Datasheet

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PART II
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GETTING THE DATA IN
The workbook with the formula is called a dependent workbook,
because it depends on input from other workbooks. The input work-
books are called source workbooks because they are the data source for
the linking formulas.
Each time you open a dependent workbook, you are asked if you want
to update it with linked information from the other workbooks. Click Yes
to update the linked formulas with current data in the other workbooks;
click No to keep the current values or if you don’t want to wait for the
data to be updated.
If you want to break the link so you can keep the current value and
not be prompted with the update question, replace the formula with a
static value by copying and pasting values. See Chapter 3 to learn more
about pasting values.
Using cell names
Cell names make formulas easier to read because the cells to which they
refer are quickly and easily identified (for example, the formula
=Subtotal+Tax is easier to understand than =G19+G20). Also, cell names
keep cell formulas intact when the formulas reference cell names because
cell names are always created with absolute references.
Naming cells
There are a few ways to name cells, the easiest being the Name box and
the Create Names dialog box. Each method is most convenient in partic-
ular situations.
Inside Scoop
If you open a source workbook while the dependent workbook is open, the
linking formula automatically recalculates with the current data in the source
workbook. This is faster than waiting for recalculation from a closed workbook.
Inside
Scoop
Bright Idea
Always use some capital letters in a name, because when you type a name in
lowercase letters and Excel recognizes the name, the name is switched to its
official capitalization. However, if you misspell the name, it won’t be capital-
ized, and that’s often a clue to the error you get.
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