Can you embed a Google Sheet in a Google Doc? Yes — and when done right, it keeps your tables and charts both visual and up to date.
While you can’t embed an entire sheet interactively, you can link specific tables or charts from Sheets into a Doc and keep them synced.
Whether you’re reporting data, building a client report, or collaborating on a project, here’s how to do it the right way.
Can You Embed a Google Sheet in a Google Doc?
Yes — Google Docs lets you embed portions of a spreadsheet, such as a table or a chart, directly into a document. The best part? You can link the content so that it stays updated when your Google Sheet changes.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- You can only embed specific ranges or charts, not entire sheets
- Embedded data is read-only in Docs — all editing happens in Sheets
- You’ll see an “Update” button in Docs when linked content changes
Let’s walk through the two main embed methods.
How to Embed a Table from Google Sheets into Google Docs
The most straightforward way to embed spreadsheet data into a Doc is by linking a table.
Steps for Embeding a Table:
- Open your Google Sheet and highlight the range of cells you want to embed
- Press Ctrl+C (or right-click → Copy)
- In your Google Doc, place the cursor where you want the table and paste
- When prompted, choose “Link to spreadsheet”
Once added, the table will show a small ‘Update’ button whenever the source Sheet changes — allowing one-click syncing.
How to Embed a Chart from Google Sheets into Google Docs
If your data is better understood visually, embedding a chart works just like tables, but with cleaner presentation.
Note: Large, multi-colored charts can slow down your Doc’s performance. A lightweight option is to create a dot plot and embed that instead — it loads faster and keeps your document clean.
Steps for Embedding a Chart:
- In Google Sheets, click on the chart you want to embed
- Click the 3-dot menu in the corner of the chart → choose ‘Copy chart’
- Go to your Google Doc → Paste the chart
- Select “Link to spreadsheet” when prompted
How to Refresh Linked Tables or Charts in Docs
After embedding, Google Docs will automatically detect changes in the linked Google Sheet. When updates are available, you’ll see an ‘Update’ button appear above the chart or table.
To refresh:
- Click ‘Update’ to sync the latest data
- If ignored, the content will remain unchanged in the Doc
- There is no auto-refresh — updates only sync when you click the button
This gives you version control and prevents accidental overwrites.
Limitations When Embedding Google Sheets in Docs
While embedding is useful, there are a few important limitations:
- You can’t embed full sheets — only specific ranges or visual elements
- Embedded content is view-only inside the Doc
- Formatting might shift slightly when pasted (especially with merged cells)
- If the source Sheet is deleted or moved, the embedded content can break
For more complex dashboards or interactive views, Google Slides or Data Studio might be better alternatives.
FAQs About Embedding Google Sheets in Docs
Can I embed an entire sheet, not just part of it?
No — Docs only supports embedding selected cell ranges or charts, not full interactive sheets.
What happens if the original Sheet is deleted?
The embedded content in the Doc will no longer update and may become inaccessible.
Can I edit the table from inside the Doc?
No. All edits must be made in Google Sheets. The Doc version is read-only.
Is there a way to auto-refresh embedded data?
Not currently. You’ll need to click the “Update” button manually when changes are detected.