Excel: Linking Worksheets with an R# or A$ Name

 Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
Article ID: Q60547
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for OS/2, versions 2.2, 2.21, 3.0

SUMMARY

When you enter a formula that is linked to a worksheet whose name begins with the letter "R" followed by a digit, or any letter followed by a dollar sign, you must enclose the name in single quotation marks.

NOTE: In Microsoft Excel, if you reference a worksheet named R1, you must use single quotation marks; however, if you reference a workbook named R1 with a sheet name other than r1 or A$, you do not need to enclose the name in single quotation marks.

MORE INFORMATION

For example, if the worksheet name begins with either R followed by a number or A followed by a dollar sign (such as R1 or A$), a formula with links to a supporting sheet must be entered as follows: 

   ='A$'!reference
or 
   ='R1.xls'!reference

      (Note the single quotation marks enclosing the sheet name.)
If the sheet name begins with an R that is not followed by a number or an A that is not followed by a dollar sign, (including RC or A1), then the above formula can be entered as follows: 

   =A1!reference

   -or-

   =RC.XLS!reference

KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 2.0 2.00 2.01 2.1 2.10 3.0 3.00 4.0 4.00 5.00

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Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
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