Page 156 - Excel Timesaving Techniques for Dummies

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26 Using Range
Names

Technique

hen working with spreadsheets, naming cell ranges you need to
Save Time By find quickly or print routinely is a really important way to save
Wtime. So too, naming cells that are referenced in your master
Naming ranges that you
routinely use formulas is a really efficient way to document their functioning. Finally,
assigning range names to constants that you refer to in formulas (such
Naming constants for as a fixed discount rate or rate of growth) is a really resourceful way to
formulas have access to a stable value without having to stick it in some cell in the
Using range names in worksheet.
your formulas
In this technique, you find out how to use all three of these procedures to
save time in a worksheet that you access and edit on a somewhat regular
basis. As part of this timesaver, I also review the different ways you can
name cell ranges and hints on when to use one method over another.

Name That Range!

At the most basic level, naming a range in Excel is no harder than select-
ing the range of cells (this can be a single cell, cell range, or nonadjacent
cell selection), clicking the Name Box (on the same row as the Formula
bar that contains the current cell address), typing a unique descriptive
name for the range, and then pressing Enter.
Remember these range name conventions: All range names must
begin with a letter of the alphabet, contain no spaces (use under-
scores, please), and not duplicate any other name in the workbook
(keep those names unique).

In fact, I always name single-cell ranges or nonadjacent ranges from the
Name Box on the Formula bar. You never see me taking the time to open
the Define Name dialog box (Insert➪Name➪Define) and enter the
descriptive range name there.