3 Ways to Reference in a New Worksheet

Referencing in a New Worksheet: 3 Essential Methods

When working with multiple worksheets in a spreadsheet, referencing cells or ranges from one worksheet to another is a common requirement. Whether you’re performing calculations, consolidating data, or creating summaries, knowing how to reference cells across worksheets efficiently is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore three ways to reference cells in a new worksheet, enabling you to work more effectively across multiple worksheets.

Method 1: Using the Workbook Navigator (Excel 2013 and Later)

Excel 2013 and later versions introduce the Workbook Navigator, a feature that simplifies referencing cells across worksheets. To reference a cell using the Workbook Navigator:

• Open your Excel workbook and navigate to the worksheet where you want to create a reference.
• Select the cell where you want to insert the reference.
• Click on the “Define Name” button in the “Formulas” tab.
• In the “New Name” dialog box, click on the “Workbook” button in the “Scope” section.
• Select the worksheet that contains the cell you want to reference.
• Click “OK.”

The Workbook Navigator allows you to easily switch between worksheets and reference cells without having to manually type the worksheet name.

👉 Note: This method is only available in Excel 2013 and later versions.

Method 2: Using the Worksheet Name (Excel 2010 and Earlier)

In earlier versions of Excel, referencing cells across worksheets requires manually typing the worksheet name. To reference a cell using the worksheet name:

• Open your Excel workbook and navigate to the worksheet where you want to create a reference.
• Select the cell where you want to insert the reference.
• Type the worksheet name followed by an exclamation mark (!) and the cell address.
• For example: Sheet1!A1

Make sure to include the exclamation mark (!) between the worksheet name and the cell address.

👉 Note: When referencing cells across worksheets, make sure to use the exact worksheet name, including any spaces or special characters.

Method 3: Using the 'INDIRECT' Function

The INDIRECT function is a powerful tool for referencing cells across worksheets. This function allows you to create dynamic references that can be changed easily. To reference a cell using the INDIRECT function:

• Open your Excel workbook and navigate to the worksheet where you want to create a reference.
• Select the cell where you want to insert the reference.
• Type =INDIRECT("'Sheet1'!A1"), replacing “Sheet1” with the worksheet name and “A1” with the cell address.

The INDIRECT function creates a reference to the cell specified in the formula. You can also use this function to reference ranges or entire worksheets.

Mastering these three methods for referencing cells in a new worksheet will enhance your productivity and efficiency when working with multiple worksheets in Excel.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each method, you can choose the best approach for your specific needs. Whether you’re working with a small dataset or a complex spreadsheet, these methods will help you reference cells across worksheets with ease.

In summary, referencing cells across worksheets is an essential skill for any Excel user. By using the Workbook Navigator, worksheet name, or INDIRECT function, you can create efficient and dynamic references that will take your spreadsheet skills to the next level.

Related Terms:

• Cell A49 formula
• Automatically return value in cell
• Return value in cell C77