How To Create an Excel Range Name (With 3 Methods and Tips)

The paradox of Excel’s names is that, despite being one of the most useful features, they are frequently viewed as unnecessary or nerdy. Due to the fact that few users are familiar with Excel names, In addition to instructing you on how to create a named range in Excel, this tutorial will demonstrate how to use this feature to make formula creation, reading, and reuse much simpler.

Excel Quick Tip: What are Named Ranges?

How to create named ranges in Excel

To create named ranges in Excel, try the following three techniques:

1. Use the “Define Name” function

You can use the “Define Name” function to give your ranges names by following these steps:

2. Consider using the “Name Box” option

When naming your ranges using the “Name Box” option, follow these steps:

3. Try using the “Create from Selection” function

It might be simpler to create your names using this method if you’re using a set of data in tabular form. You can quickly create multiple range names in your columns and rows using this function. When using the “Create from Selection” function to give your ranges names, try the following strategies:

What is an Excel range name?

The cells, formulas, and values in your spreadsheet are referred to by a name called an Excel range. This makes it simpler for you to look up the data you need when using the program. The program keeps track of the range names in a section called “Name Manager.” This enables you to manage multiple range names simultaneously and group them in a single location. You can use this feature to give each cell block a name in your spreadsheet to make data categorization simpler. When dealing with a lot of data, you might find this useful.

Why create range names in Excel?

You may want to make range names for the following motives:

Names are more helpful than using a cell reference

A cell reference tells the computer which cell you want to use by using a number and letter combination. A cell reference might resemble “A1, B2, C3,” for instance. “, which indicates that row one and column A of data intersect. The sheet is easier to read for you and anyone else who may view it when range names are used in place of cell references.

Select cells easier

Because you no longer need to go back into the dataset to choose your cells, range names in the program make cell selection simpler. You can type the range name in the cell, and the program will populate any matching ranges. You can click the matching search population when you see the range you’re looking for, and the program will bring it up for you. As a result, you can manage your time and organization more effectively and spend less time searching for the answer and more time working on other aspects of the task.

Make your formulas dynamic

You can create dynamic formulas when you use range names. You can enter a formula into a cell in the program’s dynamic formulas before adding the necessary rows for the formula to function. As a result, you can type the range name rather than the numerical value when you have named your ranges. You can change the name of the range and thus modify the numerical values that the range names represent. The program automatically changes all names to reflect the new numerical value after you change the name.

Tips for naming ranges

Consider the following advice when naming your ranges:

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FAQ

How do I create a named range in Excel?

1. In Excel, choose the range for which you wish to create a named range.
2. Go to Formulas –> Define Name.
3. Enter the Name you want to give the chosen data range in the New Name dialogue box.
4. Click OK.

What is range called in Excel?

In a spreadsheet, a cell range is defined by the references to the upper left cell (which represents the range’s minimum value) and the lower right cell (which represents the range’s maximum value). When additional cells are eventually added, the range is referred to as an irregular cell range.

How do you specify a range in Excel?

Press F5 or CTRL+G to launch the Go To dialog. Click the desired cell or range’s name in the Go To list or enter the cell reference in the Reference box, then click OK. For instance, type B3 to select that cell in the Reference box or B1:B3 to select a range of cells.

How do you name a range in a spreadsheet?

1. Open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
2. Select the cells you want to name.
3. Click Data. Named ranges. A menu will open on the right.
4. Type the range name you want.
5. To change the range, click Spreadsheet .
6. Click “Ok” after choosing a range from the spreadsheet or entering a new range in the text box.
7. Click Done.