Lookup
INDIRECT
Definition
INDIRECT returns the value of the cell or range named by a text string.
Syntax
=INDIRECT(ref_text)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
ref_text |
A cell address as text, such as "B3", or a cell that holds that text. |
Worked example
A log stores a target address as text in A2 and the value to read in B3.
| A: Address | B: Value |
|---|---|
| B3 | |
| 88 |
Formula: =INDIRECT(A2)
Result: 88. The text B3 is treated as a reference, and B3 holds 88.
Practice
Cell A2 holds 42 and cell B2 holds the text A2. In C2, write a formula that returns the value of the cell named in B2.
- In C2, write an INDIRECT formula for B2.
- C2 should show the value of the cell named in B2.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =INDIRECT(B2) in C2.
B2 is A2, and A2 is 42.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
C2 uses INDIRECT.
C2 now shows 42.
Related functions
INDEX picks by position instead of by a text address. MATCH can supply a position if you build the address another way.
Common mistake
Pointing INDIRECT at the number instead of the address text: if A2 holds 42, =INDIRECT(A2) returns #REF! because 42 is not a reference.