Excel: Cell References in Linked External Worksheets Are Wrong

Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
Article ID: Q24184

SUMMARY

When linking to an external worksheet, if cells are inserted or deleted on the supporting worksheet, the dependent worksheet will then refer to the "wrong" cells.

To solve this problem, use defined names instead of cell references.

Example

Worksheet1 is linked to Worksheet2. Cell C5 on Worksheet1 contains the following formula:

   =Worksheet2!$G$3

If row 1 on Worksheet2 is deleted, the data referenced in the formula is now in cell G2; however, the formula on Worksheet1 does not update.

However, if we define the name "Data" to be equal to $G$3 and use the formula

   =Worksheet2!Data

in cell C5 on Worksheet1, then when row 1 is deleted, the name "Data" will automatically be redefined to refer to $G$2 and Worksheet1 will still refer to the correct information.

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Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
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