Function Problems

How to Auto-Fill Cells Across Different Excel Worksheets

Emma Brown Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to automatically fill or populate cells with data across different worksheets within the same Excel workbook.

How to Auto-Fill Cells Across Different Excel Worksheets

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing and syncing data across multiple tabs where changes made in a main sheet need to reflect automatically in other destination sheets.
Observed behavior: Excel's standard AutoFill drag handle only works within the active worksheet and cannot be directly dragged across sheet tabs to populate different worksheets.

Before you start

Ensure all the target worksheets are created within the same workbook and identify the exact name of the source worksheet containing your original data.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Cross-Sheet Cell References

Since standard AutoFill doesn't span across tabs, using a direct formula reference is the best way to automatically populate and sync data from one worksheet to another.

By using a simple equals (=) formula linked to the original sheet, the destination cell will dynamically update whenever the source data is changed.

Start the formula

Click on the cell in the destination worksheet where you want the data to appear and type an equals sign (=).

Select the source data

Click on the tab of your source worksheet at the bottom of the window, then click the cell containing the data you want to bring over.

Confirm the reference

Press the Enter key. You will be automatically brought back to the destination worksheet, and the cell will now display the linked data.

Auto-Fill the remaining cells

Select the newly linked destination cell, click and hold the small square at the bottom-right corner (fill handle), and drag it across the rows or columns to auto-fill the remaining references.

Dynamic Updates: Whenever you update the original data in the source sheet, the referenced cells in the destination sheets will automatically update.

Solution 2

Group Worksheets for Simultaneous Data Entry

If you need to enter the exact same data or formulas into the exact same cell locations across multiple sheets simultaneously, you can group the worksheets.

Efficient Spreadsheet Management

Auto-Fill Across Sheets Easily in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides seamless cross-sheet referencing and worksheet grouping features, making it incredibly simple to link data across multiple tabs. Sync your calculations effortlessly without manual data entry.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the workbook containing your target worksheets.
2. Initiate the cross-sheet link: Click the destination cell where you want the auto-filled data to appear and type the equals sign (=).
3. Reference the source: Click the tab of your source worksheet, select the original cell, and press Enter to complete the link.
4. Use the Auto-Fill handle: Select the linked destination cell, grab the fill handle at the bottom right corner, and drag it to auto-fill the adjacent cells with the corresponding references.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formulas, cell references, and formatting.Easily link cells across multiple worksheets with intuitive point-and-click functionality.Group multiple sheets for simultaneous editing and rapid data entry.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for daily office tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the traditional drag-to-fill handle across sheet tabs?

No, Excel's drag-to-fill handle (AutoFill) is restricted to the active worksheet. You cannot physically drag the crosshair over a sheet tab to fill data into a different tab. You must use cell references or worksheet grouping instead.

What happens to my cross-sheet links if I rename the source worksheet?

If you rename the source worksheet, Excel and WPS Spreadsheet will automatically update any existing cross-sheet formulas to reflect the new sheet name, preventing broken links and ensuring your data remains synced.

How do I reference a range of cells on another worksheet in a formula?

You can reference a range in formulas (like SUM or VLOOKUP) by typing the formula, navigating to the target sheet, and highlighting the desired range before pressing Enter. The formula will automatically append the sheet name, such as =SUM(Sheet2!A1:A10).

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