Define Name from Labels in Excel

Defining names from labels allows Excel to automatically create named ranges based on row or column headings, making formulas easier to understand and manage.

Keyboard Shortcut

Windows Mac
Ctrl + Shift + F3 Not available (use menu)

How to Define Names from Labels

  1. Select the data range including row or column labels
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + F3 (Windows)
  3. Choose whether names are based on top row, left column, bottom row, or right column
  4. Click OK to create named ranges automatically

Tips & Best Practices

FAQ

Q: Can Excel overwrite existing names?
A: Excel will warn you if a name already exists before overwriting it.
Q: Can I undo Define Name from Labels?
Yes, use Ctrl + Z immediately or delete names from the Name Manager.