Which function returns a reference to a cell or cell range that is specified?
The OFFSET function in Excel returns a cell or range of cells that is a specified number of rows and columns from a cell or range of cells. Show
1. The OFFSET function below returns the cell that is 3 rows below and 2 columns to the right of cell A2. The OFFSET function returns a cell because the height and width are both set to 1. Result: 2. The OFFSET function below returns the 1 x 2 range that is 8 rows below and 1 column to the right of cell A2. The SUM function calculates the sum of this range. Result: The last 2 arguments of the OFFSET function are optional. When height and width are omitted, the new reference has the same height and width as the starting reference (first argument). As always, we will use easy examples to make things more clear. 3. The OFFSET function below returns the cell that is 12 rows below and 0 columns to the right of cell A2. Result: 4. The OFFSET function below returns the range that is 4 rows below and 0 columns to the right of the range B2:C2. The SUM function calculates the sum of this range. Result: 5. The OFFSET function below returns the range that is 4 rows below and 0 columns to the right of the range B2:C2. This time without a SUM function. Result: Note: before inserting this formula, select the range E12:F12 (or another range of the same size). Finish by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER. The formula bar indicates that this is an array formula by enclosing it in curly braces {}. To delete this array formula, select the range E12:F12 and press Delete. 6. If you have Excel 365 or Excel 2021, simply select cell E12, enter the OFFSET function and press Enter. Bye bye curly braces. Note: the OFFSET function, entered into cell E12, fills multiple cells. Wow! This behavior in Excel 365/2021 is called spilling. Finally, if you want to return a cell or range of cells that is a specified number of rows above or columns to the left, enter a negative number. The Microsoft Excel INDIRECT function returns a reference to a range, and I use it to make dependent drop down lists in my Excel workbook, to show items based on another cell's value. You can also use INDIRECT to create a reference that won't change, if rows or columns are inserted in the worksheet, where you are using the SUM function. Author: Debra Dalgleish Video: INDIRECT Function ExamplesWatch this short Excel tutorial video, to see how to use the INDIRECT function on its own, or combined with other Excel functions. Written instructions are below the video. Download the sample INDIRECT workbook, to see the examples, and to follow along with the video. Video Timeline
Thanks to Dave Peterson, for his contributions to this page. How INDIRECT Function WorksThe INDIRECT function is useful when you want to return a value, based on a text string. For example, select a range name from a drop down list, and get the total amount for the selected range. In this screen shot, there is a drop down list in cell B2, where you can choose Actual or Budget. After you make a selection, the total for that type appears in cell B3. INDIRECT Function Syntax ArgumentsThe INDIRECT function's syntax has two arguments: INDIRECT(ref_text,a1)
Dependent Drop Down ListsMy favourite way to use the INDIRECT function is in data validation, to create dependent drop down lists. This technique makes it easier for people to find what they need, when entering data on an Excel worksheet. The short video below, shows the steps, and there are detailed written steps, and sample files, on the Dependent Drop Down Lists page. For example,
Data Validation RuleThe INDIRECT function is used in the data validation settings dialog box, like the formula example shown below The video below shows how to set this up. Video: Dependent Drop Down ListsIn this short video, you'll see how to set up a main drop down list, with a dependent drop down list in the next column, that uses the INDIRECT function. There are written instructions, and a sample file to download, on the Dependent DropDown Lists Video page. Intro to INDIRECT Video ExamplesHere are the written steps for the INDIRECT examples that are in . 1) 2) Refer to Different Sheet 3) 4) Lock a Cell ReferenceIf you create a SUM formula, and cells are inserted later, at the top of the list, the SUM formula might not include the new amounts. Here's how you can use the INDIRECT function to avoid that problem. The INDIRECT function can "lock" a specific cell in a formula. Then, if rows or columns are inserted or deleted above or to the left of that cell, the reference does not change. Without INDIRECT, the reference would automatically adjust. To see how this works, follow these steps to create two formulas -- one with normal cell references, and one with an INDIRECT function combined with the SUM function.
Insert a RowTo see the difference between the formulas, insert a blank row above row 2, and enter 100 for January, in cells C2 and E2.
Refer To Different SheetAn INDIRECT formula can also refer to cells on other worksheets. In this example, you'll create a formula with the INDIRECT function, using references to a sheet name and cell name.
Note: If either cell A2 or B2 is empty, the formula will return an error. To prevent this, you can add an IF function: =IF(OR(A2="",B2=""),"",INDIRECT("'" & A2 & "'!" & B2)) Refer to Different WorkbookAn INDIRECT formula can refer to cells in other workbooks, but will return a #REF! error if that workbook is closed. In this example, you'll create a formula with the INDIRECT function, using references to a file name, sheet name and cell name. Set up a Data Workbook
Set up a Linked WorkbookNext, follow these steps, to create a workbook that will link to the data workbook. Or, , and go to the WkbkRef sheet.
Get a Sample FormulaTo see the syntax that you'll need to use in your INDIRECT formula, follow these steps:
Create an INDIRECT formulaNext, follow these steps to create an INDIRECT formula that uses the same syntax. The formula will include the single quote marks, square brackets and exclamation mark.
How the Formula Works
Test the Formula
Formula NotesNote1: If A2, A3 or A4 is empty, the formula will return an error. To prevent this, you can add an IF function: =IF(OR(A2="",A3="",A4=""),"",INDIRECT("'[" & A2 & "]" & A3 & "'!" & A4)) Note2: If the Test File.xlsx workbook is closed, the INDIRECT formula will return a #REF error. I haven't used the following files, but they may help you if you need to pull data from a closed workbook:
Refer to a Named RangeIn addition to cell references, you can refer to named ranges in an INDIRECT formula. In this example, the INDIRECT function is used to sum the selected named range.
Ref_Text Argument ExamplesThis technical section isn't required reading - it shows examples for the ref_text argument in the INDIRECT function. Keep reading if you'd like to learn more about these optionsIn most cases, a cell reference or combination of text string and cell reference works best with the INDIRECT function. Which function returns the reference specified by string?The INDIRECT function syntax has the following arguments: Ref_text Required. A reference to a cell that contains an A1-style reference, an R1C1-style reference, a name defined as a reference, or a reference to a cell as a text string. If ref_text is not a valid cell reference, INDIRECT returns the #REF!
What function returns the number of cells in a range?Excel contains several functions to help you count the number of cells in a range that are blank or contain certain types of data. Select the cell where you want the result to appear. COUNT: To count cells that contain numbers. COUNTBLANK: To count cells that are blank.
Which function searches for a specified item in a range of cells and then returns the relative position of that item in the range?The MATCH function searches for a specified item in a range of cells, and then returns the relative position of that item in the range. For example, if the range A1:A3 contains the values 5, 25, and 38, then the formula =MATCH(25,A1:A3,0) returns the number 2, because 25 is the second item in the range.
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