Consolidate data from different Excel files

[Joanne]

I have four Excel files containing data - Jan to Mar, Apr to Jun, etc. Is it possible to consolidate this data into one annual spreadsheet without copying and pasting?

Many thanks
Joanne

[Marcia]

Try the consolidate tool under Data. I use that to consolidate payrolls from January to December.

[Joanne]

Hi Marcia

Thank you for your reply. I saw the Consolidate option and have Googled it, but still can't work out how to use it

I will have another go and if it still doesn't work for me - I'll be back!

Regards,
Jo

[Marcia]

Open a blank sheet, go to data tab, select consolidate. A dialogue box will pop out, click the browse button, select your January file. I presume that you have headers in your files so check the "row headers", click "add". Repeat the same process until the last sheet that you want to add in the consolidated data. To make the consolidation process easier, remove all merged cells.

[Joanne]

I've tried that but I keep getting the message "Consolidation reference is not valid"

[Marcia]

Did you select the range? do not include the row labels.