Quick answer
The INDIRECT formula turns a text reference into a real cell or range reference.
=INDIRECT("'"&A2&"'!B2")Syntax
Use this syntax as the pattern, then replace the sample arguments with your own cells, ranges, and criteria.
=INDIRECT(ref_text, [a1])When to use it
Lookup formulas connect tables together. Dynamic array formulas go further by returning lists, tables, and spill ranges that update automatically when the source data changes.
- Return a price from a product table
- Find an employee name from an ID
- Filter open orders into a report
- Create sorted or unique lists
Example worksheet layout
Test the formula in a small worksheet first. This makes it easier to confirm the result before copying the formula down hundreds of rows.
| Column or range | What it represents |
|---|---|
| A | Lookup value such as SKU, ID, or name |
| F:G | Reference table with the match column and return column |
| B | Returned result |
Copy-paste examples
These examples move from simple to more practical versions. Start with the beginner examples, confirm the result, then adapt the intermediate and advanced versions.
Basic INDIRECT example
=INDIRECT("'"&A2&"'!B2")Use this as the first working version with a small sample table.
Return a friendly message when nothing is found
=IFERROR(INDIRECT("'"&A2&"'!B2"),"Not found")Give users a readable result for missing records.
Clean the lookup value first
=INDIRECT("'"&TRIM(A2)&"'!B2")Remove extra spaces from the lookup value before matching.
Use Excel Table references
=INDIRECT("'"&[@SKU]&"'!B2")Tables make lookup formulas easier to maintain as rows are added.
Return blank only for missing records
=IFNA(INDIRECT("'"&A2&"'!B2"),"")Use IFNA when a missing match is expected but other errors should remain visible.
Create a dashboard label
=IFNA("Result: "&INDIRECT("'"&A2&"'!B2"),"Result not found")Turn a lookup value into a readable summary cell.
How to use it step by step
- Put your raw data in clear columns with headers such as Amount, Date, Status, Region, or Customer.
- Paste the starting formula into the first result cell, usually row 2.
- Replace sample references such as A2, B2, or $F$2:$F$100 with the cells in your own worksheet.
- Check the result on a few rows where you already know the expected answer.
- Copy the formula down only after the first row returns the right result.
Common mistakes and fixes
- The lookup range and return range do not have matching sizes.
- The lookup value has extra spaces or different formatting than the source table.
- An approximate match is used when an exact match is required.
- Test the formula on a few known rows before using it across a full report.
Beginner tips
- Use a small sample first so you can see exactly how the INDIRECT formula behaves.
- Convert your source range into an Excel Table when the data will grow over time.
- Add a short note near important formulas so future users know what each input represents.