People worldwide rely on spreadsheets to manage data and get useful insights from it. However, in some cases, formulas stop working in spreadsheets and raise problems for users.
Array formula is one of the complex formulas that breaks and makes things difficult for users. If you are looking to learn how to use excel array formula in WPS Office or any other spreadsheet software, you are at the right place.
Keep reading to find the best methods to use array formulas in spreadsheets without wasting time and effort.
What is Excel Array Formula?
The use of excel array formula in WPS Office is that it allows users to perform multiple calculations simultaneously. On the other hand, this formula can also be used to run a certain calculation repeatedly in a given range of cells.
There are two variations of array formula, which are called “Single Cell Array Formula” and “Multi Cell Array Formula” respectively. Making the decision of which formula to choose depends on the needs of the user.
Insert Array Formula in WPS Office
As mentioned above, there are two types of array formulas, which can be changed into various formations depending on the use case. The broader usability of array formulas makes them somewhat difficult to understand.
We will show you two examples that will make it easier for you to learn how array formulas can be used easily.
#1. Using Shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + Enter)
A simple use case can make it easier for you to learn how the array formula works. If you want to insert excel array formula in WPS Office, you can follow this example to save your time and effort.
Step 1: Open your desired worksheet in which you want to use an array formula to perform multiple calculations at once.
Step 2: We are going to find the number of total characters present in a column. In this case, we are going to use the following syntax of excel array formula to run our calculations:
=SUM(LEN(range))
The SUM in this formula indicates that the user is asking spreadsheet software to find the sum of values in the given array. On the other hand, the LEN function is being used to find the number of characters in a given cell.
Step 3: Once the formula is written in the desired cell (E5 in this case), we will need to use the “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” combination to ensure that the formula is implemented on all cells in the array.
Source: exceljet.com
You can now see that a single formula is used in our example to find the total number of characters at one time. This function saved us from performing the calculation of characters individually for every cell.
Note: The formulas that require the “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” combination are often abbreviated as CSE formulas. Using the CES combination places “{}” brackets before and after the formula, which aids in the process of running the calculation on the entire range.
Even if you use the CSE combination and the formula doesn’t produce your desired result, it might be because of the syntax error. Recheck your formula so you can perform calculations easily.
#2. Working with Single Cell
A great way to perform multiple calculations and show results in a single respective cell is by using the Single Cell array formula. Working with this formula will allow you to show the results acquired in one cell instead of showing results in corresponding cells when SUM or a similar formula is used.
Below is a simple example that can allow you to understand how to use Single Cell array formula:
Step 1: Open WPS Office suite and launch your desired spreadsheet in which you want to perform calculations.
Step 2: In our case, we are going to use single cell array formula to find the total revenue of selling different fruits at different prices. Working with the array formula will save us from finding revenue from selling each fruit and then summing up the values.
This is the syntax we will use for single cell array formula:
=SUM(B2:B9*C2:C9)
It can be seen in this array formula that the values of the range B2:B9 will be multiplied by C2:C9 individually. When the process of multiplication is complete, the SUM formula will be used to add up individual values.
Source: Perfectxl.com
Step 3: Now, when we use the CSE combination as mentioned above, we will get the result of the array formula. Working with this formula will not only save time but also allow us to showcase the result in an understandable manner.
Source: Perfectxl.com
Note: As you can see in the example above, the use of the CSE combination will also add curly brackets before and after the formula. The presence of curly brackets will ensure that the array performs its task as instructed. Make sure you use the CSE combination whenever you work with an array.
Getting acquainted with the usage of the CSE combination can take some time and effort. Instead of boosting your knowledge about spreadsheet formulas only, you should also focus on improving keyboard typing cells to use shortcuts easily.
Microsoft Office Compatibility in WPS
Now that you know how to use excel array formula in WPS Office, it’s important to know that WPS Office is capable of performing a lot of other tasks instead of just handling the spreadsheets.
The good thing about WPS Office is that it is compatible with many leading file formats. Whether you are an individual who seldom needs to use productivity software or a professional who needs to rely on productivity apps all the time, you can rely on WPS Office to get work done.
Here are the file formats that can be created, edited, and shared with others using WPS Office:
Text Formats: DOC, DOCX, and DOT
XML Formats: XML, HTML, and MHT
Spreadsheet Formats: ETT, CVS, and XLSM
Slideshow Formats: PPT, DPS, and PPTX
As WPS Office is compatible with a ton of leading file formats, you won’t have to invest your time and effort in converting files to make them usable with WPS Office.
Why Choose WPS Office
The good thing about using excel array formula in WPS Office is that it can help you get familiar with WPS Office. By installing WPS Office, you can manage all your documentation needs in one place.
There are many features that make WPS Office different from other office suite products. For example, the biggest reason why you should switch to WPS Office is that it is a FREE office suite that contains all features of paid products. Here is an overview of other features that make WPS Office a great option:
An All-in-One Solution: WPS Office is a powerful suite that can help you create documents, spreadsheets, slides, and PDFs in one place. Working with this suite will ensure you don’t have to install a lot of apps on your computer.
Easy on Computing Resources: The best thing about WPS Office is that it doesn’t require a lot of computing power. It can run superbly on your PC/Smartphone superbly without taking up all the resources.
Work with All Document Formats: As mentioned above, WPS Office is compatible with all the leading file formats.
Store Your Files on Cloud: By using WPS Office, you can store all your important files in cloud storage easily.
Access Tons of Templates: WPS Office has a template library that can help you create documents easily.
Save Time and Effort: Migrating from any office suite to WPS Office is easy and doesn’t take a lot of time and effort.
Use the Power of AI: Using WPS AI integrated into WPS Office will help you usher into the new age of productivity and enable you to leverage the power of AI for creating stunning documents.
FAQs
Q. How do I fix an array in Vlookup?
A. Reasons like the value of vlookup being smaller than the array itself, improper positioning of vlookup column, removal or addition of a new column in the spreadsheet, unlocked table in a spreadsheet, and other issues might stop vlookup array from working. Check these issues mentioned here so vlookup can start functioning properly.
Q. What is the difference between lookup value and table array?
A. The term vlooup_value stands for the value that you go to find in a spreadsheet. On the other hand, the term table_array is the selected range of cells from which you will find the value of vlooup_value.
Manage Spreadsheets with WPS Office
Using excel array formula in WPS Office can make it easier for you to get useful insights from spreadsheets easily. If you are looking for software that allows you to manage all your documentation needs in one place, you should consider using WPS Office.
The good thing about WPS Office is that you can install it on any of the leading operating systems like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux. Download WPS Office now and say goodbye to expensive productivity tools available in the market!
