Google Sheets doesn’t let you share just one tab. Anyone you share a spreadsheet with can see every sheet in it, even hidden ones. To share only one sheet, copy it into its own file: right-click the sheet tab, choose Copy to > New spreadsheet, open the new file, and share that. If you need the shared copy to update automatically, create a new spreadsheet and pull in the tab’s data with the IMPORTRANGE function instead.
Here are both methods, plus a view-only option using Publish to the web, and why hiding or protecting a tab isn’t enough.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Stays up to date? | Can others edit? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy to a new spreadsheet | No, it’s a snapshot | Yes, if you allow it | One-time sharing |
| IMPORTRANGE into a new spreadsheet | Yes | They can’t change your source data | Ongoing, view-only sharing of live data |
| Publish one sheet to the web | Yes | No | Public dashboards or reports |
Method 1: Copy the sheet to a new spreadsheet
- Right-click the tab you want to share at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose Copy to > New spreadsheet.
- Click Open spreadsheet in the confirmation box.
- Rename the new file (click Untitled spreadsheet at the top) and the tab if needed.
- Click Share, add people, choose Viewer, Commenter, or Editor, and click Send.
Formulas that reference other tabs in the original file will show errors in the copy. Before copying, you can convert those cells to values with Edit > Paste special > Values only in a duplicate tab.
Method 2: Share a live copy with IMPORTRANGE
- Create a new spreadsheet at sheets.new.
- In cell A1, type a formula like =IMPORTRANGE(“paste the original spreadsheet URL here”, “Vendors!A1:F200”), using your tab name and range.
- Press Enter, then click Allow access when prompted.
- Share the new spreadsheet with others as Viewer.
The data updates automatically when the original changes. People with access to the new file see only the imported range, not the rest of your original spreadsheet. Don’t give them access to the original file.
Method 3: Publish one sheet to the web
- In the original spreadsheet, click File > Share > Publish to web.
- Under Link, change Entire Document to the one sheet you want.
- Choose Web page (or PDF or CSV) and click Publish.
- Copy the link and share it.
Important: Published sheets are public to anyone with the link and can be found by others. Don’t publish anything private. Some Workspace organizations turn this feature off.
Why hiding or protecting a tab doesn’t work
- Hidden sheets can be unhidden by editors, and viewers can often still see the data through downloads, copies, or formulas.
- Protected sheets prevent editing but don’t hide anything. See how to password protect a Google Sheet for what protection can and can’t do.
Frequently asked questions
Can I share a specific range instead of a whole sheet?
Not directly, but IMPORTRANGE (Method 2) lets you share just a range in a separate file.
Will the copy keep formatting and charts?
Copy to a new spreadsheet keeps formatting and charts from that tab. IMPORTRANGE brings only the values, so you’ll need to format the new file.
How do I stop viewers from downloading the file?
In the Share box, click the gear icon and uncheck Viewers and commenters can see the option to download, print, and copy.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.