Other Workbook References in Excel

Question

How do you reference other workbooks in Excel?

Answer

You can refer to cells in worksheets in other workbooks in the same way you refer to cells in other worksheets within the same workbook. These references are called external references. For example, to enter a reference to Book2 in Book1, follow these steps: 

1. Create 2 workbooks; Book1 and Book2 
2. Select cell A1 in Sheet1 of Book1, and type an equal sign. 
3. Switch to Book2. Click to select A2. 
4. Press Enter

After you press enter, your formula in Workbook 1, Cell A1, should be =[Book2]Sheet1!$A$2. This reference has 3 parts: The Workbook Book2 in square brackets, the worksheet and the cell. So referencing cells in external workbooks by selecting the workbook, then worksheet, and then the cell you want to reference. 

For more information about Formulas and Functions in Excel, please view the full tutorial from the CTL here: Excel Part 3

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