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Name a range of cells

You can name ranges in Google Sheets to keep better track of them and create cleaner formulas.

For example, instead of using "A1:B2" to describe a range of cells, you could name the range "budget_total." This way, a formula like "=SUM(A1:B2, D4:E6)" could be written as "=SUM(budget_total, quarter2)."

Name a range
  1. Open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
  2. Select the cells you want to name.
  3. Click Data > Named ranges. A menu will open on the right.
  4. Type the range name you want.
  5. To change the range, click Spreadsheet Grid.
  6. Select a range in the spreadsheet or type the new range into the text box, then click Ok.
  7. Click Done.

Range names:

  • Can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores.
  • Can't start with a number, or the words "true" or "false."
  • Can't contain any spaces or punctuation.
  • Must be 1–250 characters.
  • Can't be in either A1 or R1C1 syntax. For example, you might get an error if you give your range a name like "A1:B2" or "R1C1:R2C2."
Edit or delete a named range
  1. Open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
  2. Click Data > Named ranges.
  3. On the named range you want to edit or delete, click Edit Edit.
  4. To edit the range, enter a new name or range, then click Done.
  5. To delete the named range, next to the name, click Delete Trash.
  6. On the menu that opens, click Remove.

Note: When you delete a named range, any formulas that reference it will no longer work. Protected ranges that reference a named range will use the cell values and continue to work.

View range names on Android
  1. Open a spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app.
  2. Tap Menu three vertical dots > Named ranges. A list of your named ranges will open.
  3. Tap a named range to see it in your sheet.
  4. To close the menu, tap Close Close.

Note: You can't add or edit named ranges on Android.

Note: View range names is not available on iPhone or iPad.

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