Formula Errors

How to Create an Automatic Index of Excel Worksheets

Algirdas Jasaitis Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

Create an index page for a workbook with hundreds of worksheets and resolve a formula error.

How to Create an Automatic Index of Excel Worksheets

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user wants to generate an automatic table of contents for a large Excel workbook but encounters an error when applying the indexing formula.
Observed behavior: The standard index formula returns a 'too few arguments' error because the user's regional settings require a semicolon as a list separator instead of a comma.

Before you start

Ensure your workbook has the defined name 'Sheetlist' properly configured, and verify whether your computer's regional settings use commas or semicolons for separating lists.

Solution 1Recommended

Replace Commas with Semicolons in the Index Formula

Modify the standard index formula to match regional settings that use semicolons, resolving the 'too few arguments' error.

When working with regional settings that format decimals with commas (such as in many European countries), Excel requires semicolons to separate arguments in formulas. Pasting a standard US-formatted formula with commas will trigger an error.

Locate the formula error

Select the cell where you pasted the index formula that is triggering the 'too few arguments' warning.

Update the separators

In the formula bar, replace the commas separating the arguments with semicolons.

Apply the corrected formula

Enter the updated formula exactly as follows: =IFERROR(INDEX(MID(Sheetlist;FIND("]";Sheetlist)+1;255);ROWS($A$2:A2));"")

Fill down the list

Press Enter, then click and drag the fill handle at the bottom right corner of the cell downwards to automatically list all your worksheet names.

Replace Commas with Semicolons in the Index Formula

Defined Name Requirement: This solution assumes you have already created a defined name called 'Sheetlist' using the GET.WORKBOOK function to pull the sheet names into memory.

Efficient Spreadsheet Management

Create Worksheet Indexes Seamlessly in WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet offers robust formula support, allowing you to easily manage large workbooks with hundreds of sheets. It fully supports complex indexing functions while seamlessly adapting to your system's regional separator settings.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your multi-sheet workbook.
2. Verify defined names: Navigate to the Formulas tab and click Name Manager to ensure 'Sheetlist' is correctly set up.
3. Input the index formula: Select your index cell and type your IFERROR and INDEX formula, using the correct separator (comma or semicolon) for your region.
4. Auto-fill the column: Drag the fill handle downwards to instantly generate the full list of worksheet names.

100% compatibility with Microsoft Excel formulas and .xlsx filesEasily manage defined names for dynamic automated indexesIntuitive interface for formula auditing and troubleshootingFree, lightweight, and fast spreadsheet solution

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get a 'too few arguments' error when copying Excel formulas from tutorials?

This happens due to your computer's regional settings. Most online tutorials use US formatting, which uses commas to separate formula arguments. If your region uses commas for decimal points, you must use semicolons in formulas instead.

How do I define 'Sheetlist' for the index formula to work?

Go to the Formulas tab, select Define Name, and enter 'Sheetlist' as the name. In the 'Refers to' field, input =GET.WORKBOOK(1) to pull all sheet names. Note that you must save your file as a Macro-Enabled Workbook for this to function.

Can I make the automatic worksheet index clickable?

Yes. You can wrap your working INDEX formula inside a HYPERLINK function. This will convert the plain text sheet names into clickable links that jump directly to the respective worksheets when clicked.

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