How to Create a Named Range in Excel

A named range gives a group of cells a name, like Discount, that you can use in formulas instead of an address like D3:D8. Your formulas become easier to read and harder to get wrong.

From the Formulas tab

1. Select the range to name. Here, D3:D8.

   

2. On the Formulas tab, click Define Name.

   

3. Type a name and click OK.

   

Result: when you select the range, its name shows in the Name Box (left of the formula bar).

Note: Names can’t contain spaces or start with a number. Use an underscore instead, like Sales_2025.

From the Name Box

This way is even faster.

1. Select the range, here D3:D8.

   

2. Click in the Name Box, type a name, and press Enter.

   

Use a named range in a formula

1. In cell E3, type =C3*Discount and press Enter.

   

The formula bar shows the name instead of a cell address. Drag the fill handle of E3 down to E8 to copy the formula; each row uses the discount in its own row.

Edit or delete a named range

1. On the Formulas tab, click Name Manager.

   

2. Select the name and click Edit to change the name or the range it refers to.

3. Click OK.

   

To delete a name:

1. Open Name Manager again.

2. Select the name and click Delete.

3. Click OK when Excel asks you to confirm.

4. Click Close.

   

Note: Any formula still using a deleted name will show the #NAME? error.

Next: make a named range grow automatically with a dynamic named range.