5 Ways to Add Duplicate Sheets in Excel

Managing data efficiently in Excel often requires creating duplicate sheets for various purposes such as data backup, comparison, or applying different analyses without altering the original data. Here are five innovative ways to duplicate sheets in Excel, each tailored to different needs and scenarios:

Add Duplicate Sheet using the Ribbon

The simplest way to duplicate a sheet in Excel is through the Ribbon:

• Right-click on the sheet tab you wish to duplicate.
• From the context menu, select Move or Copy.
• In the dialog box, ensure the Create a copy checkbox is ticked.
• Choose where you want the duplicated sheet to appear by selecting from the list in the “Before sheet” dropdown.
• Click OK, and your new duplicate sheet will appear next to or before your selected position.

Using Excel Keyboard Shortcuts

For those who prefer using keyboard shortcuts, Excel provides a quick way to duplicate sheets:

• Press Alt + E to open the Edit menu.
• Type M for Move or Copy.
• Press T to select To Book if you want to move it to a different workbook, or leave it blank for the same workbook.
• Use C to select Create a copy, then Enter to confirm.
• Choose the location for the new sheet using arrow keys and press Enter.

Excel VBA Macro to Duplicate Sheets

For repeated tasks or when managing large datasets, using a VBA macro can save time:

Sub DuplicateSheet()
    Dim sht As Worksheet
    Dim newSht As Worksheet
    Set sht = ActiveSheet
    sht.Copy After:=Sheets(Sheets.Count)
End Sub

⚠️ Note: This macro duplicates the current active sheet and places it at the end of the workbook. Adjust the code for your specific needs.

Adding Multiple Duplicates with Excel’s Data Consolidation

If you need to create several duplicates at once:

• Open your workbook.
• Select the sheet you want to duplicate multiple times.
• Use the “Move or Copy” method as described earlier, but copy it to the same workbook multiple times.
• Rename each sheet to keep them organized.

Using Excel Power Query

Power Query offers a sophisticated way to manage and duplicate data:

• Select your data range.
• Go to the Data tab and click Get Data or From Table/Range to open Power Query.
• Transform your data as needed.
• Choose Home > Duplicate or Reference to create a copy of the current query.
• Load the data into a new worksheet or combine it with existing data.

The methods mentioned provide a comprehensive approach to managing data through duplication in Excel, catering to both beginners and advanced users. Each technique comes with its benefits:

• The Ribbon method is user-friendly for beginners.
• Keyboard shortcuts enhance productivity for those familiar with Excel's shortcuts.
• VBA macros automate repetitive tasks.
• Data consolidation helps in creating multiple similar sheets.
• Power Query allows for complex data transformations before duplication.

Remember, choosing the right method depends on your specific requirements, the complexity of your dataset, and your proficiency in Excel. Understanding these tools and techniques will help you streamline your work and boost your productivity.

What’s the fastest way to duplicate sheets in Excel?

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The fastest method for most users would be using the keyboard shortcut Alt + E + M and then selecting Create a copy.

Can I duplicate a sheet to another workbook?

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Yes, when using the “Move or Copy” feature, you can choose the destination workbook in the “To book” dropdown.

How do I duplicate only specific parts of a sheet?

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Select the range you want to duplicate, right-click, and choose “Copy”. Then, switch to the destination sheet and paste the data.