Decision

Making through
Advanced Excel
Lecture-1
Names:
When entering formulae or referring to any area on
the spreadsheet, it is usual to refer to a "range". For
example, B6 is a range reference; B6:B10 is also a
range reference. A problem with this sort of
reference is that it is not always easy to remember
what cells to reference. It may be necessary to
write down the range, or select it, which often
means wasting time scrolling around the
spreadsheet. Instead, Excel offers the chance to
name ranges on the spreadsheet, and to use these
names to select cells, refer to them in formulae or
use them in Database, Chart or Macro commands.
Defining Names:
There are a number of ways to set
up names on a spreadsheet. A
common way is to use the Insert,
Name, Define menu. In the
example, there is a range of sales
figures that could be named
1st_Qtr;
To name cells:
Mouse
i. Select the cells you wish to name.
ii. Click the DEFINE NAME button on the in
the DEFINED NAMES GROUP on the
FORMULAS Ribbon
iii. The NEW NAME dialog box appears
iv. To name the cells, simply type a name in
the Name box and choose OK.
Keyboard
i. Select the cells you wish to
name.
ii. Type directly in the NAME BOX
to the left of the FORMULA BAR.
iii. Press RETURN
A range can include any selection of cells, not
necessarily a contiguous row or column. Names can
be up to 255 characters in length, must start with a
letter and cannot include spaces. Names are not case
sensitive.

In the example, these cells would be called 1st_Qtr.

From now on, any reference to the range C6:C10 can
be made with the name 1st_Qtr; Notice that the
name box, on the lefthand side of the formula bar
now displays the name 1st_Qtr; It will do so
whenever cells C6:C10 are selected;
Managing Names
The NAME MANAGER option in
the group is a useful tool that
allows you to create, modify or
delete names within your
workbook even if the name refers
to cells or ranges outside the
present workbook.
To use name manager
Mouse
i. Click the NAME MANAGER BUTTON on the in the DEFINED
NAMES GROUP on the FORMULAS Ribbon.
ii. The NAME MANAGER Dialog box appears.
iii. To create new name use the NEW button.
iv. The NEW NAME dialog appears. The name manager
temporarily disappears until you click OK or CANCEL
v. When the NEW NAME dialog box is there you must give a name,
select a scope and click in the refers to box.
vi. You may then select any cells in this workbook or ANY open
workbook.
vii. You may then click on OK the dialog box will close, the NAME
MANAGER will reappear and the named cells will appear wilthin
the large white area.
viii. Selecting any named range will allow you to edit or delete it
by clicking on the enabled buttons at the top of the dialog.
USING NAMES
Go To
The GOTO feature can be used to go to a specific cell
address on the spreadsheet. It can also be used in
conjunction with names.
To GO TO a name:
Mouse
i. Click the FIND & SELECT BUTTON on the in the
EDITING GROUP on the HOME Ribbon.
ii. Select GO TO
iii. The following dialog appears
iv. Click on the name required, then choose OK.