.g., CSV, TSV) via a URL, not Google Sheets.
  • Example:

=IMPORTDATA("https://example.com/data.csv")

  • Dynamic Updates: IMPORTRANGE automatically syncs changes from the source, unlike static imports with IMPORTDATA.
  • Access Control: Ensure you have at least view access to the source spreadsheet. Share the source sheet with collaborators if needed.

Is there a maximum amount of data that I can import?

Although there's no formal cap, massive datasets may impact performance. Consider utilizing different sheets if you are working with large amounts of data.

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