Teacher Tech blog with Alice Keeler

Paperless Is Not a Pedagogy

Alice Keeler

Multiple Hyperlinks in the SAME Cell in Google Sheets

A long awaited features, the ability to have multiple hyperlinks within the same cell in Google Sheets.
Multiple Hyperlinks in a Google Sheets Cell
Multiple Hyperlinks in the SAME Cell in Google Sheets

Discovering new features in tools you use daily can be thrilling, especially when these features can dramatically enhance your productivity and workflow. This is particularly true in the education sector, where technology can significantly influence teaching methods and student engagement. Google Sheets, a staple in many educational environments, continues to evolve, offering increasingly sophisticated capabilities that cater to diverse needs. A recent update that caught my attention—quite literally making my eyes pop—was the ability to include multiple hyperlinks within the same cell. This development opens up new avenues for organizing information efficiently and interactively in your spreadsheets.

The Power of Hyperlinking in Education

Hyperlinks in Google Sheets are more than just links; they’re gateways to additional resources, further readings, and supplementary materials. For educators, the ability to consolidate multiple links into a single cell can transform how information is presented and accessed. Whether it’s a lesson plan, a resource list, or a project overview, the ability to hyperlink directly from your spreadsheet allows for a cleaner, more organized approach.

Screenshot of Google Sheets with two hyperlinks in the same sentence

Hyperlink Text Within a Cell: The Basics

Typically, inserting a hyperlink in Google Sheets involves selecting a cell and using the formula =HYPERLINK("URL", "Link Text") to create a clickable link. However, this method links the entire cell content to a single URL.

 The recent update changes this dynamic, enabling multiple hyperlinks within the same cell—a significant shift that enhances text-rich cells.

GIF of typing text into a Google Sheets spreadsheet and highlighting portions of the text to add a hyperlink.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Multiple Hyperlinks

  1. Type text into the cell.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Double click on the cell to edit the cell contents. 
  4. Highlight the individual portion to hyperlink. 
  5. Use Control K to hyperlink the text. Paste the desired link. 
  6. Highlight a different portion of text. 
  7. Use Control K to hyperlink that portion of text with a different URL. 

Practical Applications in the Classroom

Resource Lists

Imagine creating a single cell in a student assignment spreadsheet that includes multiple hyperlinks to articles, videos, and other resources. This not only saves space but also makes it easier for students to access all the necessary materials from a centralized location.

Collaborative Projects

For group assignments, a cell can contain links to different Google Docs, each assigned to specific parts of a project. This method facilitates smoother collaboration and ensures all relevant documents are easily accessible.

Lesson Plans

Teachers can hyperlink to different segments of their lesson plans, such as objectives, activities, and assessments, all within a single cell. This can be particularly useful for shared lesson plans or for providing quick access to various components during class.

Multiple Hyperlinks in the SAME Cell

The ability to insert multiple hyperlinks in the same cell in Google Sheets is more than just a technical update; it’s a new way of organizing and presenting information that can significantly benefit educators and students alike. This feature enhances the interactivity of lesson materials and project guidelines, making them more accessible and engaging. As with any new tool or feature, the key to making the most of it lies in understanding its applications and integrating it thoughtfully into your teaching practices. With these advanced hyperlinking capabilities, your Google Sheets can become even more powerful tools in your educational toolkit.

Books by Alice Keeler

Available on Amazon or in bulk order.

4 thoughts on “Multiple Hyperlinks in the SAME Cell in Google Sheets

  1. Whoa… Since when can you FORMAT different text within the cell? Maybe I just overlooked it, but I thought you had to format the cell AS A WHOLE.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.