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To duplicate a sheet in Excel, use built-in sheet-level actions that create an exact copy of the worksheet, including data, formulas, formatting, charts, and page setup.

Method 1: Duplicate a Sheet Using Drag-and-Drop

This method is the fastest for duplicating a single sheet.

1. Locate the sheet tab at the bottom of the workbook.

2. Press and hold the Ctrl key on Windows or the Option key on MacBook.

3. Click and drag the sheet tab to the desired position.

4. Release the mouse button before releasing the key.

A new sheet appears with the same content and structure, identified by an incremented name such as Sheet1 (2).

Windows and MacBook differences:
Windows uses the Ctrl key.
MacBook uses the Option key.

Method 2: Duplicate a Sheet Using the Move or Copy Command

This method provides control over the destination of the duplicated sheet.

1. Right-click the sheet tab.

2. Select Move or Copy.

3. Select the destination workbook or position from the list.

4. Check Create a copy.

5. Select OK.

The duplicated sheet appears at the chosen location with all elements preserved.

Windows and MacBook differences:
The menu structure and command names are identical.

Method 3: Duplicate a Sheet Using the Ribbon

This method works well when right-click menus are unavailable.

1. Select the sheet to duplicate.

2. Open the Home tab.

3. Select Format from the Cells group.

4. Select Move or Copy Sheet.

5. Check Create a copy.

6. Select OK.

The new sheet is inserted based on the selected position.

Windows and MacBook differences:
The Ribbon layout remains the same.

Method 4: Duplicate Multiple Sheets at Once

This method duplicates several sheets in one action.

1. Select the first sheet tab.

2. Hold Ctrl on Windows or Command on MacBook.

3. Select additional sheet tabs.

4. Right-click any selected tab.

5. Select Move or Copy.

6. Check Create a copy.

7. Select OK.

Each selected sheet is duplicated with identical content.

Windows and MacBook differences:
Windows use Ctrl for multi-selection.
MacBook uses Command for multi-selection.

Method 5: Duplicate a Sheet Using VBA

This method automates duplication for repeated tasks.

1. Press Alt + F11 on Windows or Option + F11 on MacBook.

2. Select Insert → Module.

3. Enter the following code: 

   Sub DuplicateSheet()

       Sheets("Sheet1").Copy After:=Sheets(Sheets.Count)

   End Sub

4. Run the macro.

A duplicate of the specified sheet is created at the end of the workbook.

Windows and MacBook differences:
Keyboard shortcuts differ.
VBA behavior remains consistent.

Does duplicating a sheet copy formulas and formatting?

Yes. Excel duplicates all formulas, formatting, column widths, row heights, charts, pivot tables, data validation rules, and conditional formatting.

Can a duplicated sheet be renamed automatically?

Yes. Excel appends a numeric suffix to avoid name conflicts, such as (2) or (3).

Will duplicating a sheet affect cell references?

No. Cell references remain unchanged. Relative references continue to behave based on their new position within the duplicated sheet.

Does Excel have a limit on how many times a sheet can be duplicated?

No. Duplication is limited by workbook size, available memory, and system performance.

Common Issues When Duplicating Sheets

1. Hidden sheets duplicate in a hidden state.

2. External references remain linked to the original sources.

3. Large sheets increase file size linearly by content volume.

Excel sheet duplication is a structural operation that preserves worksheet integrity, making it suitable for reporting, forecasting, and standardized data entry workflows.

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