What is wrong with naming a cell as c?

[vezerid]

Hi all,

If I try to name a cell as c by selecting it and entering c in the
namebox the entire column of the selected cell is selected and
Insert|Name|Define does not list any such name.

If I try to use the menu directly I get a message to the effect "Not a
valid name". What is it with "c" specifically? Is there a list
somewhere of such reserverd names?

Regards
Kostis Vezerides

 

[Anne Troy]

C is a column. Excel will get confused. You can't use a number as the first
character, and you can't use one-letter names (to my knowledge).
************
Hope it helps!
Anne Troy
www.OfficeArticles.com

 

[vezerid]

Hi Anne,

This is not true for single-letter names. In the past I have
successfully named cells as "a" and "b" (w/o the quotes). It is
particularly nice as instructive technique when I want to use Excel for
demo of linear function behavior. Afterall, a cell's original name
cannot be letter only, since we need the column number as well, so no
conflict there...

And as I was writing just this I realized... and tested... It conflicts
with the R1C1 notation. So, similarly the leter "r" and the string "rc"
cannot be used as names. All other single letters can (probably...)

Regards,
Kostis

 

[Bernard Liengme]

You can use single letters for names. So a,b .d. x, y... all work
C and R do not because Excel can use RC referencing (row & column)
You can use C_ and R_
IF you try to name a cell with something that could be a cell reference
(x1). then Excel adds an underscore (X1_)
best wishes

 

[Anne Troy]

Doh! Thanks for the clarification, vezerid.
************
Hope it helps!
Anne Troy
www.OfficeArticles.com