Google Sheets Function· Sheets-only

IMPORTRANGE

Pull a live range of cells from another Google Sheets file.

This function works the same in Google Sheets as it does in Excel — same syntax and arguments.

Syntax

IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string)

IMPORTRANGE links data across separate spreadsheets, updating live. It's Google Sheets-only — Excel uses external workbook links or Power Query instead.

Arguments

spreadsheet_urlrequiredURL (or key) of the source spreadsheet.
range_stringrequiredSheet + range, e.g. "Sheet1!A1:C".

Examples

=IMPORTRANGE("https://docs.google.com/…", "Sheet1!A1:C")

Result: Live external data

Imports A1:C from the linked file; approve access on first use.

FAQ

Why does IMPORTRANGE show #REF!?

You haven't granted access yet — hover the cell and click Allow access.

Related functions

VLOOKUP QUERY