How to delete a named range in Excel

Typically, named ranges are a great way to streamline data analysis. They allow you to assign names to multiple cells for references in functions and formulas. As convenient as named ranges may be, they can just as easily get in the way. Fortunately, there are a few methods by which you can delete named range formulas in your spreadsheet.

Here, we will review how to delete named ranges in Excel.

Name manager method to delete named ranges

Excel has a useful feature known as a “designated administrator.” Allows you to assign and delete names conveniently. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to the top ribbon of Excel and click the “Formulas” tab.
   
2. Select the “Name Manager” option. It has a label tab icon.
   
3. It will open all named ranges located within the notebook. Select one you want to delete.
   
4. Select “Delete.”
   

It’s as simple as that. You can even select more named ranges simultaneously and delete them if necessary. To do this, hold down the SHIFT key while left-clicking and dragging the mouse to select all named ranges. If you want to delete multiple but not all named ranges, hold down the CTRL key while clicking inpidually on the ones you want to delete.

How to use filter in Name Manager

The above method works if you have a relatively small number of named ranges to delete. However, it can be difficult to scroll through or review it all if you have a lot of data. Fortunately, the filter option can save you a lot of time and effort. Here are some options available in the Name Manager Filter tab:

• Table names: Once you create an Excel table, the program automatically assigns certain names. You can check table names using this filter setting.
• Names without errors: Sometimes named ranges can contain errors. With this filter, you can ignore names with errors and treat only valid ones.
• Errored names: A named range will have an error when it has been deleted, invalid, or moved. This filter will show you all of them. It is a great way to locate and fix these errors, as they may have faulty formulas.
• Defined names: Use this filter to keep track of the names you have assigned to a specific cell, a range of cells, or an entire table. Here you will only see the names assigned by your users.
• Scoped Names in Workbook: With this filter, you can view all names in the workbook simultaneously. It gives you an extensive vision.
• Worksheet Scoped Names – This filter will only show you the named ranges for the worksheet instead of the entire workbook.

Using the filter option in Excel is a great way to sort, organize, delete, and rename named ranges within the workbook. It is especially useful when dealing with large amounts of information simultaneously.

Edit named ranges in Excel

You may want to change or edit some named ranges instead of deleting them. It is important to have the correct cell or range name, so this option can be useful for updating data in the workbook. Here’s how to do it quickly:

1. Navigate to the “Formulas” tab at the top of the screen and then select the “Name Manager” option. You’ll find it under “Defined Names.”
   
2. You will have access to the names of different ranks. Find the one you want to change and then select it.
   
3. Click on the “Edit” option.
   
4. Enter your new name and select “OK.”
   

With this, you can rename the cells and ranges you want. However, using the filter option here is also beneficial as it can get complicated with many inputs.

How to create named ranges in Excel

Now you know how to delete named ranges in Excel and how to change them. However, creating them is equally important. The method to do it is simple:

1. Select the cell or range you want to name.
   
2. Go to the top ribbon and, in the formulas tab, select the “Set Name” option.
   
3. A window will open. Enter the new named range and scope (if you want it to be limited to the worksheet or the entire workbook) and add any comments or notes you may need.
   
4. Select “OK.”
   

Why you will need to use named ranges in Excel

Named ranges are a useful tool. Knowing how to manipulate them can make data processing and analysis much easier for you and anyone else involved in your project. Here are some ways named ranges can help:

• Make formulas easier to use: Whenever you use a formula in Excel, you usually have a cell reference made up of numbers and letters that identify the exact range. However, the cell reference format is not very clear, especially when applying a formula to multiple cells. By giving ranges a different name, you can minimize formula errors and simply type the name instead of going back and forth to check range and cell references.
• Identify ranges and select them: Instead of searching for ranges and selecting them the old-fashioned way, Excel allows you to type the named range and locates it for you.
• Optimizing dynamic data entry: You can have named ranges shrink or expand automatically depending on whether you add or subtract data from them. This is especially useful when you are constantly updating your workbook.

There are also some real-world applications when using named ranges in Excel. Some of them could include:

• Financial and business aspects: When working on projects, using named ranges can help you label certain aspects of your data, making sure everyone understands it. This creates fluid communication between all parties involved, especially when you add notes to your named ranges.
• Project management: When working with named ranges, you can customize them to take into account your project budget and deadlines. They will help you make better-informed decisions that drive results.
• Marketing and sales purposes: You can easily add customer data to named ranges, indicating campaign performance and tracking relevant metrics.

Frequent questions

How long can name ranges be?

You can select as many cells as possible to give them a single name. Simply use the CTRL+A command to select all cells and then use the methods described above to name them.

How long can range names be?

When assigning a name to any array, you are limited to 255 characters. However, you should use the comment box option if you need to leave longer notes. It’s useful if other users enter the book or if you need to leave a quick reminder.

Why isn’t my range name written?

Other than periods and underscores, you cannot use symbols or spaces to name ranges. Instead, you can name the range using letters and numbers.

Make data easy with named ranges

Named ranges are a convenient way to analyze data. However, you will often need to delete them, reassign them, and create new ones. Typically, you will find options to do this in the top ribbon with the name manager option within the formula tab. The filter option makes the process easier.

Did you find it easy to remove named ranges using the above method? What about renaming and creating them? Let us know in the comments p below.