Function Problems

How to Go Directly to an Excel Cell From a Cell Reference

Maira Mehtab Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a way to navigate directly to a matching cell on another worksheet after retrieving its reference or value using an INDEX and MATCH formula.

How to Go Directly to an Excel Cell From a Cell Reference

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating complex workbooks where dynamic formulas like INDEX and MATCH are used to locate data, but the user needs to quickly view or edit the source cell.
Observed behavior: Standard lookup formulas only return the cell value, not a clickable link to the source. Creating a hyperlink from a text address using CELL sometimes results in a 'Cannot open the specified file' error if the internal reference syntax is incorrect.

Before you start

Ensure your workbook is saved locally, as dynamic hyperlink references containing explicit workbook names require an established file path to function correctly.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Clickable Link Using the HYPERLINK Function

Use the HYPERLINK function combined with internal reference syntax to turn a cell address into a clickable link.

By default, the HYPERLINK function treats text addresses as external files. To link to a location within the same workbook, you must prefix the cell reference with a pound sign (#).

Understand the internal link syntax

To link to a specific sheet and cell within your current workbook, structure your reference with a '#' symbol, such as =HYPERLINK("#'SheetName'!A1", "Click Here").

Combine HYPERLINK with a formula reference

If you already have a formula (like CELL and INDEX/MATCH) in cell J3 that returns the text address, you can make it clickable by typing =HYPERLINK("#"&J3, "Go to source").

Build a direct dynamic link

Alternatively, you can skip the helper cell and build the link dynamically by calculating the row number with MATCH. For example: =HYPERLINK("#'qwe'!D" & MATCH(A1,qwe!C:C,0), "View matched cell").

Create a Clickable Link Using the HYPERLINK Function

Preventing Errors: If you receive a 'Cannot open the specified file' error, double-check that you have included the '#' symbol before the sheet name. This tells the software to look inside the active workbook rather than searching your hard drive.

Solution 2

Jump to a Cell Reference Using the Name Box

Manually type or paste a cell reference into the Name Box for instant navigation without writing additional formulas.

Solution 3

Link Across Workbooks with HYPERLINK

Construct a hyperlink that points to a specific cell reference in a completely different, but saved, workbook file.

Advanced Formula Support

Easily Manage Complex Formulas and Links with WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet provides robust, out-of-the-box compatibility with standard Excel functions, including HYPERLINK, INDEX, MATCH, and CELL. You can easily create dynamic navigational links within your workbooks to boost your productivity without switching software.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the .xlsx or .xls file containing your lookup data.
2. Enter the formula: Select a blank cell and input your dynamic link formula, ensuring you include the '#' symbol for internal jumps, e.g., =HYPERLINK("#"&J3, "Jump").
3. Click to navigate: Press Enter to finalize the formula, then click the newly generated blue hyperlink to instantly jump to your target cell reference.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas and file formats (.xlsx).Seamlessly handle dynamic HYPERLINK, INDEX, and MATCH arrays.Lightweight and fast, even when navigating massive workbooks with complex cross-sheet references.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my HYPERLINK formula return a 'Cannot open the specified file' error?

This usually happens when you are trying to link to a location within the same workbook but forgot to include the pound sign (#) at the beginning of your text reference. Ensure your formula is formatted as =HYPERLINK("#Sheet1!A1") rather than =HYPERLINK("Sheet1!A1").

Can I use INDEX and MATCH inside a HYPERLINK function?

Yes. You can use INDEX and MATCH within the CELL function (using the "address" parameter) to retrieve a dynamic cell address, and then wrap that address inside the HYPERLINK function with a '#' prefix to make it a clickable internal link.

Where is the Name Box located for manual navigation?

The Name Box is located on the far left side of the formula bar, directly above column A. You can click inside it, type any valid sheet and cell reference (like Data!B4), and press Enter to jump directly to that location.

Excel & Data Problems