Inserting Cell Names

You can name individual cells, cell ranges, and cell groups. These names can be used in formulas and functions instead of the usual cell references.

To insert a cell name:

  1. Select the cell(s) that you want to name. For help on selecting cells, see Selecting Cells.

  2. Go to the Insert menu and move your mouse over Name.

  3. A menu will pop up. Click Define.

  4. The Define Name window will appear.

  5. Click on the box below Name, then type in the name for your cell(s). Ensure that this name has not already been used. Note also that:

  6. The formula for the name appears in the Formula box. If necessary, this formula can be edited by typing in the box.

  7.  When you are satisfied with the name and formula, click Add. The name you entered will appear in the box below.

  8. To return to your spreadsheet, click OK.

 

Using Cell Names in Formulas

To use a cell name that you have defined, simply type the name in place of the usual cell reference.

Examples:

 

Using Cell Names with Lookup Tables

Suppose that, in the table below, cells A2:A5 are named Names, cells B2:B5 are named Ages, and cells C2:C5 are named Birthdays. Suppose also that the entire table, A2:C5, is named Table.

 

A

B

C

1

Name

Age

Birthday

2

Alex

14

Jun 12

3

Bob

11

Apr 5

4

Eve

13

Oct 16

5

Jane

9

Feb 22

 

Formula

Result

=LOOKUP("alex", A2:A5, B2:B5)

14

=LOOKUP("alex", Names, Ages)

14

=LOOKUP("Eve", Names, Birthdays)

Oct 16

=LOOKUP("Apr 5", Birthdays, Names)

Bob

=VLOOKUP("Jane", A2:C5, 2)

9

=VLOOKUP("Jane", Table, 2)

9

=VLOOKUP("Jane", Table, 3)

Feb 22