List sheet index numbers

Summary

To list the index numbers of sheets in an Excel workbook, you can enter the sheet names, then use a formula based on the SHEET and INDIRECT functions. In the example shown, the formula in C5 is:

=SHEET(INDIRECT(B5&"!A1"))

Generic formula

=SHEET(INDIRECT(name&"!A1"))

Explanation

The INDIRECT function tries to evaluate text as a valid reference. In this case, the sheet name is pulled from column B and concatenated with an exclamation point and the text A1:

=B5&"!A1"
="Sheet1"&"!A1"
="Sheet1!A1"

The INDIRECT function then coerces the text "Sheet1!A1" into a valid reference, which is passed into the SHEET function.

The SHEET function then returns the current index for each sheet as listed.

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Author

Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.