Syntax or pattern
Import data from another Google Sheets file.
=IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string)5 practical examples
Import a full source table
Bring data from another workbook into a reporting file.
=IMPORTRANGE("https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID", "Orders!A:E")Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.
Import only needed columns
Filter imported data instead of copying a whole source table.
=QUERY(IMPORTRANGE(A1, "Orders!A:E"), "select Col1, Col2, Col5", 1)Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.
Import and filter active rows
Show only active tasks from a team tracker.
=QUERY(IMPORTRANGE(A1, "Tasks!A:F"), "select Col1, Col2 where Col5 = 'Active'", 1)Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.
Import a single lookup table
Use imported product data for lookups in another workbook.
=IMPORTRANGE(A1, "Products!A:B")Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.
Import monthly tabs into a report
Stack several imported monthly sheets into one table.
={IMPORTRANGE(A1,"Jan!A:E"); IMPORTRANGE(A1,"Feb!A:E"); IMPORTRANGE(A1,"Mar!A:E")}Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Changing source sheet permissions or range names after building formulas.
- Importing entire sheets when only a few columns are needed.
- Depending on web imports that may change structure.
FAQ
What is this Google Sheets page for?
This page gives copy-ready examples for importrange examples so you can understand the pattern and adapt it to real spreadsheet work.
Can I copy these formulas directly?
Yes. Use the copy buttons, then adjust sheet names, ranges, criteria and column references for your own file.
Why does my formula return an error?
The most common causes are mismatched ranges, missing quotes around text criteria, blank source data, or references that do not match your sheet layout.