Excel: Reference to another file - how it works
In this practical tip, we will show you how to use Excel to refer to another file. For example, you can use the table of another file as the basis for your calculation.
Reference another file with Excel
To be able to make a reference with Excel, you must first open both files. Then do the following:
- Put an equal sign (=) on the line where you want to make the calculations.
- Now switch to the other file and select the cell with the number you need for your calculations.
- Then go to your calculation document and end the calculation with the Enter key.
- Click again in the line with the result and look at the process. At the end you will always find the line note from the other document with the dollar sign in front of it.
- However, since these must be removed, mark this area and then press the [F4] key three times. Then the two dollar signs should have disappeared. See the screenshot for this.
- Then press Enter and pull down the entries on the lower left cell border with the small cross until you have transferred all the key figures.
- At the end you will find the "auto-fill options" with a small, blue table. Click on it and select "Fill without formatting". Your reference between the two Excel files has now been created.
Should Excel show incorrect results, you will find another practical tip for reasons why Excel sometimes calculates incorrectly.