Ever wondered what the CHOOSE function in Excel is? Or maybe you've heard of it but don't know how to use it? It's like a hidden treasure in Excel that can do much when you learn how to use it correctly. In this easy-to-understand guide, we'll explain the CHOOSE function and show you how to use it step by step with examples. Get ready to take your Excel skills up a notch!
What Is the Choose Function in Excel and Its Basic Syntax?
The CHOOSE function in Excel is like your very own digital genie. Give it a number (index), which grants you a corresponding value from your provided list. It's as simple as saying "I choose you" to a particular item from a list, and it's right there for you!
In technical terms, it's a built-in feature in Excel that allows you to pick a specific value from a selected range. Excel versions, including 365, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007, all support this function.
Excel Choose Function - Syntax and Basic Uses
The basic syntax is:
CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], …)
In this syntax:
index_num (required) - This is the position of the value you want to return. It can be a number from 1 to 254, a cell reference, or even another formula.
value1, value2, …: - You want the CHOOSE function to pick these values. Value 1 is required, while the rest are optional. You can include up to 254 values, such as numbers, text values, cell references, formulas, or defined names.
For instance, consider this simple formula:
=CHOOSE(3, "Apple", "Banana", "Cherry", "Dates")
Here, the function returns "Cherry", as it is the 3rd value in the list, and the index number specified is 3.
When Is the Choose Function Used in Excel?
CHOOSE Function in Financial Models
The CHOOSE function is crucial in financial modelling, specifically for scenario analysis. It allows businesses to create multiple financial scenarios, providing insights into potential profits and revenue streams.
CHOOSE Function for Sales Calculation
When tracking a store's total sales, the CHOOSE function is invaluable. It helps you access the required sales data quickly, making sales monitoring straightforward.
CHOOSE Function and Time Series Data
The CHOOSE function is a reliable assistant for those dealing with time-series data like dates or quarters. It facilitates tasks like fetching the month number, calculating the next day from a given date, or identifying the quarter number from a series.
CHOOSE Function with VLOOKUP for Column Arrangement
Combining the CHOOSE function with VLOOKUP is a smart strategy for intricate data tasks like column rearrangement. This combination allows you to effectively organise your columns.
Performance Evaluation Using CHOOSE Function
Lastly, the CHOOSE function is extremely useful when assessing the performance of different global offices under a single parent company. It provides a simple way to extract relevant data for comparative performance analysis.
How To Use the Choose Function in Excel? (With Example)
Below are examples of various scenarios to use the CHOOSE Function in Excel:
Example 1: Using CHOOSE with VLOOKUP
The CHOOSE function can be seamlessly integrated with VLOOKUP to find specific data.
Imagine you have a list of student IDs and names and want to find a student's name based on their ID.
Step 1: Insert this formula into a cell: =VLOOKUP(ID,CHOOSE({1,2},B6:B12,C6:C12),2,0)
Step 2: Replace 'ID' with the actual student ID cell reference and press Enter. Excel will return the student's name associated with that ID.
Example 2: Selecting a Specific Data Point
You can use the CHOOSE function to select a particular data point from a list. You have six data points: 2, 3, 10, 24, 8, and 11.
Step 1: To select the fourth element from this list, type the following formula into a cell: =CHOOSE(4,2,3,10,24,8,11)
Step 2: After pressing Enter, Excel will return '24', as it is the fourth element in your list.
Example 3: Calculating Current Amount Based on Growth
The CHOOSE function can help calculate the current amount based on varying growth percentages.
For instance, you have different scenarios, each with its growth percentage, and the principal amount is $100,000.
Step1: To calculate the current amount for a specific scenario, insert this formula into a cell: =E6+(E6*VLOOKUP(B11, CHOOSE({1,2}, A6:A8, B6:B8),2,0))
Step 2: Hit Enter. Excel will return the current amount for the chosen scenario based on the growth percentage.
Example 4: Randomly Grouping Data
You can use the CHOOSE function to randomly assign categories to your data.
Assume you have a list of 20 subject IDs you want to randomly assign to classes A, B, C, and D.
Step 1: Type this formula into a cell: =CHOOSE(RANDBETWEEN(1,4), "A", "B", "C", "D")
Step 2: Press Enter. Excel will randomly assign each subject ID to a class.
What Are the Considerations About Using the Choose Function?
Limit the Number of Choices
An important restriction to remember about the CHOOSE function is that it can only select from a maximum of 254 values. This limitation might seem extensive initially, but it can become restrictive when dealing with larger data sets.
Therefore, for applications involving more than 254 potential options, you may need to consider alternative methods or functions.
The Issue with Out-of-Range Indices
The CHOOSE function requires an index number to select a value from the provided list. If this index number is less than 1 or greater than the number of values in the list, Excel will return a #VALUE! Error. This error is Excel's way of informing you that the index number doesn't correspond to any item in your list.
To avoid this issue, ensure that your index number is within the range of the total number of items in your list.
Dealing with Fractional Index Numbers
The CHOOSE function only accepts whole numbers for the index_num argument. If you input a fractional index_num, Excel will truncate it to the nearest lower integer before executing the function.
For example, if your index_num is 3.7, Excel will interpret this as 3 and return the third item in your list. Be mindful of this when dealing with data that might present fractional numbers.
WPS AI - The Ultimate Companion in Productivity
The latest algorithms power WPS AI to make your life super easy. It seamlessly integrates with your current version of WPS Office so that you can do wonders by incorporating AI with your creativity. The WPS AI is available for all modules, including writer, spreadsheet, presentation, and PDF.
With WPS AI, bid farewell to lengthy documents as it will summarize the whole document into an easily understandable paragraph. It lets you chat with your PDFs to summarize and extract their insights. For spreadsheets, its intelligent AI engine will create formulas for you to get your desired results. In addition, it will identify trends and make informed decisions with ease, using intuitive commands.
How to Download WPS AI?
Downloading WPS AI is as easy as pie because this guide will show you all the required steps.
1. Visit the official website of WPS AI.
2. You will see the Free Download button on the main screen. Hover your mouse cursor to download your desired operating system.
3.Once you click on it, your download will start and be visible on the lower left corner of the screen.
4. After the download, click on it and simply follow the on-screen instructions.
WPS Office is the first to launch AI in its productivity suite, well ahead of its competitors, including Microsoft. WPS AI is designed to supercharge productivity and streamline tasks, saving precious time and effort. Whether automating document formatting, suggesting relevant content, or predicting user preferences, WPS AI is a game-changer. Embrace the future of productivity with WPS AI and enjoy the cutting-edge AI technology at your fingertips.
How to Use WPS AI to Write Formulas?
Open WPS AI on your PC and select the formula-generating feature.
Enter your data in the cells or upload your dataset if you have any.
Rather than entering the formula, communicate with the AI engine. For example, rather than writing =SUM(A2, C2), give a command-like formula for Sum Colum A2 and Column C2.
The powerful AI algorithms will generate the formula. Simply Copy and Paste it into the desired cell where you want to output the result.
That’s it. Enjoy creating complex formulas using the WPS AI formula Bot.
How to Edit Microsoft Office Documents for Free?
WPS Office, a free office suite, bridges this gap effectively, enabling users to open, create, edit, and save Microsoft Office files without costing a penny.
Fully compatible with both Windows and Mac, WPS Office guarantees a smooth user experience. It provides a platform that goes beyond simple document creation. Whether you are dealing with Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files, WPS Office ensures full compatibility, facilitating effortless editing and saving.
Let's look into editing Microsoft Office documents using this free, user-friendly platform.
Step 1: Access WPS Office
Begin by navigating to the WPS Office website. From there, you can download and install the application compatible with your operating system (Windows or Mac).
Step 2: Open the Required Microsoft Office Document
Once installed, open the WPS Office application. Select 'Open' from the menu and navigate to the Microsoft Office file (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint) you wish to edit.
Step 3: Edit Your Document
You can make all necessary edits within your document now in the WPS Office interface. Whether you're changing the text in a Word document, manipulating data in an Excel spreadsheet, or tweaking the design of a PowerPoint presentation, WPS Office provides all the tools you need.
Step 4: Save Your Work
After making your edits, remember to save your work. WPS Office allows you to save your edited documents in their original Microsoft Office format, ensuring compatibility when sharing or opening on other devices.
FAQS:
How Does the CHOOSE Function Differ from the If Function?
The CHOOSE function differs from the IF function in that it selects a value from a list based on an index number, whereas the IF function returns a value based on the evaluation of a condition.
Can I Use Cell References Within the CHOOSE Function?
Yes, the CHOOSE function allows using cell references as index numbers, adding dynamism and user-friendliness.
Summary
The CHOOSE function in Excel provides a versatile method for selecting values from a list or range based on a given index number. From simple selections to complex calculations, this function offers various uses in various scenarios, including financial modeling and sales calculations. However, it's important to know its limitations, like the maximum of 254 options and handling of out-of-range or fractional index numbers.
If you're looking for a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for handling Microsoft Office files, I strongly recommend WPS Office. It enables you to open, create, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with full compatibility on Windows and Mac. Moreover, it offers a seamless experience that matches and sometimes even surpasses the functionality offered by traditional office suites, all for free.
