INDIRECT

The INDIRECT function returns the reference specified by a text string. Use it to dynamically reference cells or ranges based on the content of another cell.

Try out INDIRECT
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Example explanation
In this example, cell D5 uses the INDIRECT function on cell D2, which contains the text "B2". The INDIRECT function converts this textual reference to the value in cell B2, which is the sales figure for 'Product A'.

Syntax 🔗

=INDIRECT(ref_text, [a1])

ref_text A text string that contains a cell reference, a defined name, or a range reference.
a1 (Optional) A logical value that specifies the type of reference to return. TRUE or omitted indicates A1-style reference, and FALSE indicates R1C1-style reference.

About INDIRECT 🔗

The INDIRECT function in Excel allows you to create dynamic references based on text input. This is useful for referencing cells or ranges without hard coding them in your formulas. You can use INDIRECT to reference a cell address, a named range, or a specific range within your workbook. By providing a text string that denotes the desired reference, INDIRECT evaluates this string and returns the reference it represents, enabling flexibility in linking cells and ranges.

You can also choose between different referencing styles with INDIRECT. By using the optional [a1] argument, you can select either A1-style (default) or R1C1-style referencing, according to your preferences.

INDIRECT is particularly helpful when dealing with datasets that change over time or when constructing interactive dashboards. It allows you to build dynamic formulas that update their references based on user input or changing conditions, making your Excel models more robust and interactive.

Examples 🔗

Suppose you have a list of product names in cells A2:A5 and corresponding sales data in cells B2:B5, with the product name you want to reference stored in cell C1. To dynamically fetch the sales amount based on the product name in C1, you can use the following INDIRECT formula:

=INDIRECT("B"&MATCH(C1,A2:A5,0)+1)

Consider a scenario where you have data organized in multiple sheets within the same workbook, each sheet representing a different region's sales figures. If the regional sheet names match the region names stored in cells A2:A4, you can dynamically sum the sales from the selected region using INDIRECT. The formula can be:

=SUM(INDIRECT(A2&"!C2:C100"))

Notes 🔗

Ensure that the text string you provide to the INDIRECT function is a valid reference in Excel format. Avoid using circular references or referencing external workbooks, as these may cause errors or unexpected results. Be cautious when dynamically referencing cells, especially in large and complex spreadsheets, to maintain data integrity and formula accuracy.

Questions 🔗

How does the INDIRECT function work in Excel?

The INDIRECT function in Excel evaluates a text string provided as input and returns the reference it represents within the workbook. This enables dynamic referencing based on textual content, allowing for flexible and interactive data manipulation.

Can the INDIRECT function be used to dynamically reference cells from different sheets?

Yes, the INDIRECT function can be utilized to dynamically reference cells or ranges from different sheets within the same workbook. By constructing appropriate text strings that encode the sheet name and cell references, you can retrieve data from various sheet locations.

Is it possible to use the INDIRECT function to create dynamic named ranges?

Yes, you can leverage the INDIRECT function to create dynamic named ranges in Excel. By constructing text strings that specify the range boundaries or utilizing cell contents to define the range, you can dynamically adjust named ranges based on changing criteria.

What precautions should be taken when using the INDIRECT function in Excel?

When employing the INDIRECT function, ensure that the text string provided as input results in a valid reference within the workbook. Avoid circular references, external workbook references, and potential errors due to incorrect string formatting. Exercise caution when dynamically referencing cells to preserve data accuracy and formula reliability.

ADDRESS
COLUMN
HLOOKUP
INDEX
LOOKUP
MATCH
OFFSET
ROW
VLOOKUP

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