How to Name a Range of Cells in Excel?

Naming a range of cells in Excel can be a great way to help you quickly and easily reference data when you need it. If you’re not sure how to go about it, don’t worry – it’s actually quite easy! In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of naming a range of cells in Excel so that you can start using this powerful tool to your advantage.

Naming a Range of Cells in Excel

Naming ranges of cells in Excel is a great way to simplify formulas, make your spreadsheets more readable and easier to understand, and generally make your work more efficient. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to name a range of cells in Excel, how to use those names in formulas, and some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your named ranges.

How to Name a Range of Cells in Excel

Naming a range of cells in Excel is a simple process. First, select the range of cells you want to name. Then, enter the name you want to use in the Name Box, located to the left of the Formula Bar. When you press Enter, the range will be given the name you specified.

You can also name a range of cells by selecting the range and then clicking the Name Box drop-down arrow. This will open a dialog box where you can enter the name you want to assign to the range. Once you give it a name and click OK, the range will be named.

Using Names in Formulas

Once you’ve named a range of cells in Excel, you can use the name in any formula instead of the cell references. This makes the formulas much easier to read and understand, and it can also make them easier to edit if you need to change the range of cells used. To use a name in a formula, simply type the name in place of the cell references.

You can also use named ranges to quickly create complex formulas. For example, if you have a range of cells named “Sales_Figures” and another range of cells named “Expenses,” you can use these names in a formula to calculate the difference between the two. The formula would look like this: “=Sales_Figures – Expenses”.

Tips and Tricks for Naming Ranges in Excel

When naming ranges in Excel, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process a lot easier. First, try to use meaningful names that clearly describe the range of cells. For example, if you’re naming a range of cells that contains sales figures, try to use a name like “Sales_Figures” or “Total_Sales” instead of something like “Range1”.

It’s also a good idea to use underscores to separate words in your range names. This makes the names easier to read, and it also helps you avoid any potential errors when using the names in formulas.

Finally, you should avoid using spaces in your range names. Excel doesn’t allow spaces in range names, so if you try to use a name with a space, Excel will automatically replace the space with an underscore.

Using Names in Macros and VBA Code

Named ranges can also be used in macros and VBA code. To use a named range in a macro or VBA code, you can either use the range name directly, or you can use the Range object and refer to the name of the range.

For example, if you have a range of cells named “Sales_Figures”, you can refer to that range in a VBA code like this:

Range("Sales_Figures").Select

Or, you can use the Range object and refer to the range name like this:

Range("Sales_Figures").Select

Using named ranges in macros and VBA code can make your code easier to read and understand, and it can also make it easier to edit if you need to change the range of cells used.

Related Faq

What is a Named Range in Excel?

A Named Range in Excel is a descriptive name given to a specific cell or range of cells in a worksheet. This allows the user to refer to the cells by the name given, instead of the cell reference. It can be used in formulas and functions to make them easier to read and understand.

How do you Name a Range of Cells in Excel?

Naming a range of cells in Excel can be done in a few simple steps. First, select the range of cells that you would like to name. Then, go to the “Formulas” tab in the ribbon and click the “Define Name” option. A dialog box will open with a box for you to enter the name of the range. Once you have entered the name, click “OK” to save the range.

What are the Benefits of Naming Cells in Excel?

The main benefit of naming cells in Excel is that it makes formulas and functions easier to read and understand. By using a descriptive name instead of a cell reference, it can be easier to identify what is being calculated. It also makes it easier to find the cell range that a formula is referring to.

What are the Rules for Naming Ranges in Excel?

When naming a range of cells in Excel, there are a few rules that must be followed. The name must begin with a letter or underscore and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. The name should not contain spaces or punctuation marks and it must be no longer than 255 characters.

Can you Name a Range of Cells Across Multiple Worksheets?

Yes, it is possible to name a range of cells across multiple worksheets. To do this, select the range of cells that you would like to name and then go to the “Formulas” tab in the ribbon. Click the “Define Name” option and then select the “Scope” drop-down menu. Select the worksheet that you want the name to apply to and then enter the name in the box.

Can you Change the Name of a Range of Cells in Excel?

Yes, it is possible to change the name of a range of cells in Excel. To do this, go to the “Formulas” tab in the ribbon and click the “Define Name” option. Select the range that you want to rename and then enter the new name in the box. Once you have entered the new name, click “OK” to save the changes.

Name cells and ranges in Excel

Naming a range of cells in Excel is a great way to quickly and easily refer to data and make formulas simpler to read. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily name a range of cells in Excel, making your data easier to manage and your formulas easier to read. With this useful skill, you can confidently tackle any Excel project!