Using Labels for Cell References

Using Labels for Cell References

Many worksheets use labels above columns and to the left of rows. You can use the labels on your worksheet instead of cell addresses to reference cells. You can point to cells to add their labels to a formula. However, before you can point to a cell to use its label, you have to define a label range . A label range is the group of row and column labels that you want to use in your formulas. When you define a label range, Excel assigns the row and column labels to the cells.

Define Label Ranges

Select the range containing the row labels you want to reference to cells.

Click the Insert menu, point to Name , and then click Label.

The selected range appears in the Add Label Range box and the Row Labels option is selected.

Click Add.

Click OK.

Did You Know?

What happens when you zoom in on a label ? When you zoom the view of the worksheet to 39 percent or less, Excel adds a blue border around the labels you have created. The blue border does not print.

Remove a Label Range

Click the Insert menu, point to Name, and then click Label.

Click to select the existing label range you want to remove.

Click Remove.

Click OK.

Did You Know?

What happens when you change a label reference ? If you change the name of a reference label, Excel automatically makes the same change to every formula in which the name is used.

You can label names that are relative . When you use a label name in a formula or function, Excel sees it as a relative reference. You can copy the formula to other cells, or use AutoFill to copy it and the reference changes.