Reference number: CH000704

How do I create a named cell in Microsoft Excel?

Question:

How do I create a named cell in Microsoft Excel?

Additional information:

A named cell or range in Microsoft Excel enable users to quickly and easily remember a cell's reference name. For example, it's much easier to remember "Total" than it is to remember "G23".

Answer:

To create a named cell in Microsoft Excel 2000, 2003, and 2007, move the cursor to the cell you wish to name and click the Name Box next to the Formula Bar as shown in the image to the right. This bar will have the current cell location printed in it. For example, if you're in cell A1, it should currently say A1 in the Name Box.  Once in the Name Box, type the name you wish to name this cell and press Enter.

Once a cell has been named, you can easily refer to this cell in a formula, chart, or anything else that uses cell references. For example, lets assume you named a cell "profits", when creating a new formula you could type =sum(B10+profits) to add cell B10 plus the value in the profits cell.

Note: When naming a cell or range it can only be one word, in other words no spaces.