Function Problems

How to Copy a Formula Result as a Hyperlink Between Excel Workbooks

WPS Content Manager Oct 7, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to copy the result of an Excel HYPERLINK formula and paste it as a clickable link into a different worksheet or workbook.

How to Copy a Formula Result as a Hyperlink Between Excel Workbooks

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring generated link data across different spreadsheets to build reports or consolidate resources.
Observed behavior: Pasting the formula result as values produces plain text, effectively losing the clickable hyperlink functionality.

Before you start

Ensure both your source and destination workbooks are open. It is helpful to temporarily copy the actual URL text from the formula so you have it ready to paste when configuring the new link.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Paste Special and Insert Hyperlink Manually

This method allows you to retain the text value of the formula and manually re-apply the clickable hyperlink property to the destination cell.

When you use Paste Special > Values in Excel, all formatting and hyperlink properties are stripped out to leave just the raw text. To resolve this, you must reassign the link address to the pasted plain text.

Copy the formula cell

Select the cell containing the original HYPERLINK formula in your source workbook and press Ctrl+C to copy it.

Paste as Values

Navigate to your destination workbook, select the target cell, and press Ctrl+Alt+V to open the Paste Special dialog box. Select 'Values' and click OK.

Open the Hyperlink dialog

Right-click the newly pasted plain text cell and select 'Hyperlink' from the context menu, or simply press Ctrl+K.

Configure the link address

In the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, choose 'Existing File or Web Page', paste the actual destination URL into the Address bar at the bottom, and click OK.

Use Paste Special and Insert Hyperlink Manually

Quick Tip: You can quickly grab the target URL by clicking on the original formula cell, highlighting the URL string inside the quotation marks in the formula bar, and copying it.

Solution 2

Automate the Process Using a Macro

If you need to transfer multiple HYPERLINK formula results regularly, recording a macro will save time and prevent repetitive manual work.

Manage Excel Formulas and Hyperlinks Seamlessly with WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet offers powerful and intuitive data processing capabilities, allowing you to handle complex formulas, hyperlinks, and cross-workbook data transfers with ease. It operates smoothly and natively supports essential Excel functions.

1. Copy the Formula Cell: Open your spreadsheet in WPS Office and press Ctrl+C to copy the cell containing the HYPERLINK formula.
2. Paste as Values: Switch to your destination workbook, right-click the target cell, and choose 'Paste as Values' to insert the plain text result.
3. Reapply the Link: Press Ctrl+K to immediately open the Insert Hyperlink window, paste your target web address, and click OK to make the text clickable again.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) and CSV formatsLightweight and fast, maintaining high performance even with multiple workbooks openFamiliar user interface making complex 'Paste Special' operations intuitiveFree to download and use for your daily spreadsheet management needs

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'Paste Values' remove the hyperlink property?

The 'Paste Values' function is specifically designed to paste only the raw text or numerical result of a formula. It intentionally strips away all underlying functions, cell formatting, and link properties to provide clean data.

Can I copy the formula exactly as it is to another workbook?

Yes. If you use standard 'Paste' (Ctrl+V) instead of 'Paste Special > Values', the formula itself will be copied over. However, you must ensure any relative cell references used in the original formula remain valid and point to correct data in the new workbook.

What is the fastest keyboard shortcut to insert a hyperlink?

In both Microsoft Excel and WPS Spreadsheet, you can select any cell and press Ctrl + K to instantly open the Insert Hyperlink dialog box.

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