How to Use the INDIRECT Function in WPS on Windows

This guide includes 3 how-to topics for the INDIRECT function, all available without membership; use the How-to Index to jump to the task you need.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter INDIRECT from the Insert Function dialog box

Entry point: Formula tab → Insert Function

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Click the fx button in the formula bar, or click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
3. Search for INDIRECT in the dialog box.
4. Select the function and click OK.
5. Fill in the parameters in the Function Arguments dialog box.
6. Click OK to finish entering the formula.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The target cell now contains an INDIRECT formula.
• What you can do next: You can continue editing parameters, press Enter to confirm, or copy the formula to other cells.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: A misspelled function name can make the function harder to find.
• Environment note: Keep an internet connection available if you want to open more help details.

2. Type an INDIRECT formula directly in a cell

Entry point: Cell → Formula bar

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Type =INDIRECT(...) directly in the cell or formula bar.
3. Press Enter to confirm.
4. If you want to review parameter details, type =INDIRECT( and then press F1 to open syntax help.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell shows a calculated result, and the formula bar keeps the full formula.
• What you can do next: You can drag to fill, copy and paste, or revise the reference content.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Incorrect punctuation or bracket formatting can prevent the formula from calculating correctly.
• Environment note: The text reference must be convertible into a valid address, or the result may return an error.

3. View INDIRECT syntax and parameter details

Entry point: Formula tab → Insert Function

1. Click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
2. Enter INDIRECT in the search box.
3. Select the function to review its syntax and parameter details.
4. Click the help link for the function to open more detailed guidance.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: You can see the INDIRECT function name, syntax structure, and parameter area.
• What you can do next: You can return to the worksheet and continue entering or editing the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the target function is not selected first, you may see details for a different function.
• Environment note: Opening detailed help usually requires an internet connection.