Index formula referencing a metadata sheet, how flexible is the naming convention for the range?

Jef Forward

I have several different sheets referencing the same metadata sheet. Should all of my different sheet formulas use the same naming convention for the range? Or can they reference the same range but with a different naming convention with in the different sheets? I hope this makes sense.

I have a couple of different people helping me and for these manual adjustments I need to make and I want to make sure we have the right approach. Thank you! Jef

jmyzk_cloudsmart_jp

Hi @Jef Forward

Great question! When using cross-sheet references in Smartsheet, you can reference the same metadata sheet from multiple sheets (e.g., Sheet B, C, D, etc.). The key point to remember is that within each sheet (like Sheet B), the name you assign to the reference must be unique. The same reference name cannot be reused within a sheet for different ranges.

Sheet B

=INDEX({metadata sheet Range : Data}, MATCH([Primary Column]@row, {metadata sheet Range : Primary}, 0))

=INDEX({metadata sheet Range : Contact}, MATCH([Primary Column]@row, {metadata sheet Range : Primary}, 0))

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=09e10b968cd34a1a8e833cba20572b6f

However, you can reuse the same reference name across different sheets. For instance, if you name the reference "{metadata sheet Range : Data}" in Sheet B, you can also use "{metadata sheet Range : Data}" in Sheet C, D, and so on. Each sheet maintains its own context, so the reference names do not conflict with each other across sheets.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=053a125eb63b4dada72ac7b7d2716bed

Sheet C

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=a4cdabac8b454f518ab41396e5eda585

This flexibility allows you to keep your naming conventions consistent across different sheets, making it easier for you and your team to manage the references, especially when multiple people are involved.

Hope this clarifies your question!

jmyzk_cloudsmart_jp

Hi @Jef Forward

Great question! When using cross-sheet references in Smartsheet, you can reference the same metadata sheet from multiple sheets (e.g., Sheet B, C, D, etc.). The key point to remember is that within each sheet (like Sheet B), the name you assign to the reference must be unique. The same reference name cannot be reused within a sheet for different ranges.

Sheet B

=INDEX({metadata sheet Range : Data}, MATCH([Primary Column]@row, {metadata sheet Range : Primary}, 0))

=INDEX({metadata sheet Range : Contact}, MATCH([Primary Column]@row, {metadata sheet Range : Primary}, 0))

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=09e10b968cd34a1a8e833cba20572b6f

However, you can reuse the same reference name across different sheets. For instance, if you name the reference "{metadata sheet Range : Data}" in Sheet B, you can also use "{metadata sheet Range : Data}" in Sheet C, D, and so on. Each sheet maintains its own context, so the reference names do not conflict with each other across sheets.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=053a125eb63b4dada72ac7b7d2716bed

Sheet C

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=a4cdabac8b454f518ab41396e5eda585

This flexibility allows you to keep your naming conventions consistent across different sheets, making it easier for you and your team to manage the references, especially when multiple people are involved.

Hope this clarifies your question!

Jef Forward

Very much so! Thank you so much. This was very timely! Have a great day!

jmyzk_cloudsmart_jp

@Jef Forward

Happy to help!😁 Your upvote helps others find this. Thanks!