Import Data Between Sheets in Google Sheets: A Guide

LAST UPDATED
September 14, 2024
Jason Gong
TL;DR

Use IMPORTRANGE to bring data from one sheet to another.

By the way, we're Bardeen, we build a free AI Agent for doing repetitive tasks.

If you handle a lot of data, check out our GPT in Spreadsheets feature. It helps you import, format, and analyze data automatically.

Importing data from another sheet in Google Sheets is a crucial skill for efficiently managing and analyzing data. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of using functions like IMPORTRANGE and IMPORTDATA to seamlessly bring data from external sources into your Google Sheets. We'll also cover best practices and troubleshooting tips to help you master data import and streamline your workflow.

Understanding Google Sheets Data Import Functions

Google Sheets offers several powerful functions for importing data from various sources, streamlining data management and boosting workflow efficiency. The primary functions include:

  • IMPORTRANGE: Imports data from a specified range in another Google Sheets spreadsheet.
  • IMPORTDATA: Imports data from a CSV or TSV file hosted online.
  • IMPORTHTML: Imports data from tables or lists within a webpage.
__wf_reserved_inherit
  • IMPORTXML: Imports data from XML files using XPath queries.
  • IMPORTFEED: Imports data from RSS or ATOM feeds.

Each function excels in specific scenarios:

  • Use IMPORTRANGE when you need to connect Google Sheets files or reference data across sheets within the same file.
  • IMPORTDATA is ideal for importing structured data from CSV or TSV files, making it easy to update your sheet with data from external sources.
  • IMPORTHTML and IMPORTXML are handy for extracting data from webpages or XML files, respectively, allowing you to pull relevant information directly into your sheet.
  • IMPORTFEED is perfect for adding dynamic content like news headlines or blog post summaries to your sheet, keeping it up-to-date with the latest information.

By leveraging these functions, you can bring AI into your spreadsheet, reduce manual data entry, and ensure your sheets always have the most current information. This not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of errors, enabling you to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

Using IMPORTRANGE to Import Data Between Google Sheets

The IMPORTRANGE function in Google Sheets allows you to import data from one Google Sheets spreadsheet to another. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

  1. Open the source Google Sheets spreadsheet containing the data you want to import.
  2. Locate the URL of the source spreadsheet in the address bar. Copy this URL.
  3. Open the destination Google Sheets spreadsheet where you want to import the data.
  4. In a cell where you want the imported data to appear, type the formula: =IMPORTRANGE("spreadsheet_url","range_string")
  5. Replace spreadsheet_url with the URL you copied from the source spreadsheet, enclosed in quotation marks.
  6. Replace range_string with the sheet name and range of cells you want to import, in the format "Sheet1!A1:B10". If you want to import the entire sheet, simply use the sheet name, like "Sheet1".
  7. Press Enter to complete the formula.
__wf_reserved_inherit

The first time you use IMPORTRANGE to connect two spreadsheets, you'll need to grant permission. A #REF! error will appear, prompting you to "Allow access". Click the "Allow access" button to establish the connection.

Common issues you may encounter include:

  • Permission errors: Ensure you have the necessary access rights to both the source and destination spreadsheets.
  • Delays: If the source spreadsheet is large or contains complex calculations, there may be a delay in importing the data. Be patient and wait for the import to complete.
  • Incorrect range_string: Double-check that you've specified the correct sheet name and cell range in the range_string parameter.

To troubleshoot issues, check the spelling and formatting of your IMPORTRANGE formula, ensure you have the necessary permissions, and verify that the source spreadsheet and specified range are accessible. Also, consider using GPT for Google Sheets to enhance your productivity.

Save time on managing Google Sheets with Bardeen. Automate repetitive tasks like connect Microsoft Excel to speed up your spreadsheet workflows.

Harnessing IMPORTDATA for External Data Sources

The IMPORTDATA function in Google Sheets allows you to import data from external sources, such as CSV or TSV files available online. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

  1. Find the URL of the CSV or TSV file you want to import.
  2. Open your Google Sheets spreadsheet and select the cell where you want the imported data to appear.
  3. Type the formula =IMPORTDATA("url"), replacing "url" with the actual URL of the file enclosed in quotation marks.
  4. Press Enter to execute the formula and import the data.

For example, to import a CSV file located at https://example.com/data.csv, you would use the formula:

=IMPORTDATA("https://example.com/data.csv")
__wf_reserved_inherit

Keep in mind that IMPORTDATA has some limitations:

  • The file size should not exceed 5MB.
  • The imported data is not automatically updated. To refresh the data, you need to re-enter the formula or use a script to automate the process.
  • The URL must be publicly accessible without requiring authentication.

To work around the data refresh issue, you can create a script that periodically re-imports the data using the IMPORTDATA function. This ensures that your spreadsheet always contains the most up-to-date information from the external source.

If you need advanced data handling, consider using automation tools for Google Sheets.

Advanced Techniques: Linking Sheets and External Data

Combining IMPORTDATA with other functions like QUERY can help you filter and manage imported data more effectively. Here's an example of how to use these functions together:

  1. Import the data using IMPORTDATA as shown in the previous section.
  2. Use the QUERY function to filter and manipulate the imported data. The syntax for QUERY is:
=QUERY(data, query, [headers])
  • data: The range of cells containing the data to be queried, which in this case is the IMPORTDATA function.
  • query: The query string that specifies the filtering and manipulation criteria.
  • [headers]: (Optional) The number of header rows in the data range.

For example, to import data from a CSV file and filter it to only include rows where the value in column A is greater than 100, you would use:

=QUERY(IMPORTDATA("https://example.com/data.csv"), "SELECT * WHERE A \u003e 100", 1)

To create dynamic reports that update automatically with external data changes:

  1. Set up your IMPORTDATA function to import the data from the external source.
  2. Use QUERY or other functions to filter and manipulate the data as needed.
  3. Create charts, tables, or other visualizations based on the imported and filtered data.

Scraping data from websites can also be integrated with Google Sheets to automate this process. When the external data source is updated, the IMPORTDATA function will automatically pull in the new data when the spreadsheet is refreshed or reopened. The QUERY function and any visualizations based on the imported data will also update accordingly, creating a dynamic report that stays up-to-date with the latest information.

Automate importing and updating data by using Bardeen's data enrichment tools to keep your Google Sheets dynamic and up-to-date with minimal effort.

Best Practices and Troubleshooting for Data Import in Google Sheets

When working with large imports and external data sources in Google Sheets, it's essential to follow best practices to maintain data integrity and ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips:

  • Break large datasets into smaller, more manageable chunks to avoid hitting file size limits and improve processing speed.
  • Regularly check the data in your source files to ensure consistency and accuracy before importing.
  • Use data validation to restrict input and maintain data integrity.
  • Optimize your spreadsheets by removing unnecessary formatting, formulas, and data.

If you encounter errors while importing data, here are some common issues and their solutions:

  1. #REF! error: This occurs when a formula references a cell that no longer exists. Update your formulas to reference the correct cells.
  2. #ERROR!: This can happen when a formula contains an error or when imported data is incompatible with the formula. Check your formulas and data for inconsistencies.
  3. Access issues: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to access the source file or URL. If using IMPORTRANGE, make sure to grant access to the source sheet.
  4. File size limits: If your import exceeds the file size limit, try splitting the data into multiple files or use an alternative import method like data enrichment tools.
  5. URL problems: Double-check that the URL is correct and accessible. If using IMPORTDATA, ensure the file is in the correct format (CSV or TSV) and hosted on a reliable server.

By following these best practices and troubleshooting steps, you can ensure smooth and efficient data imports in Google Sheets, allowing you to focus on analyzing and utilizing your data effectively. For enhanced data processing, consider integrating Google Docs with your spreadsheet workflow.

__wf_reserved_inherit

Automate Google Sheets with Bardeen: A New Era

Importing data from another sheet in Google Sheets can be a manual process of copying and pasting or using functions like IMPORTRANGE. However, for those looking to streamline their workflow and ensure data integrity, automating this process with Bardeen can be a game-changer. Automation can save time, reduce errors, and allow for real-time data updates across sheets.

Here are examples of automations you can build with Bardeen:

  1. Copy a newly created Asana task to Google Sheets: This playbook automates the process of copying new tasks from Asana directly into a Google Sheet, ensuring your task management and data tracking are seamlessly integrated.
  2. Copy records from SmartSuite to Google Sheets: Automate the transfer of records from SmartSuite into a Google Sheet for easy access and analysis, streamlining project management and reporting.
  3. Copy an Airtable to Google Sheets: This playbook simplifies the process of moving data from Airtable to Google Sheets, enabling efficient data consolidation and analysis.

To leverage these automations and more, start by downloading the Bardeen app at Bardeen.ai/download.

Contents

Automate Google Sheets with Bardeen

Easily import and manage data with Bardeen's AI Agent.

Get Bardeen free
Schedule a demo

Related frequently asked questions

How to Delete Product Hunt Account: Easy Guide

Learn how to delete your Product Hunt account with our step-by-step guide. Get all the details you need for a smooth process.

Read more
What is Document Automation? Guide to Digital Solutions

Learn the definition of document automation and its impact on business efficiency and compliance in our comprehensive guide.

Read more
Understanding Gmail Labels: Organize Your Inbox Efficiently

Learn how Gmail labels work to organize emails and contacts with custom and system labels for efficient inbox management.

Read more
How to Export from HubSpot: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to export data from HubSpot efficiently. Follow our step-by-step guide to export contacts, deals, and reports smoothly from your HubSpot account.

Read more
Easy Steps to Find Your HubSpot User ID - 2024

Learn how to find your HubSpot User ID for integrations and API uses through settings, the Owners API, or OAuth 2.0. Essential steps for HubSpot users.

Read more
How to Create a Salesforce Template: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to create a template in Salesforce. Follow our simple steps for creating email, Visualforce, and Lightning templates to streamline your workflow.

Read more
how does bardeen work?

Your proactive teammate — doing the busywork to save you time

Integrate your apps and websites

Use data and events in one app to automate another. Bardeen supports an increasing library of powerful integrations.

Perform tasks & actions

Bardeen completes tasks in apps and websites you use for work, so you don't have to - filling forms, sending messages, or even crafting detailed reports.

Combine it all to create workflows

Workflows are a series of actions triggered by you or a change in a connected app. They automate repetitive tasks you normally perform manually - saving you time.

get bardeen

Don't just connect your apps, automate them.

200,000+ users and counting use Bardeen to eliminate repetitive tasks

Effortless setup
AI powered workflows
Free to use
Reading time
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies. View our Privacy Policy for more information.