Named Ranges in Excel: give a cell a name like TaxRate

Instead of =A2*$F$1, write =A2*TaxRate. A named range is a label for a cell or range. Formulas get easier to read, and names are always absolute — no $ needed.

Create a name (fastest)

1. Select the cell (F1 with 18%).
2. Click the Name Box — the box left of the formula bar that says F1.
3. Type TaxRate and press Enter.

Now use it anywhere: =A2*(1+TaxRate).

Name many columns at once

Select a table including headers › Formulas › Create from Selection › Top row. Each column gets its header as a name: =SUM(Sales).

Rules

• No spaces — use Tax_Rate or TaxRate.
• Must start with a letter or underscore.
• Can’t look like a cell address (Q1 and ABC1 are not allowed).

Manage names

Formulas › Name Manager (Ctrl+F3): edit what a name points to, delete old ones, find names showing #REF! (their cells were deleted).

Jump to a name

Pick it from the Name Box drop-down, or press F5 and choose it.

Where names shine

• Drop-down sources: =Regions. See drop-down list.
• Dependent drop-downs depend on them.
• Lookups: =XLOOKUP(A2,ProductList,PriceList).

Names vs Tables

A name on A2:A100 doesn’t grow when you add row 101. An Excel Table does, and its columns can be used by name too (=SUM(Sales[Amount])). For growing lists, prefer a Table.

Related: absolute references