Name Box

The Name Box is a small box located on the left side of the Formula Bar in Microsoft Excel. It is mainly used to identify the active cell and can also be used to give a name to a cell or range of cells.

When we select any cell, the Name Box displays its cell address.

Example

If we select cell B5, the Name Box displays:

B5

Here:

• B = Column

• 5 = Row

• B5 = Cell Address

Naming a Cell or Range

One of the useful features of the Name Box is that it allows us to give a meaningful name to a cell or range.

For example, suppose:

B2:B10

contains students’ marks.

Instead of remembering the range B2:B10, we can give it the name:

Marks

Now, the range B2:B10 is represented by the name Marks.

Example

Without Named Range:

=SUM(B2:B10)

With Named Range:

=SUM(Marks)

The second formula is easier to understand because Marks clearly describes what the range contains.

How to Create a Named Range Using Name Box

Select the Cell/Range
        ↓
Click the Name Box
        ↓
Type a Meaningful Name
        ↓
Press Enter
        ↓
The Cell/Range Gets That Name

Practical Example

Suppose a worksheet contains:

We can select B2:B10 and enter:

Marks

in the Name Box.

After pressing Enter, we can use:

=SUM(Marks)

instead of:

=SUM(B2:B10)

Why is Name Box Useful?

Easy Example to Remember

B2:B10
   ↓
Give Name
   ↓
Marks
   ↓
Use in Formula
   ↓
=SUM(Marks)

Quick Revision

Name Box → Select Cell/Range → Give Name → Use Name in Formula

One-Line Definition

The Name Box is used to identify the selected cell and to assign meaningful names to cells or ranges for easier reference and use in formulas.

Reference: The provided Advanced Excel notes explain defining names for cells/ranges through the Name Box and using those names in formulas.