Excel provides a feature for setting table names and range names. The advantage is that even if the data in a table changes, you can continue using linked formulas without modifying them.
Set a Range Name
Select a range, then enter the name you want.
- Select the range to name.
- Enter the desired name in the box to the left of the formula bar in the upper-left corner.
Why Set an Excel Table Name?
Let’s take a closer look at the Excel Table feature.
By naming tables and ranges, you can easily use all features available on the Table Design tab, including filtering data, formatting, and data validation.
It also serves as a foundation for creating automated Excel data by connecting with the Excel PivotTable feature.
How to Set an Excel Table Name
- Select the range where you want to use the Table feature.
- On the ribbon at the top, select the “INSERT” tab to open its options.
- Select “TABLE” from the “INSERT” options.
- In the pop-up shown below, confirm the selected data range and click “OK”.
- To set the table name, select the data table range again.
(You can easily select the range by using “CTRL + A“.) - As with naming a range, enter a name in the upper-left corner.
Two Key Features Available After Setting Up an Excel Table
The first is the ability to automatically change the table’s design.
The second is the use of Slicers, an advanced version of the FILTER feature.
Conclusion
Setting up Excel Tables is one of the most important features for managing data that continually changes and accumulates. Without using Tables, you may need to revise formulas you have analyzed with various Excel functions whenever the data changes. Therefore, setting Excel table names and configuring Table features is essential for saving time on redefining formula ranges and criteria as data changes, so you can focus on working efficiently with analyzed data.
There is no limit to the range of applications. You can use the Table feature whenever you need to define a range in an Excel formula. The Excel lookup functions VLOOKUP function and INDEX MATCH function are representative functions that can use the Table feature in daily work.
You can define ranges not only with the Table feature but also with Excel functions. The OFFSET function enables dynamic range definitions, another type of range setting in addition to the Table feature.