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Excel - Unlock the Power of Names in Excel Formulas: Apply, Update, and Save Time! - Episode 1236

662 views · Published 2 September 2010 · 2:06 · Indexed 3 October 2026

Channel: MrExcel.com · 2010 · Education

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Microsoft Excel Tutorial - Unlock the Power of Names in Excel Formulas: Apply, Update, and Save Time!

Welcome back to the MrExcel netcast! In this episode, we will be diving into Chapter 19 of Excel 2010 In Depth, which focuses on applying names in Excel formulas. As always, this podcast is sponsored by MrExcel.com.

You may be used to the traditional formula nomenclature of using cell references in your formulas, but have you ever considered using names instead? Let's take a look at an example where I have named two cells - "COGS" for cost of goods sold and "Revenue" for, well, revenue. When we enter a formula using these names, such as Revenue - COGS, it not only makes the formula easier to read, but it also becomes self-documenting.

Now, you may be thinking, "That's great, but what if I want to go back and change the names of these cells?" Well, fear not, because there is a handy trick for that. Simply go to the Formulas tab and under the Define Name drop-down, select "Apply Names". This will allow you to retroactively change the formulas to use the new names you have assigned to the cells. It's a clever and efficient way to update your formulas without having to manually change each one.

But wait, there's more! Did you know that you can also use this trick to apply names to multiple cells at once? Simply select all the cells you want to apply names to, and then use the Apply Names feature. This is a great time-saving tool for when you have a large dataset with many formulas.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the MrExcel netcast. I hope you found this information helpful and will consider using names in your Excel formulas to make them more readable and self-documenting. Don't forget to check out Chapter 19 of Excel 2010 In Depth for more in-depth tips and tricks on using names in Excel. See you next time!

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Table of Contents:
(00:00) Apply Names & Using Names in Excel 
(00:14) Example of Formula with Named Cells 
(00:24) Benefits of Using Named Cells 
(00:34) Changing Formulas to Use Named Cells 
(01:03) Using the "Apply Names" Feature 
(01:44) Hidden Trick for Changing Formulas 
(01:56) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

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Join the MrExcel Message Board discussion about this video at https://www.mrexcel.com/board/threads/1152917/

What's in a name? Retroactively and easily make your newly created Range Names appear in prior formulas in Excel 2010.

...This episode is the video podcast companion to the book, "Excel 2010 In Depth", by Bill Jelen a.k.a. MrExcel.

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