Using Formulas and Functions

Assigning Names to Groups of Cells

When you work with large amounts of data, it’s easy to lose track of which cells contain which data. In addition, it can be difficult to locate data in workbooks you didn’t create. Although you might always store product prices in one worksheet column, there’s no guarantee that your colleagues will follow the same pattern! One way to prevent confusion is to define a named range for any cell group that holds specific information. For example, in a worksheet with customer order data, you can define the Totals named range to represent the cells in which the total for each order is stored. After you define the named range, you can display its contents, rename it, or delete it.

Create a Named Range

1. Select the cells you want to name.

2. Click the Name Box on the Formula Bar.

3. Type the name you want for the range.

4. Press Enter.

   

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Go to a Named Range

1. Click the Name Box down arrow.

2. Click the range to which you want to go.

   

Delete a Named Range

1. Click the Formulas tab.

2. Click Name Manager.

3. Click the named range you want to delete.

4. Click Delete.

5. Click OK to clear the confirmation dialog box that appears.

6. Click Close.

Rename a Named Range

1. Click the Formulas tab.

2. Click Name Manager.

3. Click the named range you want to rename.

4. Click Edit.

5. Type a new name for the range.

6. Click OK.

7. Click Close.

   

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