Use a Prefix for Table Names – Excel Best Practice

A great time-saving trick is to use a prefix when naming your tables.

Video Tutorial

Watch on YouTube & Subscribe to our Channel

Downloads

Name your tables using a prefix

I use “tbl”, but some people use “t_” as the prefix. You can use whatever you want, but the key is to be consistent.

Why is this a good habit to get into?

Because it makes writing formulas easier.

You can see that all of the tables in my workbook are listed when I type “tbl” as I'm writing a formula. Instead of navigating to various sheets in the workbook and selecting the table I want, I can just choose from the list that appears when I type my prefix.

List of table names using same prefix

As long as I've used descriptive names when labelling my tables, this is a great timesaver for me.

I hope it proves helpful for you as well. Do you have a favorite tip or shortcut when it comes to using tables in Excel? I'd love to hear it. Leave a comment and let me know.

2 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • What about using the same Table name but for different sheets in the same Workbook?
    Sometimes known as ‘scope’?

Generic filters
Exact matches only

Excel Shortcuts List

keyboard shortcuts list banner

Learn over 270 Excel keyboard & mouse shortcuts for Windows & Mac.

Excel Shortcuts List

Join Our Weekly Newsletter

The Excel Pro Tips Newsletter is packed with tips & techniques to help you master Excel.

Join Our Free Newsletter