How to Merge Data From Several Excel Workbooks

Merging compiles multiple workbooks' data

Newer versions of Microsoft Excel let multiple users collaborate on spreadsheets. Users work on "shared workbooks" over a single network, letting each user view all others' changes. Ultimately, you'll likely want to compile all edits into a single workbook. Excel hides this function by default, but the options menu enables it. Note that this feature only merges data from shared workbooks. Append data from unrelated workbooks by importing individual sheets.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Excel 2007 or newer

Instructions

1. Click the Microsoft Office button on the screen's top-left corner, and select "Excel options."

2. Under "Customize," click "All Commands" in the "Choose commands from" list.

3. Check the box next to "Compare and Merge Workbooks." Click "Add," and then click "OK." The "Compare and Merge Workbooks" icon will now appear in the quick access bar at the top of the window,

4. Move all workbooks to a single folder. If they share a name, rename them as necessary.

5. Open one workbook. Click the "Compare and Merge Workbooks" icon.

6. Select the other workbooks whose date you want to merge. To select multiple workbooks, press the "control" or "shift" keys as you select them.

7. Click "OK."

References

• Microsoft Support: Merge copies of a shared workbook