Function Problems

Why the Pound Sign (#) Works in Excel HYPERLINK Formulas

Elise Williams Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to understand why the pound sign (#) is used in Excel HYPERLINK formulas and how it functions as an internal reference tool.

Why the Pound Sign (#) Works in Excel HYPERLINK Formulas

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating internal hyperlinks to jump to specific cells or worksheets within the current workbook.
Observed behavior: The pound sign (#) successfully acts as an anchor to identify a location within the current workbook, allowing the formula to work without needing the full file path.

Before you start

Verify the exact spelling of the target worksheet name and cell reference you want to link to before setting up your HYPERLINK formula.

Solution 1Recommended

Using the Pound Sign (#) for Internal Workbook Links

Use the pound sign (#) in the HYPERLINK function to create dynamic links to other sheets or cells within the same workbook quickly.

The pound sign (#) acts as a fragment identifier, conceptually identical to how anchor tags work in web addresses. It tells Excel that the target destination is located within the active workbook, saving you from having to type out the full file path.

This shorthand is incredibly useful because if you move or rename the workbook file later, the internal links will remain intact and will not break.

Select the target cell

Click on the cell where you want to insert the clickable internal hyperlink.

Type the HYPERLINK formula

Enter the formula =HYPERLINK("#SheetName!CellReference", "Link Text"). For example, typing =HYPERLINK("#January!A10", "Go to January A10") will set the link target to cell A10 on the 'January' sheet.

Apply and test

Press Enter on your keyboard. Click the cell with the newly created hyperlink to ensure it jumps directly to the referenced sheet and cell.

Using the Pound Sign (#) for Internal Workbook Links

Undocumented Microsoft Feature: While highly reliable and standard across modern spreadsheets, this specific shorthand use of the pound sign might not be fully documented in all official Microsoft Excel support pages.

Seamless Spreadsheet Alternative

Create Interconnected Spreadsheets Easily with WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet fully supports the pound sign (#) shorthand in the HYPERLINK function, allowing you to easily build dynamic, interconnected workbooks with standard formulas.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing file.
2. Enter the formula: Select the target cell and type =HYPERLINK("#Sheet2!A1", "Go to Sheet 2").
3. Use the link: Press Enter to save, then click the cell to jump seamlessly to your internal reference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the pound sign (#) to link to a specific named range?

Yes, you can link directly to a named range in the current workbook by using the pound sign followed by the exact range name, such as =HYPERLINK("#MyNamedRange", "Go to Range").

What happens if I omit the pound sign (#) in the HYPERLINK formula?

Without the pound sign, Excel attempts to locate an external file matching the text string you entered. Since it cannot find a valid file path locally, clicking the link will trigger a 'Cannot open the specified file' error.

Why doesn't my hyperlink work when the target sheet name has spaces?

If your worksheet name contains spaces, you must enclose the sheet name in single quotation marks within the formula string. For example: =HYPERLINK("#'January Sales'!A1", "View Sales").

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