How to Return a Cell Reference in Excel: Easy Guide

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Working with cell references is a key part of using Excel effectively. Sometimes, you may need Excel to return a cell reference dynamically instead of typing the reference manually. This is common when building templates, dashboards, lookup sheets, or reports that change based on input values.

Excel provides several functions that allow you to create references programmatically, move references, or convert text into actual references.

In this guide, we will explain how to return a cell reference using ADDRESS, INDIRECT, INDEX, and OFFSET, along with practical examples to help you understand how each method works.

Understanding Cell References

In Excel, a cell reference identifies the location of a value in a worksheet. For example:

Returning a cell reference means creating a formula that outputs a reference either as text or as a live reference that Excel can use to return values.

Return a Cell Reference as Text Using the ADDRESS Function

The ADDRESS function returns a reference as a text string.

Syntax:

=ADDRESS(row_number, column_number, [abs_num], [a1], [sheet_text])

Example: Return the reference for row 5, column 3.

=ADDRESS(5, 3)

Output:

$C$5

This function is helpful when you want to construct cell references programmatically. But remember, ADDRESS returns text, not a usable reference value. To use the reference in calculations, combine it with INDIRECT.

Convert Returned Text Reference into a Real Reference Using INDIRECT

The INDIRECT function converts text into a usable cell reference.

Syntax:

=INDIRECT(ref_text)

Example: Return the value inside the cell generated by ADDRESS.

=INDIRECT(ADDRESS(5,3))

This retrieves the actual value of cell C5.

Key benefit: INDIRECT allows formulas to update automatically when the reference text changes.
Important note: INDIRECT is not volatile-friendly in large spreadsheets and may slow performance.

Return a Cell Reference Based on a Lookup Value

Sometimes, you need a reference to a cell that matches a certain value. The MATCH function helps locate a row or column number. Combining MATCH with INDEX or ADDRESS/INDIRECT creates a dynamic lookup reference.

Example scenario: Find the reference of a product in a list.

To find the cell holding Orange:

= MATCH("Orange", A2:A4, 0)

This returns:

2   (Orange is in the second row of the range)

To return the actual price:

=INDEX(B2:B4, MATCH("Orange", A2:A4, 0))

This method is more efficient than using INDIRECT because INDEX is non-volatile and faster.

Return a Reference by Moving from Another Cell Using OFFSET

The OFFSET function returns a reference shifted from a starting cell.

Syntax:

=OFFSET(reference, rows, cols, [height], [width])

Example: Return the cell 1 row down and 2 columns to the right of A1.

=OFFSET(A1, 1, 2)

This returns the reference for C2.

This function is helpful when building dynamic ranges, such as expanding tables or rolling time periods.

Return a Value from a Range by Row and Column Using INDEX

The INDEX function returns a cell value based on row and column position. It works well for controlled reference returns and is widely recommended for clean, stable spreadsheets.

Syntax (Array form):

=INDEX(array, row_num, col_num)

Example: Return the value in Row 3, Column 2 from the range A1:C5:

=INDEX(A1:C5, 3, 2)

This gives the value in cell B3.

INDEX is often paired with MATCH to return dynamic references based on variable lookups.

Using CELL to Return Reference Information

The CELL function can return reference-related details such as address, filename, or formatting.

Syntax:

=CELL(info_type, reference)

Example: Return the cell address of B3:

=CELL("address", B3)

Output:

$B$3

This is useful for tracking active cells or auditing formulas.

Summary of Functions for Returning Cell References

Practical Example: Dynamic Reference Based on User Input

Suppose a user enters a row number in D1 and a column number in D2. You want Excel to return the value in that cell.

Row input → D1
Column input → D2

Step 1: Create a text reference:

=ADDRESS(D1, D2)

Step 2: Convert it to a real cell reference:

=INDIRECT(ADDRESS(D1,D2))

Now when the user changes D1 or D2, the returned value updates automatically.

Best Practices

• Prefer INDEX + MATCH over INDIRECT + ADDRESS when possible, because INDIRECT is volatile.
• Use absolute references ($A$1) in formulas that must remain fixed.
• When building dashboards, dynamic references make sheets more interactive and flexible.
• Avoid OFFSET in large datasets when performance is critical.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to return a cell reference in Excel allows you to create flexible and dynamic spreadsheets. Whether you’re building pricing models, inventory trackers, or interactive dashboards, the ability to generate references programmatically increases efficiency and reduces manual errors.

By understanding how to use ADDRESS, INDIRECT, INDEX, MATCH, OFFSET, and CELL, you can construct formulas that adapt automatically to user input and data changes. These functions form the foundation of building scalable, smart Excel workbooks.

Vaishvi Desai

Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.