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Google Sheets · Verified tutorial

Reference another tab in Google Sheets

In B2, enter exactly ='Source data'!B2 to reference January revenue from the Source data tab.

Verified by JosephineJuly 25, 2026About 60 seconds

Quick answer

In B2, enter exactly ='Source data'!B2 to reference January revenue from the Source data tab.

Step-by-step

1

Open the practice sheetUse the example data shown below so the result is easy to check.

2

Reference another tabIn B2, enter exactly ='Source data'!B2 to reference January revenue from the Source data tab.

3

Check the resultCompare the finished sheet with the expected result and correct the target range if needed.

Shortcut or faster method

Select the target cell, type or paste the formula in the formula bar, then press Enter.

Expected result

B2 contains the cross-tab formula and displays 125.

Common mistake

Applying the change to more rows, columns, or cells than the task specifies.

Troubleshooting

Re-select B2 and repeat the final action. B2 contains the cross-tab formula and displays 125.

Example spreadsheet data

This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.

Metric	Linked value
January revenue

Video transcript

Open the prepared Practice spreadsheet.
Open the practice sheet. Use the example data shown below so the result is easy to check.
Reference another tab. In B2, enter exactly ='Source data'!B2 to reference January revenue from the Source data tab.
Check the result. Compare the finished sheet with the expected result and correct the target range if needed.
B2 contains the cross-tab formula and displays 125.