IMPORTRANGE for other spreadsheets in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the IMPORTRANGE function do in Google Sheets?

IMPORTRANGE lets you pull data from one Google Sheets spreadsheet into another. It connects sheets by using the spreadsheet's URL and the range you want to import.

beginner

What is the correct syntax for IMPORTRANGE?

The syntax is: <br>=IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string)<br>where spreadsheet_url is the link to the other sheet, and range_string is the range like "Sheet1!A1:C10".

beginner

Why do you sometimes see a #REF! error when using IMPORTRANGE for the first time?

Google Sheets asks you to allow access to the other spreadsheet. You must click the prompt to grant permission before data appears.

beginner

Can IMPORTRANGE update data automatically when the source spreadsheet changes?

Yes! IMPORTRANGE updates the imported data automatically when the source spreadsheet changes, so you always see the latest data.

beginner

How do you specify a range from a different sheet inside the same spreadsheet URL in IMPORTRANGE?

Use the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark and the cell range, like "Sheet2!A1:B5" inside the range_string argument.

What do you need to provide first when using IMPORTRANGE?

A The name of the sheet you are working on

B The URL of the spreadsheet you want to import from

C The formula to calculate the sum

D The email of the spreadsheet owner

IMPORTRANGE requires the URL of the other spreadsheet to know where to get the data.

What happens if you don’t allow access when prompted by IMPORTRANGE?

A The formula will delete itself

B The data will still import

C The spreadsheet will crash

D You will see a #REF! error

Without permission, IMPORTRANGE cannot access the data and shows a #REF! error.

How do you write the range to import cells A1 to C10 from a sheet named 'Data'?

A "Data!A1:C10"

B "A1:C10!Data"

C "Data:A1-C10"

D "Sheet1!A1:C10"

The correct format is sheet name, exclamation mark, then cell range.

Does IMPORTRANGE update data automatically when the source changes?

A Only if you open the source spreadsheet

B No, you must refresh manually

C Yes, it updates automatically

D Only once per day

IMPORTRANGE keeps your data current by updating automatically.

Which of these is a valid IMPORTRANGE formula?

A =IMPORTRANGE("https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/abc123", "Sheet1!A1:B5")

B =IMPORTRANGE(Sheet1!A1:B5)

C =IMPORTRANGE("Sheet1!A1:B5")

D =IMPORTRANGE(12345, "A1:B5")

You must provide the spreadsheet URL as a string and the range as a string.

Explain how to use IMPORTRANGE to bring data from another Google Sheets file into your current sheet.

Think about the two main pieces of information IMPORTRANGE needs.

What should you do if IMPORTRANGE shows a #REF! error after entering the formula?

Remember the first time you connect, Google Sheets asks for permission.