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 Microsoft Excel > Functions > Lookup and Reference > INDIRECT

 

INDIRECT(ref_text, a1)

 
 Returns a text string of the contents of a given cell reference.

 ref_textThe reference to a range of cells.
 a1True or False to specify the reference style that is used.

 REMARKS
 
  • This function is volatile and will change everytime a cell on the worksheet is calculated.
     
  • This function will update when the workbook is recalculated by pressing F9.
     
  • The "ref_text" can contain an A1-style reference, an R1C1-style reference, a named range, or a reference to a cell as a text string.
     
  • If "ref_text" is not a valid cell reference then #REF! is returned.
     
  • If "ref_text" is a reference to a row (eg "3:3") then the column containing the function is used.
     
  • If "ref_text" is a reference to multiple rows then (eg "2:3") then the column containing the function is used and an array is returned.
     
  • If "a1" = True then "ref_text" is interpreted as an A1 style reference.
     
  • If "a1" = False then "ref_text" is interpreted as an R1C1 style reference.
     
  • If "a1" is left blank, then True is used.
     
  • This function should be used when you want to change the reference to a cell within a formula without changing the formula itself .
     
  • This function can be used to always reference the same cells regardless of whether they are moved or copied.
     
  • For working example of how to reference cells indirectly please refer to the Referencing Cells Indirectly page.

     EXAMPLES
     
     ABC
    1=INDIRECT("C1") = 6010060
    2=INDIRECT(C2,FALSE) = 200200B2
    3=INDIRECT("C2",TRUE) = B2300"some text"
    4=INDIRECT(T(C2)) = B2400$A$2
    5=INDIRECT(named_range) = C4500RC1
    6=INDIRECT("B"&"5") = 500E 
    7=INDIRECT(B6&"6") = "some text"  
    8=INDIRECT("2:2",TRUE) = 200  
    9=INDIRECT("2:2",FALSE) = #REF!  
    10=SUM(INDIRECT("B" & "1" & ":" & "B" & "5")) = 1500  
    11=ROWS(INDIRECT("1:10")) = 10  
    12=INDIRECT(ADDRESS(5,5)) = RC1  
    13=INDIRECT(C6) = #REF!  
     

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