How to Reference a Cell from Another Tab in Google Sheets
Link a dashboard to a source cell in another tab of the same file.
Download practice data · CSVStart the exerciseA published video is not available for this version yet. The complete written exercise and data are below.
Try it yourself
Import this CSV into a tab named Sales Data, at A1. Create a second tab Dashboard and enter the formula in B2 there. Expect 1250; change Sales Data!B2 to 1500 and Dashboard follows. This is a same-workbook reference, not IMPORTRANGE.
='Sales Data'!B2Detailed steps
- 1. Find the source cell
In this fictional workbook, the Sales Data tab stores weekly sales in B two. The starting value is twelve hundred fifty. We want that value in B two on Dashboard.
- 2. Enter the reference
Click B two on Dashboard. Type an equals sign, then the source tab name in single quotes, an exclamation point, and B two. Press Enter.
- 3. Include quotes for spaces
Sales Data contains a space, so the single quotes matter. The exclamation point separates the tab name from the cell address. The dashboard now shows twelve hundred fifty.
- 4. Change the source once
Now change the source value to fifteen hundred. The linked dashboard also changes to fifteen hundred. You do not need to copy it again.
- Keep the link intact
Typing a number over the dashboard formula breaks the link. This method references another tab in the same workbook. A separate spreadsheet file needs IMPORTRANGE. Which would you link next: sales, stock, or a budget?
Preview the input data
| Metric | Sales |
|---|---|
| Weekly sales | 1250 |
How to open the CSV
In a blank Google Sheet choose File → Import → Upload and select the downloaded CSV. Use comma as the separator. Start at A1 unless the exercise specifies another location. CSV contains input data; add formulas and controls using the steps above. Files are hosted directly here and require no shared personal Drive document.
Fictional demo data. Formulas use English function names and commas between arguments. Other spreadsheet locales may require semicolons. Check date recognition after importing.