How to duplicate a sheet shortcut
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Duplicating a sheet in Excel creates an exact copy of an existing worksheet within the same workbook. The copied sheet retains all data, formulas, formatting, charts, and settings.
How to duplicate a sheet using a keyboard shortcut on Windows?
To duplicate a sheet on Windows, use a modifier-key drag action.
Select the worksheet tab to be duplicated.
Press and hold the Ctrl key.
Click and drag the worksheet tab to the desired position.
Release the mouse button first.
Release the Ctrl key.
A new worksheet is created with the same content and the name appended with a sequential number.
How to duplicate a sheet using a keyboard shortcut on Mac?
To duplicate a sheet on macOS, use a similar modifier-key drag action with a different key.
Select the worksheet tab to be duplicated.
Press and hold the Option key.
Click and drag the worksheet tab to the desired position.
Release the mouse button first.
Release the Option key.
A duplicate worksheet appears with identical structure and content.
Is there a pure keyboard-only shortcut to duplicate a sheet?
No. Excel does not provide a single keystroke combination that duplicates a worksheet without using the mouse. Worksheet duplication requires a drag action or menu-based command.
How to Duplicate a Sheet Using the Ribbon Without Shortcuts?
To duplicate a sheet using menu commands:
Right-click the worksheet tab.
Select Move or Copy.
Check Create a copy.
Choose the destination position.
Select OK.
This method produces the same result as the shortcut-based duplication.
What happens to formulas and references when a sheet is duplicated?
Formulas are preserved exactly as written. Relative references continue to point to corresponding cells within the duplicated sheet. External references continue pointing to their original targets.
Does duplicating a sheet copy named ranges and tables?
Yes. Named ranges scoped to the worksheet are duplicated. Workbook-level named ranges remain shared across sheets. Tables retain structure, headers, and calculated columns.
Can duplicated sheets increase file size and slow performance?
Yes. Each duplicated sheet increases workbook size. Performance impact grows with large datasets, volatile functions, pivot caches, and embedded objects.
What is the fastest method to duplicate multiple sheets?
The modifier-key drag method is the fastest for individual sheets. For multiple sheets:
Hold Ctrl on Windows or Command on macOS.
Select multiple worksheet tabs.
Apply the duplication method once.
Each selected worksheet is copied in sequence.
What is different between Windows and Mac for this shortcut?
Windows uses the Ctrl key. macOS uses the Option key. The duplication behavior and results are identical across platforms.
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