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Named ranges in Google Sheets are user-defined, named references to a specific range of cells or a single cell within a spreadsheet. They can be easily created and customized to make data manipulation and analysis easier and more efficient. One of the main benefits of using named ranges is their compatibility with Google Sheets queries, which allows for a more organized and streamlined approach to data retrieval. By using named ranges in queries, users can easily refer to specific data sets without having to manually enter cell references, making the process more user-friendly and accurate. This feature also allows for easier updating of queries, as changes made to the named ranges will automatically be reflected in the query results. Overall, using named ranges in Google Sheets queries can greatly enhance the functionality and effectiveness of data analysis and management.
Use Named Ranges in Google Sheets Queries
You can use the following syntax in a Google Sheets query to reference a named range:
=QUERY({my_named_range}, "SELECT Col1, Col3 WHERE Col1 = 'value1'")
This particular query will select the first column and third column from the named range called my_named_range where the first column in the named range is equal to ‘value1.’
Note: The named range must be wrapped in curly brackets, otherwise Google Sheets will throw an error.
The following example shows how to use this syntax in practice.
Example: Use Named Range in Google Sheets Query
Suppose we have the following dataset that contains information about various basketball players:

Notice in the Name box in the top left corner that this particular range of cells B1:D11 is named team_data.
We can use the following formula to select the first and third columns from this named range where the value in the first column is equal to “Mavs”:
=QUERY({team_data}, "SELECT Col1, Col3 WHERE Col1 = 'Mavs'")The following screenshot shows how to use this query in practice:

Notice that the query returns the values in the team column and assists column where the value in the team column is equal to “Mavs.”
The benefit of using a named range in our query is that if the location of our original dataset is moved for any reason, the query will still work.
For example, suppose we shift our entire dataset one column to the left.
Our query with the named range will still work:

The query returns the same results as the previous example even though our cell range has been shifted.
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). How can I use named ranges in Google Sheets queries?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-named-ranges-in-google-sheets-queries/
stats writer. "How can I use named ranges in Google Sheets queries?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 25 Jun. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-named-ranges-in-google-sheets-queries/.
stats writer. "How can I use named ranges in Google Sheets queries?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-named-ranges-in-google-sheets-queries/.
stats writer (2024) 'How can I use named ranges in Google Sheets queries?', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-named-ranges-in-google-sheets-queries/.
[1] stats writer, "How can I use named ranges in Google Sheets queries?," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, June, 2024.
stats writer. How can I use named ranges in Google Sheets queries?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.
