Excel INDIRECT Function: Lookup Values in Different Sheets / Excel Tabs

Learn how to use INDIRECT to manage data across different tabs and make your Excel tasks simpler. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this tutorial has you covered.

✅ What You'll Learn:
▪️ The basics of INDIRECT function: Understand what INDIRECT does and how it simplifies Excel formulas.
▪️ Practical examples: See how INDIRECT works with SUMIFS function for dynamic data management.
▪️ Tips for dealing with different data tabs: Discover how to use INDIRECT when your data is spread across multiple tabs.
▪️ Error handling: Learn how to avoid common mistakes and understand error messages.
▪️ Advanced usage: Explore more complex scenarios where INDIRECT can be a game-changer.
▪️ Performance impact: Understand the limitations of INDIRECT in larger spreadsheets.

INDIRECT can be very useful in Excel Dashboards when you need a dynamic cell reference instead of hard-coding the reference in a formula. For example, let's say you have a drop down where the user can select for which year the revenue should be shown. Depending on the selection the formula with a SUMIF or SUMIFS function should sum up different ranges of data. Instead of writing a long formula with different conditions for each year that could be chosen, you can use INDIRECT.

Indirect can be a confusing function. It takes a little bit time to get the hang of it. What Indirect does, is it returns an address. So for example, if you type in =indirect(A1) and inside A1, you have written A10 - then your formula returns what is inside A10. Why would you need this? Watch the full video and download the workbook to practice along.

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[kossiviamouzou]

Leila is the QUEEN of Excel formulas. Like if you agree. I'm addicted to Excel and sometimes I think I know a lot but every time I'm blown away when I watch her videos

[kossiviaglee]

You cannot imagine how helpful are your tutorials for me. Thanks so much! May GOD bless you anf give back to you more than you freely give.

[JennyMarie]

I really appreciate the fast pace of your videos and that they are targeted to users with Excel experience. I feel like I'm getting a lot out of the 10 minutes spent on your videos instead of other videos showing baby steps that take loads of time to explain something simple. Loving your channel, thanks!

[davegoodo]

Thanks Leila! I had no idea about the Indirect function, but after watching your video I have some idea. It messes with my head, which means to me that it’s worth learning. Thanks for this introduction.

[excelisfun]

Thanks for the INDIRECT to different Sheets, Leila!!

[euniceesinam]

Indirect saved me from frustration a few years ago. But this video has some interesting things that set me thinking about wild stuff to do. Thanks, Leila

[redouanegipsy]

Hi Leila,
Excel is like a passion for me, and I have watched tones of videos, but yours are really outstanding, Honestly, you have done an amazing Job, and I visited your website too, and it looks so professional, well done, and looking forward to learning more from you
David Redouane

[MAsif-pchj]

You explained in such way that audience is already well known about function. There is a need to elaborate in simple way.

[prasannaprasanna]

Thanks. Your way of teaching solved every bit of my confusions regarding INDIRECT function

This is the first time I found one of your tutorials hard to follow and understand. No big deal, I was able grasp the indirect function by looking at other YouTube videos. You're still my favorite Excel teacher by far. Thanks for all you do.

[gopalakrishnarao]

Very informative, and very useful for the excel users/addicts/lovers. I am one of your great fan of watching your videos. You are doing a great job for the excel users and making it interesting to learn more and more. Hope you will continue your good work in the coming days

[bensharratt]

THE BEST tutorials online - Thanks very much!

[muathsaraireh]

Great video, thanks. Would have been easier to follow if you used standard excel references for cells and sheets. Thanks again

[leomason]

I've been struggling to understand this for weeks. Thanks so much for the info!!

[HoppiHopp]

Thank you again! :-) This was so helpful. I used "indirect" to have my formula (inside a proper Excel table) look in the cell below the current row/cell and compare it to the current cell while avoiding #ref errors if I choose to overwrite or delete half of the raw data.

[hidgik]

You must be a happy person. You know - being familiar with the very entrails of the program! God bless you!

[himanshudalai]

Great video Leila ! I admire your videos for its excellent way of explaining the concepts ! Thank you so much !

[Galileopi]

Leila, I met with your channel; this is a gif for me; you're so right. Thanks for these tips. More, please

[gayanedu]

Thanks for your tutorial video !!!. It is wonderful & you explain very clearly.
Just want to know is there a way to referencing value in a closed Excel workbook using INDIRECT?

[tasfia]

Hi, can you make a video on how indirect is used to refer to larger
tables in other sheet and rows/columns of that table using "&" ?