Hey there, fellow spreadsheet enthusiasts! Do you ever feel like you’re swimming in a sea of data? Well, fear not! In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of named ranges in Google Sheets and learn how to view and edit them like a pro.
What are Named Ranges?
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about named ranges. Essentially, named ranges are like shortcuts for groups of cells. Instead of using complex cell addresses in your formulas, you can assign a name to a specific range of cells and reference them easily. It’s a real time-saver!
Now, let’s get down to business and explore how to view named ranges in Google Sheets.
Viewing Named Ranges in Google Sheets
There are two methods to view named ranges in Google Sheets, and both are as easy as pie.
Method 1: Directly in a Cell
For the first method, simply enter the name of the range in a cell, starting with an equal sign. For example, if your named range is called “PurchaseValue”, just type “=PurchaseValue” in a cell. This will display the named range and the range of cells it encompasses.
To navigate to that range, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + G for Mac or Alt + / for Windows and type “Go to” to access the “Go to range” dialog. Enter the named range’s name and press Enter. Voila! You’ll be magically transported to the named range.
Method 2: Sidebar Panel
If you prefer a visual approach, Google Sheets has got you covered. Simply click on “Data” > “Named ranges” to open the sidebar panel. This list displays all the named ranges in your spreadsheet. Just clicking on a named range will take you directly to the cells it covers. Easy peasy, right?
How to Delete Named Ranges in Google Sheets
Now that you know how to view named ranges, let’s dive into the process of editing or deleting them. It’s a breeze, I promise!
To edit or delete a named range, follow these simple steps:
- Navigate to “Data” > “Named ranges.”
- Hover your mouse over the named range you want to edit or delete and click on the pencil icon.
- To delete the named range, click on the trash bin icon. If you wish to edit it, simply modify the range in the provided field.
Just like that, you’ll be able to keep your spreadsheet clean and organized.
What Happens to Formulas that Use Deleted Named Ranges?
Ah, the million-dollar question! If you delete a named range that is being used in a formula, don’t panic. The formula might still give you the correct result, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the named range’s name has been replaced by #REF!. It’s essential to correct the formula promptly to avoid any potential issues down the road.
How to Locate Formulas that Use Deleted Named Ranges
Don’t sweat it if you accidentally delete a named range and need to locate the formulas that depend on it. There’s a simple trick to help you out.
Assuming your sheet contains the range A1:Z1000, follow these steps to highlight cells containing formulas that use deleted named ranges:
- Go to “Format” > “Conditional formatting.”
- In the sidebar panel, locate “Apply to range.” If you already have existing rules, click “Add another rule” to find it.
- Enter the range
A1:Z1000. - Under “Format rules,” select “Custom formula is…” and enter the following formula:
=REGEXMATCH(FORMULATEXT(A1), "REF"). - Click “Done.” This will highlight all cells containing formulas with a “REF” error, saving you precious time and headaches.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You’re now a master at viewing and editing named ranges in Google Sheets. Don’t stop here, though. Named ranges have many more advanced uses that can take your spreadsheet game to the next level. If you’re hungry for more knowledge, check out the resources below for some juicy Google Sheets tips and tricks.
Remember, if you want to supercharge your spreadsheet skills, visit Crawlan.com. It’s the ultimate destination for all things Google Sheets-related. Happy spreadsheeting, my friends!
