To manage and transfer data across multiple sheets in Google Sheets you have two options: IMPORTRANGE or Sheetgo.
The IMPORTRANGE function lets you transfer data from one spreadsheet to another. Sheetgo is a no-code automation tool that allows you to connect spreadsheets, automate workflows and much more.
Let’s compare both options and see what they have to offer.
IMPORTRANGE Google Sheets vs Sheetgo: Which is better?
- IMPORTRANGE Google Sheets limitations
- A better alternative to IMPORTRANGE
- IMPORTRANGE vs. Sheetgo
- Conclusion: IMPORTRANGE or Sheetgo?
IMPORTRANGE Google Sheets limitations
The IMPORTRANGE function offers a range of benefits: it simplifies managing multiple sheets and reduces the risk of errors when manually transferring data. However, it also has some limitations.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using IMPORTRANGE:
- Complexity: The formula can be a bit complex and may cause errors if not written correctly.
- Reference limit: Within a single file, the IMPORTRANGE can only import data from up to 50 different sheets.
- Formatting: It doesn’t transfer format. This means you may need to spend some time reformatting the data after it has been imported.
- Privacy concerns: When you import data from a sheet, you’ll need to give permission to access that sheet.
- Processing time: If you’re importing a large amount of data or your internet connection is slow, the IMPORTRANGE function may take some time to process.
- Data size limit: the overall file size is also limited to a 10MB transfer limit.
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A better alternative to IMPORTRANGE
If these limitations are holding you back, don’t worry. There’s a better way! Sheetgo offers a variety of benefits over IMPORTRANGE:
- Say goodbye to complex formulas: Sheetgo doesn’t require you to write any complex formulas to import data from multiple sheets. You will be able to transfer information with just a few clicks.
- Keep your formatting intact: Sheetgo can retain formatting when importing data, so you don’t have to waste time fixing it afterwards.
- Data privacy: You don’t have to share the data from the source file. Sheetgo keeps the data from the source spreadsheet private, ensuring that only authorized users can access it.
- Less prone to errors: When you use the IMPORTRANGE formula, you can get a lot of errors. With Sheetgo, you can transfer data with a few clicks, reducing the chances of errors.
If you want to harness the power of Google Sheets, Sheetgo can help you connect, transfer, merge or split data from your spreadsheets automatically.
You can try Sheetgo for free by clicking the button below.
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IMPORTRANGE vs. Sheetgo
If you’re still on the fence about which of these tools to choose, check out this head-to-head comparison chart.
| IMPORTRANGE | Sheetgo | |
|---|---|---|
| Level of spreadsheet expertise needed | Medium | Low |
| Dataset transferred | Customizable range | Entire sheet |
| Update frequency | ~30 seconds | Customizable, up to once every 15 min |
| Clearly shows connection errors | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Lists connections that exist in a spreadsheet | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Data availability | Only load when the spreadsheet is accessed* | Always available |
| Schedules data transfers | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Transfers formatting | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Consolidates multiple tabs into one | ❌** | ✔️ |
| Connects to Excel, CSV, or other tabular files | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Can create a historic record by freezing and appending data | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Exports data | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Filters data | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Includes a Workflow View to visualize connections between your spreadsheets | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Creates and organizes connections into workflows | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Notifies connection errors by email | ❌ | ✔️ |
*If you have an application that needs to access the spreadsheet quickly and use data that depends on import range you run the risk of that data not being available which could cause delays or errors.
**You can manually include multiple sequential Import Ranges but the cells utilized will always be static and not expand to accommodate more data being included in the source.
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What others think about Importrange Google Sheets vs Sheetgo
The IMPORTRANGE() function is a critical tool for any moderately complex Google Sheets application. Sadly, it is extremely limited in functionality, a fact attested by the huge volume of complaints in the GDocs Help Forums and no reference at all by Google to the limitations of the function. Sheetgo is a godsend. It provides an automated (if you need it) built-in tool for moving data from one file to another. It has a simple and clear user interface and, within the confines of the several days that I’ve used it, works perfectly. The staff is very responsive and helpful. I could not recommend this app more highly. Thank you Sheetgo!
Jeff Bush
Finance Director
Fantastic tool to help you offload complex sheet consolidation scripts and IMPORTRANGE formulas that sometimes do not always work as expected. Sheetgo is simple and works! Helps you use Google Sheets for “near-big-data” applications where you have massive data going into many separate sheets, Sheetgo allows you to consolidate into one place, analyze and present data easily and effectively!
Frank Norrmann
General Manager
This is a very reliable add-on. It works when Google Sheets reach limits that cause importrange failures. Sheetgo has incredible support and is constantly launching new features. Been searching for this solution for a long time, so happy to find something that finally works!
Svetha Janumpalli
CEO & Founder, New incentives
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Conclusion: IMPORTRANGE or Sheetgo?
If you want to transfer data in Google Sheets, IMPORTRANGE can help you. However, if you’re looking for a faster and more reliable solution, look no further than Sheetgo.
With Sheetgo, you can transfer, merge or split data from multiple spreadsheets automatically, without using complicated formulas and preserving the original formatting.
Check out how you can transfer formatting across spreadsheets with Sheetgo.
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