Excel 3D Reference

We all want to save time. And, using 3D Reference in Excel can save a lot of time.

It is like a three-dimensional chart or image with more than one phase. A normal range is all about a group of cells from a single worksheet.

For Example, in =SUM(Sheet1!A1:A10), “A1:A10” is a group of cells that is referred from Sheet1.

But, a 3D reference is a range of cells in which you can refer to the same cells from multiple worksheets using a single reference. In simple words, refer to the same cell or range from multiple sheets.

Create a 3D Reference

The only thing which you have to take care of before using a 3D reference is all the worksheets should be in a sequence. Let me show you an example.

Now here you have 5 worksheets in a workbook. So, if you want to calculate a sum of the range C5:D6 from all 5 worksheets you have to use a formula like the one below.

=('2009'!A1:A10,'2010'!A1:A10,'2011'!A1:A10,'2012'!A1:A10,'2013'!A1:A10)

But if you want to create a 3D formula with a 3D reference then it will be something like this.

=SUM('2009:2013'!A1:A10)

How 3D Reference Works in Excel

A 3D range formula always works in two different parts.

• First: a range of worksheets: Like a range of cells, you have to create a range of worksheets from which you want to refer cells. The range of worksheets must be continuous range. In the above example, I have 5 worksheets from 2009 to 2013.
• Second: A range of cells. A normal range of cells that you want to refer to in all the worksheets.

Adding a New Worksheet

Suppose you insert a worksheet between 2009 to 2013. It will automatically include the value of the range A1:A10 from the new sheet in the function you are using.

Deleting a Worksheet:

If you delete a worksheet from 2009 to 2013. It will automatically exclude the value of cell C4 from the function you are using.

The Sequence of Worksheets:

Here in this example, the range of worksheets starts from “Sheet 2009” and ends at “Sheet 2013”. The point is, if you move any sheet out of this range, that sheet will exclude from the formula calculation.

Conclusion

One of the most important benefits of 3D references is that they can shorten your complex formulas. You don’t have to refer to all the worksheets separately in formulas. And, I hope this method will help you write better formulas.

Now tell me one thing. Have you tried it before? Please share your views with me in the comment section, I’d love to hear from you. And, please don’t forget to share with your friends.