Translate formula to english

Mendz5 · 08-22-2006, 05:45 PM

I have a spreadsheet with many complex formulas. Is there a way to translate
those formulas into laymens terms?

Thanks,

Mendz

**Chris Berry** · 08-22-2006, 05:54 PM

Use named ranges for the formula elements. If you already have your formulas, create the named ranges then highlight the area where your formulas are and choose apply. If you haven't created the formulas yet, create the named ranges and use your mouse to click on the cells rather than typing the cell address.

Mendz5 · 08-22-2006, 06:30 PM

Chris,

I highlighted 3 sells and named them "Purchasing", but I don't see where I
can apply that name to formula in the fourth cell.

Sorry, but I'm a novice spreadsheet user, at best.

Thanks,

Mendz

"Chris Berry" wrote:

>
> Use named ranges for the formula elements. If you already have your
> formulas, create the named ranges then highlight the area where your
> formulas are and choose apply. If you haven't created the formulas
> yet, create the named ranges and use your mouse to click on the cells
> rather than typing the cell address.
>
>
> --
> Chris Berry
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Chris Berry's Profile: http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=36165
> View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=574411
>
>

**Chris Berry** · 08-23-2006, 09:41 AM

I'm sorry, I left work after I responded.

To define a name you go to the Insert|Name|Define menu.

To apply these names to existing formula you would go to Insert|Name|Apply with the cells that contain your formula highlighted.

In your example you would highlight the fourth cell and go to Insert|Name|Apply. For instance, If B1:B3 equal purchase prices and your formula in B4 is =sum(B1:B3), you would highlight B1:B3, go to insert|Name|Define call it purchasing. Then highlight B4 and go to Insert|Name|Apply. The formula in B4 would change to =Sum(Purchasing).

Another way to do this is to enable excel to use row and column headings in formula. I think you do this through the options tab. I just read about that yesterday and frankly I've never used it so I'll let somebody else take that one.