Let Excel’s Indirect function keep data at your fingertips

Rather than have your users search through dozens of worksheets for specific data, put the data they need most in its own worksheet in the front of the workbook. For example, say you have the worksheet shown in Figure A, which keeps track of replacement costs in your Inventory workbook.

Figure A


Follow these steps:

1. Click on E8.
   
   
2. Go to Insert | Name and click Define. (In Word 2007, select Define Name in the Defined Names group on the Formulas tab.)
   
   
3. Enter Total_cost in the Name text box and then click OK.
   
   
4. Click on E9.
   
   
5. Go to Insert | Name and click Define. (In Word 2007, select Define Name in the Defined Names group on the Formulas tab.)
   
   
6. Click on E10.
   
   
7. Enter Most_Expensive in the Name text box and then click OK.
   
   
8. Go to Insert | Name and click Define. (In Word 2007, select Define Name in the Defined Names group on the Formulas tab.)
   
   
9. Enter Least_Expensive in the Name text box (Figure B) and click OK.

10. Create a new blank sheet, move it to the front of the workbook, and enter the data shown in Figure C.

Page last edited: December 08, 2008