Lookup
Reading a cell from a text address
Definition
Reading a cell whose address is stored as text means giving INDIRECT that text.
Syntax
=INDIRECT(ref_text)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
ref_text |
The cell that holds an address as text, such as B2 holding A4. |
Worked example
A tally sheet stores 27 in A4. Cell B2 holds the text A4, which names that cell.
| A: Count | B: Address |
|---|---|
| A4 | |
| 27 |
Formula: =INDIRECT(B2)
Result: 27. B2 names A4, and A4 holds 27.
Practice
Cell C5 holds 19. Cell D2 holds the text C5. In E2, write a formula that returns the value of the cell named in D2.
- In E2, write an INDIRECT formula for D2.
- E2 should show the value of the cell named in D2.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =INDIRECT(D2) in E2.
D2 is C5, and C5 is 19.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
E2 uses INDIRECT.
E2 now shows 19.
The next lesson is Putting a list in order.
Related functions
INDIRECT is the function that turns that address text into a live cell reference.
Common mistake
Quoting the address cell, as in =INDIRECT("B2"): the formula then returns the text A4 instead of the 27 in A4.