What is the syntax for HYPERLINK in Excel?

The syntax for HYPERLINK is: =HYPERLINK(link_location, [friendly_name])

What are common errors with HYPERLINK?

Invalid URL format. File path not found

How do I link to a specific cell in another sheet?

Use # for internal links: =HYPERLINK("#Sheet2!A1", "Go to Sheet2"). The # tells Excel it's an internal reference. You can also link to named ranges: =HYPERLINK("#MyNamedRange", "Jump to data").

How do I create a dynamic hyperlink based on cell values?

Concatenate the URL with cell values: =HYPERLINK("https://google.com/search?q="&A1, "Search for "&A1). This creates a Google search link for whatever text is in A1.

How do I link to a local file?

Use the file path: =HYPERLINK("C:\\Folder\\File.xlsx", "Open File"). For network paths: =HYPERLINK("\\\\Server\\Share\\File.xlsx", "Open"). Use forward slashes for Mac.

Lookup & Reference

HYPERLINK Function in Excel

Creates a clickable hyperlink to a URL, file, or location within the workbook.

Syntax

=HYPERLINK(link_location, [friendly_name])

Arguments

link_location (required): URL, file path, or cell reference
friendly_name (optional): Display text for the link

Examples

=HYPERLINK("https://example.com", "Click here") - Web link - Result: Click here
=HYPERLINK("#Sheet2!A1", "Go to Sheet2") - Internal link - Result: Go to Sheet2

When to use HYPERLINK

Use HYPERLINK when you need to retrieve values from a table or range based on a key.
Confirm data types match (text vs number) and trim spaces before lookups.
Pair with [IFERROR](/functions/iferror/) or [IFNA](/functions/ifna/) for cleaner reports.
See the [lookup functions guide](/guides/excel-lookup-functions-guide/) for VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, and INDEX MATCH paths.

Common HYPERLINK mistakes

#N/A often means the key is missing or exact match is wrong — see [#N/A error](/errors/na/).
Lock table references with $ when copying formulas down a column.
Compare legacy vs modern lookups in [XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP](/compare/xlookup-vs-vlookup/).

Common errors

Invalid URL format
File path not found

Use cases

Navigation links
External references
Table of contents

Frequently asked questions

How do I link to a specific cell in another sheet? Use # for internal links: =HYPERLINK("#Sheet2!A1", "Go to Sheet2"). The # tells Excel it's an internal reference. You can also link to named ranges: =HYPERLINK("#MyNamedRange", "Jump to data").
How do I create a dynamic hyperlink based on cell values? Concatenate the URL with cell values: =HYPERLINK("https://google.com/search?q="&A1, "Search for "&A1). This creates a Google search link for whatever text is in A1.
How do I link to a local file? Use the file path: =HYPERLINK("C:\\Folder\\File.xlsx", "Open File"). For network paths: =HYPERLINK("\\\\Server\\Share\\File.xlsx", "Open"). Use forward slashes for Mac.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.