INDIRECT Function in LibreOffice Calc — Tested Examples
An explanation of LibreOffice Calc INDIRECT, including tested formulas, examples, expected results and common mistakes.
Tested: Examples checked in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2. What this means
Returns the contents of a cell that is referenced in text form. Use it when the selected month determines which cell or named range should be referenced. The text “B3” points to a cell containing 30, while “B1:B3” points to a range containing 10, 20 and 30.
Syntax and arguments
=INDIRECT(Reference; A1)
LibreOffice Calc formulas generally separate arguments with semicolons (;).
| Argument | Explanation |
|---|---|
Reference |
The cell whose contents are to be evaluated is to be referenced in text form (e.g. “A1”). |
A1 |
The reference style: 0 or FALSE means R1C1 style, any other value or omitted means A1 style. (optional) |
Worked examples
Reproduce these source cells: B1=10, B2=20, B3=30.
Example 1: Reference a cell using its address stored as text
=INDIRECT("B3")
Expected result: 30. This value was returned in the LibreOffice Calc 25.2 test.
Example 2: Sum a range whose address is stored as text
=SUM(INDIRECT("B1:B3"))
Expected result: 60. This value was returned in the LibreOffice Calc 25.2 test.
How to interpret the result
Use it when the selected month determines which cell or named range should be referenced. The text “B3” points to a cell containing 30, while “B1:B3” points to a range containing 10, 20 and 30.
Mistakes and troubleshooting
- Check inputs and assumptions: The input is a text reference, not a search term. A renamed sheet or typo inside the string may produce a reference error.
- Check argument order and format: Strings go in quotes, cell references do not. Functions that return arrays may require special entry.
- Verify your own data: Reproduce the example first. If your formula returns an error, inspect the referenced cells and individual argument values.
Related functions
Tested version and primary reference
2 example(s) on this page passed real calculations in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2. This is not a claim about every possible input or other spreadsheet applications.