Microsoft Excel 365 Bible

CHAPTER 25Linking and Consolidating Worksheets

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Using various methods to link workbooks
• Consolidating multiple worksheets

In this chapter, we discuss two procedures for using data from other workbooks or worksheets: linking and consolidating. Linking is the process of using references to cells in external workbooks to get data into your worksheet. Consolidating involves combining or summarizing information from two or more worksheets (which can be in multiple workbooks).

Linking Workbooks

Excel allows you to create formulas that contain references to other workbook files. The workbook that contains the external reference formulas is the dependent workbook because it contains formulas that depend on another workbook. The workbook that contains the information used in the external reference formula is the source workbook because that's where the information is.

When you consider linking workbooks, you may ask yourself the following question: If a workbook needs to access data that's in another workbook, why not just enter the data into the workbook that needs it? In some cases, you can. But the real value of linking becomes apparent when the source workbook is being continually updated by another person or group. Creating a link in the dependent workbook means you always have access to the most recent information in the source workbook. The dependent workbook is updated whenever the source changes.

Linking workbooks also can be helpful if you need to ...