Function Problems

How to Retrieve a Cell from Another Workbook with INDIRECT in WPS Office Spreadsheets

Camila Milosovich Nov 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to build a formula that uses a workbook name stored in a cell to retrieve the value from cell C3 on a specified worksheet in another workbook.

How to Retrieve a Cell from Another Workbook with INDIRECT in WPS Office Spreadsheets

Product: WPS Office Spreadsheets
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user wants to create a dynamic cross-workbook reference where the source workbook filename is stored in a cell, such as A2.
Observed behavior: A dynamic reference is needed to return the target cell value when the source workbook is open; INDIRECT cannot pull values from closed workbooks.

Before you start

Confirm the source workbook is open in WPS Office Spreadsheets, because INDIRECT cannot retrieve values from a closed workbook. Verify that cell A2 contains the full source workbook filename, including the file extension when necessary.

Solution 1Recommended

Use INDIRECT to Retrieve a Cell from an Open Workbook by Using a Filename in a Cell

Use this recommended method when the source workbook is open and the filename is stored in a cell such as A2.

INDIRECT evaluates a text string as a worksheet reference, so the workbook name in cell A2 can be combined into the reference. The source workbook must remain open while the formula calculates.

Open both workbooks

In WPS Office Spreadsheets, open the destination workbook and the source workbook that contains the value in cell C3.

Select the destination cell

Click the cell where you want the retrieved value to appear.

Enter the INDIRECT formula

Type =INDIRECT("'["&$A2&"]SheetName'!C3"), replace SheetName with the exact worksheet name, and press Enter.

Use INDIRECT to Retrieve a Cell from an Open Workbook by Using a Filename in a Cell

Closed workbook limitation: INDIRECT cannot retrieve values from a closed workbook. If the source workbook is not open, use a direct external reference, Power Query, or VBA.

Solution 2

Use a Direct External Reference When the Source Workbook Is Closed

Use this method when you need the value from another workbook without keeping the source file open.

WPS Office Spreadsheets

Create Dynamic Cross-Workbook INDIRECT References in WPS Office Spreadsheets

Open both workbooks in WPS Office Spreadsheets, enter the INDIRECT formula, and let WPS resolve the workbook name stored in a cell. WPS supports the same Excel formula syntax for dynamic references to open workbooks.

1. Open both workbooks in WPS Office Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office, open the destination workbook and the source workbook that contains the target value in cell C3.
2. Select the destination cell: Click the cell where you want the retrieved value to appear.
3. Enter the INDIRECT formula: Type =INDIRECT("'["&$A2&"]SheetName'!C3"), replace SheetName with the actual worksheet name, and press Enter.
4. Check the result: Confirm that the formula returns the value from cell C3 and that cell A2 contains the correct workbook filename.

Familiar Excel-style INDIRECT formula syntax in WPS SpreadsheetsOpens and saves Microsoft Excel XLSX files without conversionFree, lightweight Office suite with a straightforward spreadsheet interfaceSupports direct external references for closed workbooks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does INDIRECT work with a closed workbook in WPS Office?

No. INDIRECT only evaluates references to open workbooks. For closed workbooks, use a direct external reference, Power Query, or VBA.

What should I put in cell A2 for the INDIRECT formula?

Put the full source workbook filename, including the extension when required, such as Budget.xlsx. The formula concatenates that value into the reference string.

Why does my INDIRECT formula return #REF!?

A #REF! error usually means the source workbook is closed, the worksheet name is misspelled, or the text does not form a valid reference. Verify that the source workbook is open and the sheet name in the formula matches exactly.

Can I use INDIRECT to retrieve a cell from another worksheet in the same workbook?

Yes. Use =INDIRECT("SheetName!C3") for a worksheet in the same open workbook.

Which closed-workbook method should I use instead of INDIRECT?

Use a direct external reference for one-off values. Use Power Query for repeated or large imports, and use VBA if you need automated retrieval from closed files.

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