Difference Between Workbook and Worksheet Protection in Excel

What is the difference between workbook protection and worksheet protection in Excel?

How does workbook protection differ from worksheet protection in Excel?

Workbook Protection vs Worksheet Protection

Excel has two forms of protection: workbook protection and worksheet protection. The distinction between workbook and worksheet protection is discussed further below.

Workbook protection is used to prevent unauthorized changes, deletions, or viewing of the workbook. It safeguards the whole workbook, including worksheets, and prohibits unauthorized individuals from changing or destroying formulae, worksheets, or other essential data in the workbook. It improves data security in Excel workbooks by requiring a password to view, alter, or destroy the workbook.

Worksheet protection is an Excel security feature that prevents an entire worksheet from being edited or deleted by someone who does not have a password. The user cannot edit the cell data or any of the formatting while the worksheet is protected, but they may still read the content. Because it just protects the selected worksheet and not the entire workbook, other worksheets in the workbook can be edited or removed without trouble.

Worksheet protection is great for stopping users from modifying data on certain worksheets without impacting the rest of the workbook's worksheets.

By implementing both workbook and worksheet protection, users can ensure the security and integrity of their Excel workbooks, safeguarding sensitive data and preventing unauthorized modifications.