Used in formula on: <unknown sheet>

Peggy Parchert

Is there a way to see who the owner of the <unknown sheet> is? I'm have multiple sheets with data that is used for various metrics. I am currently looking at revamping those sheets but I have several columns that show:

Used in formula on: <unknown sheet>

I'd like to see who the owner of the unknown sheet is to notify them of the upcoming changes. Is there someplace I can look to find this?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks -Peggy

Genevieve P.

Hi @Peggy Parchert

<unknown sheet> refers to a sheet that you are not shared on, so you won't be able to see the sheet name. Since you are not shared to the sheet, you won't be able to see who the Owner is either.

However, in order to create the formula looking at your sheet, the person who created the formula would need to be shared to this sheet as well. I would suggest reaching out to all the users shared to this current sheet to notify them of your changes, and perhaps request that they share this unknown sheet to you as well.

Cheers,

Genevieve

Genevieve P.

Hi @Peggy Parchert

<unknown sheet> refers to a sheet that you are not shared on, so you won't be able to see the sheet name. Since you are not shared to the sheet, you won't be able to see who the Owner is either.

However, in order to create the formula looking at your sheet, the person who created the formula would need to be shared to this sheet as well. I would suggest reaching out to all the users shared to this current sheet to notify them of your changes, and perhaps request that they share this unknown sheet to you as well.

Cheers,

Genevieve

Peggy Parchert

Thank you @Genevieve P.

David Cromer

@Genevieve P.

The error message I receive when selecting one of the <unknown sheet> cell references in one of our Main Data Sheets with many cell-references, is below. It lists 3 scenarios where these may occur. In my instance, I created our system, and am the owner of all components, so I'm certain there's no other sheets speaking witht his sheet that I don't have access to.

I have too many <unknown sheet> references on our main sheet, and I believe they came from the development process, the evolution of sheets, with deleting / changing. I'm assuming most, or all of mine are the deleted sheets, but due to not being able to be certain, I let them remain. I'm also concerned about performance and would like some more in-depth conversation about this, and some suggestions. Thank you!

Genevieve P.

Hi @David Cromer

You're correct! There are 3 scenarios where these unknown sheet references may occur. 🙂

In regards to performance, outbound links are impactful than the number of inbound formulas and links. If you're concerned about this, I would recommend booking a Pro Desk session through the Support Portal since your account has access to this. You can share your sheet over screen share and they'll help identify areas of complexity that may impact performance.

Cheers,
Genevieve

David Cromer

@Genevieve, thank you