Using Names in Formulas


When you use the name of a cell or a range in a formula, the result is the same as if you entered the cell or range address. For example, suppose you entered the formula =A1+A2 in cell A3. If you defined the name Mark as cell A1 and the name Vicki as cell A2, the formula =Mark+Vicki has the same result. The easiest way to define a name follows:

1 Select a cell.
2 Click the Name box in the formula bar.
3 Type TestName, and then press Enter.

Use the Name box in the formula bar to quickly assign names to cells and ranges. Keep the following basics in mind when using names in formulas:

The Name box normally displays the address of the selected cell. If the selected cell or range is named, the name takes precedence over the address and is displayed in the name box

When you define a name for a range of cells, the range name does not appear in the Name box unless the entire range is selected.

When you click the Name box and select a name, the cell selection switches to the named cells.

If you type a name that has already been defined into the Name box, Excel switches the selection instead of redefining the name.

When you define a name, the address includes the worksheet name and the cell reference is absolute. For example, when you define the name TestName for cell C5 in Sheet1, the actual name definition is recorded as Sheet1!$C$5.