Page 168 - Excel Timesaving Techniques for Dummies

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Using Labels Instead of Cell References in Formulas
By adding the row label that identifies the employee,
I can tell at a glance whose wage is being computed.
Adding the row heading to each formula reference
also enables me to ensure that Excel performs the
right calculation.
Another nice thing about adding both the row and
column labels to the master formula is that Excel
• Figure 27-9: Using column labels to document a formula’s then automatically adjusts the labels as needed
calculation. when you copy the formula. For example, if I enter
the master formula that includes the Greg row label
I can create a formula that documents its function, down a row to cell D4 for Chris, the program auto-
as in matically adjusts the row heading so that the copy
reads
=Hours*Rate
=Chris Hours*Chris Rate
In fact, I can go even further in documenting the
function of the original master formula by using not This type of formula not only documents itself but
only the column headings but the row heading as also ensures the spreadsheet user of its accuracy.
well. In this case, the master formula would read And the best part is that you can do it all on the fly:
You don’t have to take the time to first assign range
=Greg Hours*Greg Rate names to the cells before you create these types of
self-documenting and self-checking formulas.