# Named ranges

Named ranges, called defined names in Excel, let you give a name to a range, a formula or a value. You can then use the name instead of the address, formula or value, for example in other formulas. In EPPlus, names are added via the `Names` collection, either on the workbook or on a worksheet. EPPlus 8.1 introduced new methods that make working with names easier.

## Workbook and worksheet names

A name added to `Workbook.Names` can be used in the whole workbook. A name added to `ExcelWorksheet.Names` is scoped to that worksheet.

This example adds a named range to a worksheet:

```csharp
var myDefinedRange = worksheet.Names.Add("MyDefinedRange", worksheet.Cells["A4:A10"]);
```

```vbnet
Dim myDefinedRange = worksheet.Names.Add("MyDefinedRange", worksheet.Cells("A4:A10"))
```

This example adds a name that contains a formula to the workbook:

```csharp
var myDefinedFormula = package.Workbook.Names.Add("MyDefinedFormula", "SUM(10,7)");
```

```vbnet
Dim myDefinedFormula = package.Workbook.Names.Add("MyDefinedFormula", "SUM(10,7)")
```

As with cell formulas in EPPlus, formulas in names use comma (,) to separate arguments and are written without the leading equal sign.

### LAMBDA functions in names

A name can also contain a LAMBDA function. The name can then be called like a function in other formulas in the workbook, which is a way to create reusable custom functions without code. See [LAMBDA in defined names](<https://epplussoftware.com/docs/formulas-and-filters/formula-calculation/using-lambda-functions/#lambda-in-defined-names>) for examples.

## New methods in EPPlus 8.1

### Adding names

| Method | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `AddRange(string name, ExcelRangeBase range)` | Adds a name that refers to a range. |
| `Add(string name, string formula)` | Adds a name that contains a formula. |
| `Add(string name, object value)` | Adds a name that contains a value. |

### Validating cell references in formulas

The static property `ExcelNamedRange.ValidateCellAddressInFormulas` controls how cell references in the formulas of names are handled. When it is set to `true`, EPPlus validates the cell references, and references without a worksheet name are changed to include the worksheet. For example, `SUM(C2)` is converted to `SUM('Sheet 1'!$C$2)`.

```csharp
ExcelNamedRange.ValidateCellAddressInFormulas = true;
```

```vbnet
ExcelNamedRange.ValidateCellAddressInFormulas = True
```

### Changing the content of a name

The `SetValue(object value)`, `SetFormula(string formula)` and `SetRange(ExcelRangeBase range)` methods replace the previous content of the name. For example, if a name contains a formula and you set it to a range, the formula is removed.

### Reading the content of a name

How you read the content of a name depends on what the name contains:

- **A range:** use the name as any other range, with the same methods and properties.
- **A formula:** use the `GetFormula()` method or the `Formula` property.
- **Anything else:** use the `GetValue()` method, or the `Value` or `Text` property.

Using a method or property that does not match the content of the name may return `null`.

### Copying and moving names

`Copy` copies the name to the specified workbook or worksheet:

```csharp
var copiedName = myNamedRange.Copy("CopiedRange", worksheet2);
```

```vbnet
Dim copiedName = myNamedRange.Copy("CopiedRange", worksheet2)
```

`Move` moves the name to the specified workbook or worksheet:

```csharp
var movedName = myNamedRange.Move(worksheet2);
```

```vbnet
Dim movedName = myNamedRange.Move(worksheet2)
```

## See also

- [Addressing cells and ranges](<https://epplussoftware.com/docs/worksheet-and-ranges/addressing/cells-and-ranges/index.md>)
- [Formula calculation](<https://epplussoftware.com/docs/formulas-and-filters/formula-calculation/index.md>)
- [LAMBDA functions in defined names](<https://epplussoftware.com/docs/formulas-and-filters/formula-calculation/using-lambda-functions/#lambda-in-defined-names>)