How to use IMPORTRANGE from another spreadsheet in Excel and Google Sheets

Heads up: Excel and Google Sheets do this differently.

Excel

='[SourceWorkbook.xlsx]Sheet1'!A2:B6

Google Sheets

=IMPORTRANGE("https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/SPREADSHEET_ID","Sheet1!A2:B6")

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Formula

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1In Google Sheets, open the source spreadsheet and copy its URL from the browser address bar.
2In your destination spreadsheet, type =IMPORTRANGE("PASTE_URL_HERE","Sheet1!A1:D100") — replacing the URL and range with your own.
3Click 'Allow access' when prompted on the first use so Sheets can connect the two files.
4In Excel, use the path syntax ='[WorkbookName.xlsx]SheetName'!A1 or use Data → Get Data → From Workbook (Power Query) for a live refreshable connection.

Wrap IMPORTRANGE in IFERROR to show a friendly message if the source sheet is temporarily unavailable or the URL changes.

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Describe your columns in plain English and get the precise formula for your sheet, with the right Excel or Sheets syntax.

You need to click 'Allow access' once per unique source spreadsheet to grant permission. The error disappears after authorization.

No. In Excel, reference another open workbook with ='[File.xlsx]Sheet'!A1, or use Power Query (Data → Get Data) for a refreshable external link.

Written and reviewed by FormulaCraft Team. Each formula on this page is run through our verification engine before publishing.

Last reviewed: May 28, 2026