What is cross-sheet reference in Google Sheets?
A sheet reference points a formula at another tab or workbook. Cross-sheet and 3D references let one formula read data spread across tabs. IMPORTRANGE and internal sheet names like 'Sales'!A:A are the usual Google Sheets patterns.
When to use it
Use cross-sheet reference when writing or auditing formulas that must point at the right cells after copy, fill, or sheet changes.
When to skip it
Skip worrying about cross-sheet reference when a named range, QUERY, or pivot already expresses the logic more clearly.
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Absolute reference ($)
Absolute references lock row, column, or both with dollar signs so a formula keeps pointing at the same cell when you copy it. $A$1 locks both axes. A$1 locks the row. $A1 locks the column. Mixed locks are how tax rates stay in one settings cell while a formula fills down a thousand rows.
Read guide →Open range reference
An open range reference points at an entire row, column, or unbounded slice such as B:B or 2:2 instead of a fixed rectangle like B2:B500. Formulas with open ranges include every cell in that line, which is convenient for growing tables but expensive and risky when stray values live far below your data.
Read guide →Named range
A named range gives a block of cells a readable label like Revenue or ValidStatuses instead of only B2:B500. Define names from Data > Named ranges. Formulas, charts, pivot tables, and validation rules can reference the name, which makes models easier to audit and safer when rows shift inside the named block.
Read guide →Google Sheets formulas
A formula is an instruction in a cell that calculates a result from other cells, ranges, or built-in functions. Every formula begins with =. When inputs change, the sheet recalculates so dashboards and models stay live without manual copy-paste. Formulas are the default automation layer inside the grid before Apps Script or add-ons.
Read guide →Done reading about cross-sheet reference?
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