18.6: Defined Names Group

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Cells can be named in excel to simplify equations in Excel. For example, I may decide to enter the numbers 1-5 in cells A1-A5. By highlighting cells A1-A5 we can name these cells “numbers” in the upper left-hand corner name box by entering the text. Now, these group of cells will be referred to by the title “numbers” when using a formula or searching for specific cell locations and calculations.

I can create a formula in cell A6 =sum(numbers) and Excel will understand that I want to add all of the data in Cells A1-A5 because I named those cells numbers. The formula bar displays the cell name.

The Name Manager icon in the Defined Names group allows for easy management of cell names. Users can delete, edit, and create new names to use in cells and formulas.

By selecting the Define Name/icon, users may utilize the New Name Dialog box to select name their cells and also provide a definition of what their name (or group) of cells is named for. This is another way to name a group of cells than was previously provided.

The Use in Formula icon contains a drop-down that contains a list of all the named ranges in the workbook. The Paste Names command displays the "Paste Name" dialog box that can paste a name into the formula bar for use when creating a formula.

Finally, the Create from Selection Displays the "Create Names from selection" dialog box. This enables you to name a selected range of cells using a row or column title previously entered.