HYPERLINK Function: syntax, examples, mistakes and translation notes
Creates a clickable hyperlink.
Syntax
=HYPERLINK(link_location, [friendly_name])
Arguments
link_location
URL, file path or workbook location to open.
friendly_name
Optional text or value displayed in the cell.
Worked examples
=HYPERLINK("https://example.com","Open site")
Displays “Open site” and links to the URL.
=HYPERLINK("#Sheet2!A1","Go to Sheet2")
Links to a location inside the same workbook.
Practical tips
- Use the # prefix for internal workbook locations.
- Keep displayed text consistent with the actual destination.
- Paths to local/network files may break when a workbook is moved or shared.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting quotation marks around a literal URL.
- Assuming friendly_name changes the destination rather than only the displayed text.
Related functions
Frequently asked questions
What does HYPERLINK do?
Creates a clickable hyperlink.
Why might a HYPERLINK formula return an unexpected result?
Forgetting quotation marks around a literal URL. Start by testing the smallest referenced range or condition independently before adding wrappers or fallbacks.
Check the complete formula
Function syntax is only one part of a working workbook. Paste the finished expression into the Formula Checker for structural warnings, the Formatter for readability or the Translator when a supported locale mapping is involved.
Testing note: examples are educational. Spreadsheet versions, locale settings, tables, named ranges and workbook data can change behavior, so validate important formulas with representative data.