- Introduction
- Understanding Formulas
- Creating a Simple Formula
- Creating a Formula Using Formula AutoComplete
- Editing a Formula
- Understanding Cell Referencing
- Using Absolute Cell References
- Using Mixed Cell References
- Using 3-D Cell References
- Naming Cells and Ranges
- Entering Named Cells and Ranges
- Managing Names
- Simplifying a Formula with Ranges
- Displaying Calculations with the Status Bar
- Calculating Totals with AutoSum
- Performing One Time Calculations
- Converting Formulas and Values
- Correcting Calculation Errors
- Correcting Formulas
- Auditing a Worksheet
- Locating Circular References
- Performing Calculations Using Functions
- Creating Functions
- Creating Functions Using the Library
- Calculating Multiple Results
- Using Nested Functions
- Using Constants and Functions in Names
Using Constants and Functions in Names
Instead of using a cell to store a constant value or function for use in a formula, you can create a name to store it and then use the name in a formula. If you wanted to calculate sales tax, for example, you could create a name called Sales Tax and assign it a constant value. You can also store text in a name. Instead of typing a long name, such as Environmental Protection Agency, you could create a name called EPA and then use the easy-to-type three letter abbreviation in a formula. When you use EPA in a formula as a text string, Excel replaces it with Environmental Protection Agency. It also works for functions and nested functions.
Use a Constant or Function in a Name
- Click the Formulas tab.
- Click the Define Name button.
- Type a name for the reference.
- Click the Scope list arrow, and then click Workbook or a specific worksheet.
- If you want, type a description of the name.
The current selection appears in the Refers to box.
- In the Refers to box, type = (equal sign) followed by the constant, text, or function you want to use.
=.0875, or =“Environmental Protection Agency”
- Click OK.