Excel Tip of the Week: Naming Cells and Ranges

Today’s topic is naming cells and ranges

In frequently used or very large spreadsheets it is sometimes appropriate to name a cell or a range. This allows for easier referencing in formulas and also quicker mobility within Excel. Here are the steps to name a cell or range:

1. Select a single cell or highlight a range of cells
2a. PC: Click on “Formulas” then in the Defined Names section click on “Define Name” (Keyboard Shortcut Alt→M→M→D). Another option is to click into the box directly left of the formula bar which normally has the cell address. This box is called the “Name Box.”
2b. Mac: From the menu bar click on “Insert” then “Name” then “Define” (Keyboard Shortcut CMD + F3) Another option is to click into the box directly left of the formula bar which normally has the cell address. This box is called the “Name Box.”
3. Pick a name, type it in, then hit “Enter” (Note: The name you select has to start with a letter or an underscore and no spaces are allowed)

That’s it. Now if you want to reference that cell or range in a formula you simply type in the name you picked, you don’t even have to leave the formula. (Bonus Tip for PC: When typing a formula you are able to hit “F3” to bring up a list of all your named ranges to paste directly into your formula)

Also, if you want to quickly jump to the named cell or range, you can use the “Go To” function (Ctrl +G for both PC and Mac) and select it from the list provided. Another way to do this is to click the dropdown button next to the Name Box and then select the desired named cell or range.