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INDIRECT function

Returns a reference indicated by a text value

Returns the reference specified by a text string. References are immediately evaluated to display their contents.

Syntax

INDIRECT(ref_text, [a1])

Square brackets indicate optional arguments.

Arguments

ArgumentRequiredMeaning
ref_textYesA reference to a cell that contains an A1-style reference, an R1C1-style reference, a name defined as a reference, or a reference to a cell as a text string. "A1"
a1NoA logical value that specifies what type of reference is contained in the cell ref_text.TRUE

Try INDIRECT

Read a reference stored as text

=INDIRECT("A2")

Resolve the text A2 as a reference to the first amount, 12.

Inspect the current formula

Read its written arguments or observe actual operation values in a separate local calculation. This action neither applies a draft nor grades an answer.

Read the formula, one argument at a time

Explore the written function calls and their inputs. The calculation result belongs to the complete formula.

INDIRECT · top-level call

=INDIRECT("A2")

1 / 1 · ref_text

A reference to a cell that contains an A1-style reference, an R1C1-style reference, a name defined as a reference, or a reference to a cell as a text string.

INDIRECT reference ↗

Follow the cells behind a result

Read explicit local references and helper formulas using a separate calculation. Your draft stays in this field; the worksheet and practice checks do not change.

The worksheet runs locally. Published checks apply to the supplied example only. Native Excel and Google Sheets compatibility remain unverified.

Reference and compatibility

Univer 1.0.4 / Apache-2.0. Calculation checks cover the supplied examples only. The browser worksheet does not implement every Excel feature, external service or connected data type.