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How to View Two or More Excel Sheets Side by Side

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If you need to compare data or work with multiple Excel sheets simultaneously, you can open and arrange them conveniently. Below are different methods to view two or more Excel sheets side by side.

I. Benefits of Viewing Two or More Excel Sheets at Once

Easier data comparison: Check figures across sheets without switching back and forth.
Faster workflow: Reduce time spent switching between files, especially when handling multiple documents.
More efficient data entry: Easily copy and cross-check information.
Accurate data analysis: Quickly verify formulas, financial reports, and statistical tables.
Better productivity with multiple screens: Drag Excel windows to different monitors to maximize workspace.

II. Ways to View Two or More Excel Worksheets Side by Side

1. View Two Sheets in the Same Excel File

Step 1: Open the workbook containing the sheets you want to view.

Step 2: Go to the View tab and click New Window to open an additional window for the current workbook.

How to View Two or More Excel Sheets Side by Side

Step 3: In each new window, select the sheet you want to view.

Step 4: On the View tab, click View Side by Side to display the windows next to each other.

Step 5: To scroll both sheets simultaneously, enable the Synchronous Scrolling option in the Window group under the View tab.

2. Open Two Excel Files Side by Side

If you want to display two separate Excel files at the same time:

Step 1: Open both workbooks containing the sheets you need to compare.

Step 2: Go to the View tab and click View Side by Side. If multiple workbooks are open, Excel will prompt you to select the workbook to compare.

How to View Two or More Excel Sheets Side by Side

Step 3: In each workbook window, select the sheet you want to compare.

To scroll both sheets at the same time, enable Synchronous Scrolling.

3. Arrange Multiple Excel Windows at Once

Step 1: Open all the files or sheets you want to view.

Step 2: On the View tab, click Arrange All.

How to View Two or More Excel Sheets Side by Side
Step 3: Choose your preferred arrangement style:

  • Tiled – Divides windows into equally sized tiles.
  • Horizontal – Stacks windows horizontally.
  • Vertical – Arranges windows vertically.
  • Cascade – Overlaps windows in a cascading layout.

Step 4: Click OK to apply the arrangement.

III. Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Error Cause Solution
“View Side by Side” is not enabled Only one Excel window is open Open another window using Alt + W, N or open a different Excel file.
Sheets do not scroll synchronously “Synchronous Scrolling” is not activated Press Alt + W, S to enable synchronous scrolling.
Excel windows are not arranged properly Arrangement mode is incorrect or misaligned Press Alt + W, A, then select the appropriate arrangement style.
Cannot open two windows of the same Excel file Default display mode does not support it Open the Excel file and press Alt + W, N to create a new window.
Cannot drag an Excel window to another screen Excel is running in Single Window Mode Drag the Excel window out of the main interface or use Windows + Shift + Arrow Key.
Window layout is misaligned after adjustments Resizing or moving windows causes misalignment Press Alt + W, B, then select “Reset Window Position”.

IV. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Viewing Multiple Excel Sheets

1. Keyboard Shortcuts for Viewing Two or More Excel Sheets at Once

Open a new Excel window → Ctrl + N
Switch between Excel windows → Alt + Tab
Open another window of the same Excel file → Alt + W, N
Enable View Side by Side mode → Alt + W, B
Enable/Disable Synchronous Scrolling → Alt + W, S
Automatically arrange Excel windows → Windows + Left/Right Arrow
Quickly open the Arrange Windows dialog → Alt + W, A
Switch between sheets in the same window → Ctrl + PgUp / Ctrl + PgDn

2. Useful Shortcuts for Working with Multiple Excel Sheets

Open a new Excel window → Ctrl + N
Quickly switch between Excel windows → Alt + Tab
Automatically arrange Excel windows → Windows + Left/Right Arrow
Move between sheets in the same window → Ctrl + PgUp / Ctrl + PgDn
Quickly open the Arrange Windows dialog → Alt + W, A

Conclusion

Viewing two or more Excel sheets at once enhances productivity, making it easier to compare, enter, and analyze data. By using features like View Side by Side, Synchronous Scrolling, and keyboard shortcuts, you can optimize your workflow. If you encounter issues, check your settings and apply the appropriate fixes. Start using these techniques today to boost your efficiency in Excel!

See more: How to highlight rows and columns of selected cells in Excel

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