Syntax
ADDRESS(row_num, col_num, [abs_num], [a1], [sheet_text])
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| row_num | Parameter of the ADDRESS function. |
| col_num | Parameter of the ADDRESS function. |
| [abs_num] | (Optional.) Parameter of the ADDRESS function. |
| [a1] | (Optional.) Parameter of the ADDRESS function. |
| [sheet_text] | (Optional.) Parameter of the ADDRESS function. |
Examples
Absolute reference
Formula
=ADDRESS(1, 1)
Returns "$A$1" — an absolute cell reference string for row 1, column 1.
Relative reference
Formula
=ADDRESS(3, 5, 4)
Returns "E3" — a relative reference (abs_num=4) for row 3, column 5. The third argument controls absolute/relative style.
Use with INDIRECT
Formula
=INDIRECT(ADDRESS(MATCH("Total", A:A, 0), 2))
Finds the row containing "Total" in column A, builds a reference to column B in that row, and returns the value. Dynamic row targeting.
Common Errors
#VALUE!
Occurs when row_num or col_num is zero, negative, or non-numeric.
Tips
abs_num options
1 = $A$1 (absolute), 2 = A$1 (row absolute), 3 = $A1 (column absolute), 4 = A1 (relative). Default is 1.
Pair with INDIRECT
ADDRESS returns text, not a reference. To use it as an actual cell reference, wrap it in INDIRECT: =INDIRECT(ADDRESS(r, c)).
Cross-sheet references
The 5th argument specifies a sheet name: =ADDRESS(1,1,,,"Sheet2") returns "Sheet2!$A$1". Useful for building dynamic cross-sheet formulas.
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