Lookup & Reference
ADDRESS function: build A1 and sheet-qualified cell references from numbers
Convert 1-based row and column numbers into absolute, relative, or sheet-prefixed cell reference strings using ADDRESS.
Turn numeric coordinates into readable cell addresses
Audit logs, MATCH results, and MIN/MAX position checks often tell you a value sits at row 5, column 3 rather than naming cell C5 directly. ADDRESS(row_num, column_num, [abs_num], [a1], [sheet_text]) converts those 1-based integers into a standard reference string.
The optional abs_num argument controls dollar-sign locking: 1 (or omitted) returns absolute "$C$5", 2 locks the row ("C$5"), 3 locks the column ("$C5"), and 4 returns relative "C5".
| Row (A) | Column (B) | Sheet Name (C) | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | Bay East | =ADDRESS(A2, B2) | $C$5 |
| 5 | 3 | Bay East | =ADDRESS(A2, B2, 4) | C5 |
| 5 | 3 | Bay East | =ADDRESS(A2, B2, 2) | C$5 |
| 5 | 3 | Bay East | =ADDRESS(A2, B2, 1, TRUE, C2) | 'Bay East'!$C$5 |
Automatic quoting for sheet names with spaces
When you supply the fifth argument sheet_text, ADDRESS prefixes the cell address with the worksheet name and an exclamation mark. If the sheet name contains a space—such as "Bay East"—ADDRESS wraps it in single quotes automatically so downstream formulas remain syntactically valid.
=ADDRESS(A2, B2, 1, TRUE, C2)Multi-letter columns and invalid coordinates
Column numbers above 26 expand into two- or three-letter labels (27 -> AA, 28 -> AB). Both row_num and column_num must be at least 1; passing 0 or a negative integer returns #VALUE!.
=ADDRESS(A2, B2, 4)Try the example
Use the original values or change them to test your understanding.