how to define named ranges in google sheets
IN SUMMARY
Named ranges in Google Sheets allow you to assign a descriptive name to a range of cells, making it easier to reference and work with that range across multiple sheets or formulas. This can significantly improve the readability and maintainability of your spreadsheets.
Creating Named Ranges
Select the cells you want to define as a named range. This can be a contiguous range or multiple non-contiguous ranges.
Go to 'Data' > 'Named ranges' in the menu bar. This will open the 'Named ranges' sidebar on the right side of the screen.
In the 'Named ranges' sidebar, click the '+ Add a range' button. Enter a descriptive name for your range in the 'Name' field, and the range reference will automatically populate in the 'Range' field. Avoid using spaces, special characters, or names that conflict with existing functions or ranges.
Using Named Ranges
Instead of using cell references in formulas, you can use the named range. For example, if you have a named range called 'TotalSales', you can use =SUM(TotalSales) instead of =SUM(A1:A10).
When you define a named range as an entire column or row, it will automatically update as you add or remove rows or columns. This can be useful for dynamic data sets.
The 'Named ranges' sidebar allows you to view, edit, and delete named ranges. You can also use the 'Find' feature to locate specific named ranges within your spreadsheet.
Best Practices
Choose names that clearly describe the purpose or content of the range. This will make your formulas and references more readable and easier to understand.
Consider whether a named range should be scoped to a specific sheet or the entire spreadsheet. Sheet-level named ranges can help prevent naming conflicts and improve organization.
Maintain a separate sheet or document that lists and describes all named ranges in your spreadsheet. This can be especially helpful for collaborative projects or complex spreadsheets.