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How Do I Put the Same Formula in Multiple Sheets?

Published in Spreadsheet Software 3 mins read

You can easily put the same formula into multiple sheets in spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets by grouping the sheets and then entering the formula. Here's how:

Steps:

  1. Select the Sheets: Click on the tab of the first sheet where you want the formula.
  2. Group the Sheets: Hold down the Shift key (for a continuous range of sheets) or the Ctrl key (or Command key on Mac) (to select non-adjacent sheets) and click on the tabs of the other sheets you want to include. All selected sheet tabs will be highlighted, indicating they are grouped.
  3. Enter the Formula: Select the cell where you want to enter the formula in the first of the grouped sheets. Type your formula into the formula bar and press Enter.
  4. Verify: The formula will automatically be entered into the same cell on all the selected sheets. Check the other grouped sheets to confirm.
  5. Ungroup Sheets: Right-click on any of the selected sheet tabs and choose "Ungroup Sheets" (or just click on a sheet tab that isn't grouped). This is important; otherwise, any subsequent changes you make will affect all the grouped sheets.

Example:

Let's say you want the sum of cells A1 and B1 to appear in cell C1 on sheets Sheet1, Sheet2, and Sheet3.

  1. Click on the "Sheet1" tab.
  2. Hold down the Shift key and click on the "Sheet3" tab. (This selects Sheet1, Sheet2, and Sheet3.)
  3. Select cell C1 in "Sheet1".
  4. Type =A1+B1 into the formula bar and press Enter.
  5. Check cell C1 in "Sheet2" and "Sheet3". It should now contain =A1+B1.
  6. Right-click on any of the selected sheet tabs and select "Ungroup Sheets."

Important Considerations:

  • Cell References: The formula is copied exactly as you type it. If you use relative cell references (e.g., A1), they will adjust relative to the cell's position in each sheet. If you use absolute cell references (e.g., \$A\$1), they will remain fixed.

  • Sheet Order: Grouping works best when the sheets are organized consistently (e.g., same data structure in each sheet).

  • Modifying Formulas: If you need to change the formula later, remember to regroup the sheets, make the change in one sheet, and then ungroup.

  • Careful when Grouped: Be extremely careful when sheets are grouped. Any edits will apply across all the sheets.

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