google sheets

How To Pull Data From Another Sheet In Google Sheets

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Work like a spreadsheet power user and answer all your questions in seconds.


Try for free Learn more
Jump to

Introduction

Google Sheets is a widely used tool for managing and analyzing data, with features like pulling data from other sheets within a spreadsheet. However, these features often require complex formulas and time-consuming manual work.

In this guide, we'll show you how to pull data between sheets in Google Sheets. We'll also explore how Sourcetable, an AI-powered spreadsheet alternative, lets you analyze data of any size by simply chatting with an AI assistant instead of writing formulas.

While Google Sheets relies on manual functions, Sourcetable allows you to create spreadsheets, generate data, and create visualizations just by describing what you want - sign up for Sourcetable to instantly answer any spreadsheet question.

google sheets

How to Pull Data from Another Sheet in Google Sheets

Basic Method

To pull data from another sheet in Google Sheets, type = followed by the sheet name, an exclamation point, and the cell being copied. For example, =Sheet1!A1 or ='Sheet number two'!B4. If the sheet name has spaces or other non-alphanumeric symbols, include single quotes around it.

Using IMPORTRANGE Function

The IMPORTRANGE function is used to pull data from another spreadsheet. To reference a cell or range of cells in another spreadsheet, use IMPORTRANGE. This allows you to maintain a connection between two separate Google Sheet documents.

Referencing Another Sheet in the Same Spreadsheet

To reference another sheet within the same spreadsheet, type = followed by the sheet name, an exclamation point, and the cell being copied. For example, =Sheet1!A1 or ='Sheet number two'!B4. If the sheet name includes spaces or non-alphanumeric symbols, use single quotes.

Using the FILTER Function

You can use the FILTER function to import data from another sheet based on specific criteria. This method allows more control over the data being imported and can be used for complex data connections.

Using VLOOKUP Between Sheets

To use VLOOKUP to find data in a different sheet, enter =VLOOKUP in the desired cell. The second argument should be the lookup value, and it must be in the first column of the search range. Set the third argument to the column number of the result within the search range, and set the fourth argument to FALSE for an exact match. Press enter to see the result.

google sheets
google sheets

Use Cases for Pulling Data from Another Sheet in Google Sheets

1. Consolidating Data from Multiple Sheets

To consolidate data from multiple sheets into one summary sheet, use formulas such as =Sheet1!A1 to reference specific cells from other sheets. This method allows you to centralize data for easy analysis and reporting.

2. Cross-Sheet Data Lookup with VLOOKUP

Enhance your data analysis by using VLOOKUP across sheets. Formulas like =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, sheet_name!range, column_number, FALSE) enable you to search and retrieve relevant data from different sheets efficiently.

3. Importing Data with IMPORTRANGE

By leveraging the IMPORTRANGE function with syntax IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string), you can import a range of cells from one spreadsheet to another. This function helps in syncing and combining data from multiple sources seamlessly.

4. Handling Complex Data References

Use single quotes around sheet names containing spaces or special characters, e.g., ='Sheet number two'!B4. This technique ensures accurate references and prevents formula errors while dealing with complex sheet names.

5. Real-Time Data Updates

IMPORTRANGE ensures that your data remains up-to-date by waiting for calculations on the source document to complete before returning results. This function is essential for applications that require real-time data synchronization.

6. Automated Data Import Workflows

Create automated workflows by combining IMPORTRANGE with other tools like AppsScript and Connected Sheets. This will help optimize performance and reduce delays in data updates across multiple sheets.

7. Managing Permissions and Access

IMPORTRANGE can throw a #REF! error if it lacks permission to access the target spreadsheet. Ensure you provide the necessary permissions to avoid disruptions in your data linking and synchronization processes.

8. Business Intelligence and Reporting

Utilize data linking features to build comprehensive and dynamic business intelligence reports. Pulling data from various sheets using IMPORTRANGE and reference formulas provides a robust foundation for detailed and accurate reporting.

sourcetable

Google Sheets vs. Sourcetable: A Comprehensive Comparison

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for basic data management and collaboration. However, for users asking how to pull data from another sheet in Google Sheets, the process can be cumbersome and requires a strong understanding of complex functions and formulas.

Sourcetable, an AI-first spreadsheet, offers significant advantages in this area. It comes equipped with an AI assistant that writes complex spreadsheet formulas and SQL queries for you, simplifying tasks that can be time-consuming in Google Sheets. This feature alone makes Sourcetable more accessible for users who may not be experts in advanced spreadsheet functions.

Additionally, Sourcetable integrates with over five hundred data sources. This integration allows you to search and ask any question about your data without having to open multiple files or use external tools. For tasks such as pulling data from another sheet, Sourcetable provides a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.

In summary, while Google Sheets is effective for basic tasks, Sourcetable outperforms in advanced data handling and accessibility. Its AI assistant and extensive data integration make it the superior choice for users seeking efficient and straightforward data management solutions.

sourcetable

How to Pull Data from Another Sheet in Sourcetable

  1. Sourcetable is an AI-powered spreadsheet that eliminates the complexity of traditional spreadsheet functions. Instead of learning complex formulas to pull data between sheets, simply tell Sourcetable's AI chatbot what you want to do. Upload your spreadsheet files of any size, and let Sourcetable's AI handle the analysis, visualization, and data management for you. Ready to simplify your spreadsheet work? <a href='https://app.sourcetable.com/signup'>Sign up for Sourcetable</a> and start asking questions about your data today.

    2. Upload Your Data

  2. Upload any CSV, XLSX, or other spreadsheet files to Sourcetable. The AI will automatically process and organize your data, making it ready for analysis and manipulation.

    3. Ask the AI Assistant

  3. Simply tell the AI chatbot what data you want to pull or analyze. No need to write formulas or remember spreadsheet functions - just describe what you want in plain language.

    4. Get Instant Results

  4. Sourcetable's AI will instantly generate the analysis, create visualizations, or perform the data operations you need. It handles everything from basic data pulls to complex analytical tasks.

    5. Create Advanced Visualizations

  5. Turn your data into compelling charts and visualizations by simply describing what you want to see. The AI assistant will generate professional-quality visual representations of your data.
google sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pull data from another sheet in Google Sheets?

To pull data from another sheet, type = followed by the sheet name, an exclamation point, and the cell being copied. For example, =Sheet1!A1 or ='Sheet number two'!B4.

What should I do if a sheet name has spaces or other non-alphanumeric symbols?

If a sheet name has spaces or other non-alphanumeric symbols, include single quotes around it. For example, use ='Sheet number two'!B4.

How can I pull data from another spreadsheet in Google Sheets?

Use the IMPORTRANGE function to pull data from another spreadsheet. You need to provide the URL of the original spreadsheet, the name of the specific tab, and the range of cells needed for data.

What can I do if the IMPORTRANGE function stops working or displays 'Loading data'?

If the IMPORTRANGE function stops working or displays 'Loading data', clearing the IMPORTRANGE and re-entering it manually may fix the problem. Additionally, using QUERY or FILTER functions, or employing Google Apps Script may provide more reliable alternatives.

Can the IMPORTRANGE function handle large data sets effectively?

The IMPORTRANGE function may not work efficiently if the source data is too large. In such cases, consider using QUERY or FILTER functions, or explore using Google Apps Script to handle large data sets more effectively.

What are examples of questions I can ask using the Explore feature in Google Sheets?

You can ask questions like 'Which person has the top score?', 'Total sales in September 2017?', and 'What’s the sum of price by salesperson?' by clicking Explore and typing your question.

Conclusion

While pulling data from another sheet in Google Sheets requires complex functions and features, Sourcetable offers a simpler solution.

Sourcetable is an AI spreadsheet that lets you analyze data by simply talking to a chatbot, eliminating the need for complicated formulas.

With Sourcetable, you can upload files of any size and instantly create visualizations, generate sample data, and perform complex analyses through natural conversation.

Sign up for Sourcetable and let AI answer all your spreadsheet questions: https://app.sourcetable.com/signup.



Sourcetable Logo

Work smarter, not harder

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Answer all your questions about spreadsheets in seconds. Try for free to get started.

Learn More
Drop CSV