What you will build

Consolidate two regional order tabs while keeping a region identifier. This lesson uses fictional sample data so you can reproduce each action.

Learning objective

Complete the steps using the dataset below, explain why the feature or formula is used, and recognize issues when inputs change.

Prepare the sample data

Paste this example as tab-separated values beginning at A1 on a new worksheet:

HANDS-ON PRACTICE

Practice in your own copy

Make your own Google Sheets copy with the same data, formulas, formatting, filter and frozen header. The original remains unchanged.

Make a Google Sheets copy (access required) ↗View original

Sign in to Google. If the original is not publicly shared, download the full workbook and import it into Google Sheets, or paste the example data into your own sheet.

Open the practice workbook with North, South and Summary tabs ↗

Work through the example

Step 1: Create tabs North and South with matching three-column headers and two example records each.

The North tab in Google Sheets shows Order, Region, Amount with rows N-01 and N-02 before consolidation.
The South tab in Google Sheets shows Order, Region, Amount with rows S-01 and S-02 before consolidation.

Step 2: Create a Summary tab and stack the ranges once, placing the shared header only at the top.

Step 3: Check that the four orders retain their IDs and Region values after consolidation.

Formula to try

In the verified practice workbook, use H2 in the Formula result area for the formula below. Keep the source table unchanged and compare the displayed result with the checkpoint.

={North!A1:C3;South!A2:C3}
The Summary tab in Google Sheets shows result range H2:J6 after the formula combines data from North and South.

Checkpoint

OrderRegionAmount
N-01North120
N-02North80
S-01South240
S-02South320

Each value must be in the intended column. If the entire dataset lands in one cell, undo, select A1, and paste the tab-separated data again.

Common mistake and correction

Correction: return to the exact range and command named in the steps, then compare the live sheet with the Order, Region, Amount source fields.

Independent practice

After following the example, complete this variation without editing the source data: Add a third order on North and expand the referenced range without duplicating headers.

Key takeaways

  • ✓Complete “Combine data from multiple sheets” using the visible Order, Region, Amount sample so each action and the final state can be checked against the source data.
  • ✓Create tabs North and South with matching three-column headers and two example records each.
  • ✓Create a Summary tab and stack the ranges once, placing the shared header only at the top.
  • ✓If the result differs, repeat “Create tabs North and South with matching three-column headers and two example records each.” and then “Create a Summary tab and stack the ranges once, placing the shared header only at the top.”. Verify the working table still uses Order, Region, Amount before changing source values.
  • ✓After following the example, complete this variation without editing the source data: Add a third order on North and expand the referenced range without duplicating headers.
QUICK CHECK

Check your understanding

Answer four questions about the practice sheet.

1. What is the correct first action in “Combine data from multiple sheets”?
2. Which follow-up action belongs to “Combine data from multiple sheets”?
3. What should you verify before “Combine data from multiple sheets” is complete?
4. Which correction is appropriate if “Combine data from multiple sheets” behaves unexpectedly?

Continue learning

Previous lesson: —; Next lesson: Find duplicates in a column.