Key Take-Aways

- A named array (named range) lets you assign a meaningful name to a cell range so you can reference that range by name in formulas.

- You can create a named array two ways: type a name into the Name Box after selecting the range, or use Formulas > Define Name and the selection dialog.

- Named arrays make lookup formulas easier to read and reuse, for example with VLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH.

- Manage names in Formulas > Name Manager. Be mindful of scope, naming rules, and dynamic range options.

## What is a named array and why use one?

A named array, often called a named range, is simply a label you give to a block of cells. Instead of writing A1:D6 inside a formula, you can write a name like Apparel or Fielding. That name behaves like the array reference.

Benefits

- Readability: Formula intent becomes obvious. VLOOKUP(SKU, apparel, 3, FALSE) is easier to inspect than VLOOKUP(SKU, A1:D6, 3, FALSE).

- Reusability: Create the name once and use it across multiple formulas or sheets.

- Maintainability: If the source range moves, you only update the name rather than every formula that referenced the range.

## Two quick ways to create a named array

Both methods start by selecting the exact array you want to name.

Method 1: Name Box (fast)

1. Select the range. You can use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+Right Arrow then Ctrl+Shift+Down Arrow to expand a selection quickly.

2. Click the Name Box at the left of the formula bar, type a name such as Fielding or Apparel, and press Enter.

3. Excel now recognizes that name as a range reference.

Method 2: Formulas > Define Name (more options)

1. Select the range.

2. Go to the Formulas tab and click Define Name.

3. Enter the name, optionally add a comment, and click the range selector to confirm the area.

4. Click OK. The name is stored and visible in the Name Manager.

Either method creates the same underlying object. The Name Manager (Formulas > Name Manager) shows the name, the workbook or worksheet it belongs to, and the referred range.

## How to use a named array in lookup formulas

Once defined, a named array can be used anywhere a normal range can be used.

Examples

- VLOOKUP

- If Apparel refers to A1:D6 and column 1 is SKU, use:

=VLOOKUP("SKU123", Apparel, 3, FALSE)

- That looks up SKU123 in the first column of Apparel and returns the third column.

- INDEX with row and column numbers

- Use INDEX to return a value from a specific row and column inside the named array:

=INDEX(Apparel, 4, 2)

- Returns the value in the 4th row and 2nd column of Apparel.

- INDEX and MATCH for flexible lookup

- For lookups where the lookup column is not the first column, combine INDEX and MATCH:

=INDEX(Fielding, MATCH("Player Name", INDEX(Fielding,0,1), 0), 3)

- Here INDEX(Fielding,0,1) returns the first column of the Fielding array as an array to MATCH.

Notes

- Any Excel function that accepts a range will accept a named array.

- If you need only a single column often, you can either define a separate name for that column or use INDEX(namedArray,0,columnNumber) inside formulas.

## Managing names: Name Manager and scope

Open Formulas > Name Manager to:

- Edit a name or its referred range.

- Delete names you no longer need.

- See the scope: a name can be workbook-scoped or worksheet-scoped.

Naming rules and best practices

- Names cannot contain spaces. Use underscores or camelCase, for example FieldingData or fielding_data.

- Names must begin with a letter, underscore, or backslash.

- Keep names meaningful and consistent to improve team collaboration.

## Dynamic named ranges and alternatives

If your source data grows or shrinks, a static named array like A1:D100 can become a maintenance issue. Options:

- Use an Excel Table (Insert > Table). Tables automatically expand and you can reference table names directly. Tables are preferred for most data sets.

- Create a dynamic named range using functions like OFFSET or INDEX together with COUNTA. These can be powerful but slightly more advanced and sometimes volatile. Prefer Tables unless you need a formula-based dynamic range.

## Additional Tips, Pitfalls to Avoid & Pro Advice

- Avoid names that look like cell addresses. For example, A1A2 is legal but confusing.

- Be careful if you move or delete the underlying range. Changing the sheet layout can break names and formulas that rely on them.

- Prefer workbook-scoped names for ranges you want to use across multiple sheets. Use sheet-scoped names sparingly when you need the same name to mean different ranges on different sheets.

- Use the Name Manager to audit names. Remove orphaned names that refer to deleted ranges to prevent confusion.

- Consider Excel Tables for most live data sets. Tables are visible, easy to manage, and safer than OFFSET-based named ranges.

## FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a named range and a named array?

A: In Excel they are the same concept. Both terms refer to assigning a name to a range of cells. I use named array when I want to emphasize that the name refers to a block of cells that will be treated as an array in formulas.

Q: How do I create a named array quickly?

A: Select the range, then type the name into the Name Box at the left of the formula bar and press Enter. Alternatively, use Formulas > Define Name for more options.

Q: Can I use a named array inside VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH?

A: Yes. Any function that accepts a range accepts a named array. For example: =VLOOKUP("key", Apparel, 3, FALSE) or =INDEX(Fielding, MATCH("name", INDEX(Fielding,0,1), 0), 3).

Q: How do I change or delete a named array?

A: Go to Formulas > Name Manager, select the name, then Edit to change the reference or Delete to remove it.

Q: Should I use a named array or an Excel Table?

A: For most datasets that change size, use an Excel Table. Tables auto-expand and provide structured references. Use named arrays when you want a meaningful label for a fixed range or when you are building formula logic that benefits from a named reference.

Q: What happens if I move the source cells after creating a named array?

A: Excel will usually update the named reference to the new location if you cut and paste the entire range. If you delete or change the structure, the name may refer to an invalid range and Name Manager will show the problem.

## Summary of Key Points / Take-Home Messages

- Named arrays let you refer to cell ranges by name, improving readability and reuse.

- Create a name quickly via the Name Box or use Formulas > Define Name for more control.

- Use named arrays in VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, and other functions just like a normal range.

- Prefer Excel Tables for dynamic data. Use Name Manager to audit and maintain names.

- Follow naming best practices and check scope to avoid surprises.