Import ranges from other spreadsheets using IMPORTRANGE
What is IMPORTRANGE, and when to use it?
The syntax for the function is:
=IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url;range)
How to use the Link Spreadsheet option?
1. Click the Data tab in the menu bar.
2. Tap on Link Spreadsheet to open the Link Spreadsheet dialog box
3. Copy the URL or the Resource ID of the sheet that you want to link, and paste it to the dialog box. The spreadsheet will be added to the list of Linked Spreadsheets in the same dialog box. A Resource ID is part of the URL of the spreadsheet and is the alphanumeric record right after the 'open/' in the URL.
After the spreadsheets are linked, you can go use the spreadsheets in the IMPORTRANGE function!
Please note that linking 'January 2020' to 'February 2020' only lets you import a range from the former to the latter. You cannot, with the same linking, import ranges from 'February 2020' into 'January 2020'.
Managing linked spreadsheets
The permission to link these spreadsheets can be revoked at any time. To do this,
1. Open the Data tab on the menu bar.
2. Click on Link Spreadsheets. A dialog box with the list of already linked spreadsheets will open.
3. You can click on the 'Delete' icon next to the spreadsheets' name to revoke the link permission.
Please note that when this permission is revoked, you'll no longer be able to fetch or import ranges from that spreadsheet anymore, unless it is linked again.
Possible errors you might come across
The following is a list of common errors you may come across, as well as potential reasons for encountering them:
Errors | The possible reason could be |
#NOT_LINKED | a. Spreadsheet 'January 2020' hasn't been linked with spreadsheet 'February 2020' yet. If this is the case, you can use the Link now prompt in the cell. |
b. You previously linked the spreadsheets, but now your read access to 'January 2020', or write access to 'February 2020' has been revoked. | |
#REF | The range you've referred to is not found. Check if you've furnished the sheet name correctly while specifying the range that you want to import. Ensure that the sheet name in the range is enclosed within single quotation marks. |
Renaming the linked sheet will result in the formula throwing a #REF error. You'll have to edit the formula and enter the new name to fix this. | |
#CIRCULARREF | You get a #CIRCULARREF when you're trying to point the IMPORTRANGE function to its own result, one way or the other. Say for instance, you're trying to import the range 'Sheet1.A1' from 'January 2020' to 'February 2020'. If the A1 cell in 'Jan 2020' is already an imported copy of 'Sheet1.A1' from 'February 2020', then the function throws a #CIRCULARREF error. |
#EVAL | An unexpected error occurred while trying to fetch your data. |
#TIME_OUT | It took longer than usual to fetch the ranges from the spreadsheet 'January 2020'. The volume of data imported and the stability of your internet connection are often reasons why there is a #TIME_OUT error. |
If you have any other questions about how to use the IMPORTRANGE function, or if you are in need of assistance, you can reach us at support@zohosheet.com.
Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo
If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.
- Zoho Workerly Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
- Zoho Recruit Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
Zoho CRM Training Programs
Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.
Zoho SalesIQ Resources
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
Zoho DataPrep Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
Related Articles
How to lock cell ranges/sheets in Zoho Sheet?
What is the use of 'lock' in Zoho Sheet? You can lock cells that you don't want the collaborators to accidentally edit. When you publish a spreadsheet, you can always choose to lock formula cells to make your spreadsheet a little more secure. Owners ...Importing spreadsheets to Zoho Sheet
Import a new spreadsheet From the listing page, click on the Upload button. From the drop down, select the option to Upload Spreadsheet. You can drag and drop files from your computer into the dialog box that pops up, or click on the dialogue box and ...Using the Zoho Sheet browser extension and web clipper
You can download and install the Zoho Sheet web clipper on Chrome and FireFox. Zoho Sheet's browser extension makes it easier to work with your spreadsheets . Here's how you can use it. To create a new spreadsheet Click on the Zoho Sheet web clipper ...Open an existing Zoho Sheet file
Your Zoho Sheet files, stored in Zoho WorkDrive, will be displayed in the file listing by default. You can access all your files in WorkDrive using the folder icon in the top-right corner of the file listing. Note: You can use the dropdown near ...Enter data into cells
To edit cells in a spreadsheet: Double tap on the cell you wish to edit or single tap on the desired cell, and use the Edit option in the context menu or the formula bar. This will open the keypad for you to start typing. You can switch between the ...