Excel Functions Dictionary

Excel
Function
Dictionary
v1.0 Beta
Copyright © 1998 - 2001 Peter Noneley
Excel Function Dictionary Documentation
© 1998 - 2000 Peter Noneley Page 2 of 208
What Is In The Dictionary ?

This workbook contains 157 worksheets, each explaining the purpose and usage of
particular Excel functions.
There are also a number of sample worksheets which are simple models of common
applications, such as Timesheet and Date Calculations.
Formatting
Each worksheet uses the same type of formatting to indicate the various types of entry.
North Text headings are shown in grey.

100
100 Data is shown as purple text on a yellow background.
100
300 The results of Formula are shown as blue on yellow.
=SUM(C13:C15) The formula used in the calulations is shown as blue text.
The Arial font is used exclusivley throughout the workbook and should display correctly
with any installation of Windows.
Each sheet has been designed to be as simple as possible, with no fancy macros to
accomplish the desrired result.
Printing
Each worksheet is set to print on to A4 portrait.
The printouts will have the column headings of A,B,C... and the row numbers 1,2,3... which
will assist with the reading of the formula.
The ideal printer would be a laser set at 600dpi.
If you are using a dot matrix or inkjet, it may be worth switching off the colours before printing,
as these will print as dark grey. (See the sheet dealing with Colour settings).
Protection
Each sheet is unprotected so that you will be able to change values and experiment
with the calculations.
Macros
There are only a few very simple macros which are used by the various buttons to
naviagte through the sheets. These have been written very simply, and do not make any attempt
to change your current Toolbars and Menus.
Excel Function Dictionary Instructions
View Sort
What Do The Buttons Do ?
View Sort
This button will display the worksheet This button sorts the list of functions
containing the function example. into alphabetical order.
1. Click on the function name, then

2. Click on the View button.
Cat... Loc...
Category Location
This describes the category the This shows where the function is
function is a member of. stored in Excel.
Click this button to sort alphabetically. Built-in indicates that the function
is part of Excel itself.
Analysis ToolPak indicates the

function is stored in the Analysis
ToolPak add-in.
Click this button to sort alphabetically.

Excel Function Dictionary Colours
Using Different Monitor Settings

Each sheet has been designed to fit within the visible width of monitors with a low resolution
of 640 x 480. This ensures that you do not need to scroll from left and right to see all the data.
The colours are best suited to monitors capable of 256 colours.

On monitors using just 16 colours the greys may look a bit rough!
You can switch colours off and on using the button below.
This may take a
✘ Colour On few minutes on
any computer !
Sample Colour Scheme
North South East West Total
Alan 100 100 100 100 400
Bob 100 100 100 100 400
Carol 100 100 100 100 400
Total 300 300 300 300 1200
Excel Function Dictionary Analysis ToolPak
A...
Analysis ToolPak
What Is The Analysis ToolPak ?
The Analysis ToolPak is an add-in file containing
extra functions which are not built in to Excel.
The functions cover areas such as Date and Check For Analysis ToolPak
Mathematical operations.
Load the Analysis ToolPak
The Analysis ToolPak must be added-in to Excel before
these functions will be available. UnLoad the Analysis ToolPak
Any formula using these functions without the ToolPak loaded will show the #NAME error.
Excel Function Dictionary FunctionList
Age Calculation Sample Sample Using DATEDIF()

AutoSum shortcut key Sample Sample Using Alt and =
Brackets in formula Sample Sample Sample
FileName formula Sample Sample Using MID() CELL() and FIND()
Instant Charts Sample Sample Using F11
Ordering Stock Sample Sample Stock Ordering
Percentages Sample Sample How to calculate various percentages
Project Dates Sample Sample Example using date calculation.
Show all formula Sample Sample Using Ctrl and `
Split ForenameSurname Sample Sample Using LEFT() RIGHT() FIND() SUBSTITUTE()
Time Calculation Sample Sample How to calculate time.
TimeSheet For Flexi Sample Sample Example flexi time sheet.
ABS Mathematical Built-in Returns the absolute value of a number
AND Logical Built-in Returns TRUE if all its arguments are TRUE
AVERAGE Statistical Built-in Returns the average of its arguments
BIN2DEC Engineering Analysis ToolPak Converts a binary number to decimal
CEILING Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number to the nearest integer or to the nearest multiple of signifi
CELL Information Built-in Returns information about the formatting, location, or contents of a cell
CHAR Text Built-in Returns the character specified by the code number
CHOOSE Lookup Built-in Chooses a value from a list of values
CLEAN Text Built-in Removes all nonprintable characters from text
CODE Text Built-in Returns a numeric code for the first character in a text string
COMBIN Mathematical Built-in Returns the number of combinations for a given number of objects
CONCATENATE Text Built-in Joins several text items into one text item
CONVERT Engineering Analysis ToolPak Converts a number from one measurement system to another
CORREL Statistical Built-in Returns the correlation coefficient between two data sets
COUNT Statistical Built-in Counts how many numbers are in the list of arguments
COUNTA Statistical Built-in Counts how many values are in the list of arguments
COUNTBLANK Information Built-in Counts the number of blank cells within a range
COUNTIF Mathematical Built-in Counts the number of nonblank cells within a range that meet the given crite
DATE Date Built-in Returns the serial number of a particular date
DATEDIF Date Built-in Calculates the difference between two dates. Undocumented in v5/7/97
DATEVALUE Date Built-in Converts a date in the form of text to a serial number
DAVERAGE Database Built-in Returns the average of selected database entries
DAY Date Built-in Converts a serial number to a day of the month
DAYS360 Date Built-in Calculates the number of days between two dates based on a 360-day year
DB Financial Built-in Returns the depreciation of an asset for a specified period using the fixed-
DCOUNT Database Built-in Counts the cells that contain numbers in a database
DCOUNTA Database Built-in Counts nonblank cells in a database
DEC2BIN Engineering Analysis ToolPak Converts a decimal number to binary
DEC2HEX Engineering Analysis ToolPak Converts a decimal number to hexadecimal
DELTA Engineering Analysis ToolPak Tests whether two values are equal
DGET Database Built-in Extracts from a database a single record that matches the specified criteria
DMAX Database Built-in Returns the maximum value from selected database entries
DMIN Database Built-in Returns the minimum value from selected database entries
DOLLAR Text Built-in Converts a number to text, using currency format
DSUM Database Built-in Adds the numbers in the field column of records in the database that match t
EDATE Date Analysis ToolPak Returns the serial number of the date that is the indicated number of months
EOMONTH Date Analysis ToolPak Returns the serial number of the last day of the month before or after a spe
ERROR.TYPE Information Built-in Returns a number corresponding to an error type
EVEN Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number up to the nearest even integer
EXACT Text Built-in Checks to see if two text values are identical
FACT Mathematical Built-in Returns the factorial of a number
FIND Text Built-in Finds one text value within another (case-sensitive)
FIXED Text Built-in Formats a number as text with a fixed number of decimals
FLOOR Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number down, toward zero
FORECAST Statistical Built-in Returns a value along a linear trend
FREQUENCY Statistical Built-in Returns a frequency distribution as a vertical array
GCD Mathematical Analysis ToolPak Returns the greatest common divisor
GESTEP Engineering Analysis ToolPak Tests whether a number is greater than a threshold value
GROWTH Statistical Built-in Returns values along an exponential trend
HEX2DEC Engineering Analysis ToolPak Converts a hexadecimal number to decimal
HLOOKUP Lookup Built-in Looks in the top row of an array and returns the value of the indicated cell
HOUR Date Built-in Converts a serial number to an hour
IF Logical Built-in Specifies a logical test to perform
INDEX Lookup Built-in Uses an index to choose a value from a reference or array
INDIRECT Lookup Built-in Returns a reference indicated by a text value
INFO Information Built-in Returns information about the current operating environment
INT Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number down to the nearest integer

ISBLANK Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is blank
ISERR Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is any error value except #N/A
ISERROR Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is any error value
ISEVEN Information Analysis ToolPak Returns TRUE if the number is even
ISLOGICAL Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is a logical value
ISNA Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is the #N/A error value
ISNONTEXT Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is not text
ISNUMBER Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is a number
ISODD Information Analysis ToolPak Returns TRUE if the number is odd
ISREF Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is a reference
ISTEXT Information Built-in Returns TRUE if the value is text
LARGE Statistical Built-in Returns the k-th largest value in a data set
LCM Mathematical Analysis ToolPak Returns the least common multiple
LEFT Text Built-in Returns the leftmost characters from a text value
LEN Text Built-in Returns the number of characters in a text string
LOOKUP (vector) Lookup Built-in Looks up values in a vector or array
LOWER Text Built-in Converts text to lowercase
MATCH Lookup Built-in Looks up values in a reference or array
MAX Statistical Built-in Returns the maximum value in a list of arguments
MEDIAN Statistical Built-in Returns the median of the given numbers
MID Text Built-in Returns a specific number of characters from a text string starting at the pos
MIN Statistical Built-in Returns the minimum value in a list of arguments
MINUTE Date Built-in Converts a serial number to a minute
MINVERSE Mathematical Built-in Returns the matrix inverse of an array
MMULT Mathematical Built-in Returns the matrix product of two arrays
MOD Mathematical Built-in Returns the remainder from division
MODE Statistical Built-in Returns the most common value in a data set
MONTH Date Built-in Converts a serial number to a month
MROUND Mathematical Analysis ToolPak Returns a number rounded to the desired multiple
N Information Built-in Returns a value converted to a number
NA Information Built-in Returns the error value #N/A
NETWORKDAYS Date Analysis ToolPak Returns the number of whole workdays between two dates
NOT Logical Built-in Reverses the logic of its argument
NOW Date Built-in Returns the serial number of the current date and time
ODD Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number up to the nearest odd integer
OR Logical Built-in Returns TRUE if any argument is TRUE
PERMUT Statistical Built-in Returns the number of permutations for a given number of objects
PI Mathematical Built-in Returns the value of Pi
POWER Mathematical Built-in Returns the result of a number raised to a power
PRODUCT Mathematical Built-in Multiplies its arguments
PROPER Text Built-in Capitalises the first letter in each word of a text value
QUARTILE Statistical Built-in Returns the quartile of a data set
QUOTIENT Mathematical Analysis ToolPak Returns the integer portion of a division
RAND Mathematical Built-in Returns a random number between 0 and 1
RANDBETWEEN Mathematical Analysis ToolPak Returns a random number between the numbers you specify
RANK Statistical Built-in Returns the rank of a number in a list of numbers
REPLACE Text Built-in Replaces characters within text
REPT Text Built-in Repeats text a given number of times
RIGHT Text Built-in Returns the rightmost characters from a text value
ROMAN Mathematical Built-in Converts an arabic numeral to roman, as text
ROUND Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number to a specified number of digits
ROUNDDOWN Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number down, toward zero
ROUNDUP Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number up, away from zero
SECOND Date Built-in Converts a serial number to a second
SIGN Mathematical Built-in Returns the sign of a number
SLN Financial Built-in Returns the straight-line depreciation of an asset for one period
SMALL Statistical Built-in Returns the k-th smallest value in a data set
STDEV Statistical Built-in Estimates standard deviation based on a sample
STDEVP Statistical Built-in Calculates standard deviation based on the entire population
SUBSTITUTE Text Built-in Substitutes new text for old text in a text string
SUBTOTAL Mathematical Built-in Returns a subtotal in a list or database
SUM Mathematical Built-in Adds its arguments
SUM_as_Running_Total Mathematical Built-in Sample
SUM_using_names Sample Sample Using SUM(jan)
SUM_with_OFFSET Lookup Built-in Sample
SUMIF Mathematical Built-in Adds the cells specified by a given criteria
SUMPRODUCT Mathematical Built-in Returns the sum of the products of corresponding array components
SYD Financial Built-in Returns the sum-of-years' digits depreciation of an asset for a specified peri
T Text Built-in Converts its arguments to text
TEXT Text Built-in Formats a number and converts it to text
TIME Date Built-in Returns the serial number of a particular time
-Timesheet Sample Sample Sample
TIMEVALUE Date Built-in Converts a time in the form of text to a serial number
TODAY Date Built-in Returns the serial number of today's date
TRANSPOSE Lookup Built-in Returns the transpose of an array
TREND Statistical Built-in Returns values along a linear trend
TRIM Text Built-in Removes spaces from text
TRUNC Mathematical Built-in Truncates a number to an integer
TYPE Information Built-in Returns a number indicating the data type of a value
UPPER Text Built-in Converts text to uppercase
VALUE Text Built-in Converts a text argument to a number
VAR Statistical Built-in Estimates variance based on a sample
VARP Statistical Built-in Calculates variance based on the entire population
VLOOKUP Lookup Built-in Looks in the first column of an array and moves across the row to return the
WEEKDAY Date Built-in Converts a serial number to a day of the week
WORKDAY Date Analysis ToolPak Returns the serial number of the date before or after a specified number of
YEAR Date Built-in Converts a serial number to a year
YEARFRAC Date Analysis ToolPak Returns the year fraction representing the number of whole days between s
Excel Function Dictionary Time Calculation
A B C D E F G H I J
1 Time Calculation
2
3 Excel can work with time very easily.
4 Time can be entered in various different formats and calculations performed.
5 There are one or two oddities, but nothing which should put you off working with it.
6 See the TimeSheet example for an example.
7
8 Typing time
9 When time is entered into worksheet it should be entered with a colon between
10 the hour and the minutes, such as 12:30, rather than 12.30
11
12 1:30 12:30 20:15 22:45
13
14 Excel can cope with either the 24hour system or the am/pm system.
15 To use the am/pm system you must enter the am or pm after the time.
16 You must leave a space between the number and the text.
17
18 1:30 AM 1:30 PM 10:15 AM 10:15 PM
19
20 Finding the difference between two times
21 You can subtract two time values to find the length of time between.
22
23 Start End Duration
24 1:30 2:30 1:00 =D24-C24
25 8:00 17:00 9:00 =D25-C25
26 8:00 AM 5:00 PM 9:00 AM If the result is not shown correctly,
27 You may need to reformat the answer.
28 Look at the section about formatting
29 further in this worksheet.
30
31 Adding time
32 You can add time to find a total time.
33 This works well until the total time goes above 24 hours.
34 For totals greater than 24 hours you may need to apply some special formatting.
35
37 1:30 2:30 1:00
38 8:00 17:00 9:00
39 7:30 AM 5:45 PM 10:15
40 20:15
41
42 Formatting time
43 When time is added together the result may go beyond 24 hours.
44 Usually this gives an incorrect result, as in the example below.
45 To correct this error, the result needs to be formatted with a Custom format.
46
47 Example 1 : Incorrect formatting
49 7:00 18:30 11:30
50 8:00 17:00 9:00
51 7:30 17:45 10:15
52 Total 6:45 =SUM(E49:E51)
53
54 Example 2 : Correct formatting
56 7:00 18:30 11:30
57 8:00 17:00 9:00
58 7:30 17:45 10:15
59 Total 30:45 =SUM(E56:E58)
60
61
62 How To Apply Custom Formatting
63 The custom format for time use a pair of square brackets [hh] on either side
64 of the hours indicators.
65
66 1. Click on the cell which needs the format.
67 2. Choose the Format menu.
Excel Function Dictionary Time Calculation
A B C D E F G H I J
68 3. Choose Cells.
69 4. Click the Number tag at the top right.
70 5. Choose Custom.
71 6. Click inside the Type: box.
72 7. Type [hh]:mm as the format.
73 8. Click OK to confirm.
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
Excel Function Dictionary TimeSheet For Flexi
A B C D E F G H I J K
1 TimeSheet for Flexi
2
3 Week beginning Mon 05-Jan-98 Normal Hours 37:30
4
5 Day Arrive Lunch Out Lunch In Depart Total
6 Mon 05 8:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 8:00 =(F6-C6)-(E6-D6)
7 Tue 06 8:45 12:30 13:30 17:00 7:15
8 Wed 07 9:00 13:00 14:00 18:00 8:00
9 Thu 08 8:30 13:00 14:00 17:00 7:30
10 Fri 09 8:00 12:00 13:00 17:00 8:00
11 Total Hours 38:45 =SUM(G6:G10)
12
13 Under worked by - =IF(G3-G11>0,G3-G11, "-")
14 Over worked by 1:15 =IF(G3-G11<0,ABS(G3-G11),"-")
15
16 This is simple example of a timesheet.
17
18 Instructions :
19 Type the week start date in cell C3, the Week beginning.
20 Use the format dd/mm/yy, the name of the day will appear automatically.
21 The date is then passed down to the Day column.
22
23 Type the amount of hours you are expected to work in G3, the Normal Hours.
24 This is used later to calculate if have worked over or under the required hours.
25
26 Type the times you arrive and leave work in the appropriate columns.
27 Use the format of hh:mm.
28
29 Note
30 The Total Hours cell has been formatted as [hh]:mm.
31 This ensures the total hours can be expressed as a value above 24 hours.
32 If the [hh]:mm format had not been used the Total Hours would show as : 14:45
33 If the [hh]:mm format does not show in the cell format dialog box
34 on your computer, it can be created using Format, Cells, Number, Custom.
Excel Function Dictionary Split ForenameSurname
A B C D E F G H
1 Split Forename and Surname
2
3 The following formula are useful when you have one cell containing text which needs
4 to be split up.
5 One of the most common examples of this is when a persons Forename and Surname
6 are entered in full into a cell.
7
8 The formula use various text functions to accomplish the task.
9 Each of the techniques uses the space between the names to identify where to split.
10
11 Finding the First Name
12
13 Full Name First Name
14 Alan Jones Alan =LEFT(C14,FIND(" ",C14,1))
15 Bob Smith Bob =LEFT(C15,FIND(" ",C15,1))
16 Carol Williams Carol =LEFT(C16,FIND(" ",C16,1))
17
18
19 Finding the Last Name
20
21 Full Name Last Name
22 Alan Jones Jones =RIGHT(C22,LEN(C22)-FIND(" ",C22))
23 Bob Smith Smith =RIGHT(C23,LEN(C23)-FIND(" ",C23))
24 Carol Williams Williams =RIGHT(C24,LEN(C24)-FIND(" ",C24))
25
26
27
28 Finding the Last name when a Middle name is present
29
30 The formula above cannot handle any more than two names.
31 If there is also a middle name, the last name formula will be incorrect.
32 To solve the problem you have to use a much longer calculation.
33
34 Full Name Last Name
35 Alan David Jones Jones
36 Bob John Smith Smith
37 Carol Susan Williams Williams
38 =RIGHT(C37,LEN(C37)-FIND("#",SUBSTITUTE(C37," ","#",LEN(C37)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(C37," ","")))))
39
40 Finding the Middle name
41
42 Full Name Middle Name
43 Alan David Jones David
44 Bob John Smith John
45 Carol Susan Williams Susan
46 =LEFT(RIGHT(C45,LEN(C45)-FIND(" ",C45,1)),FIND(" ",RIGHT(C45,LEN(C45)-FIND(" ",C45,1)),1))
Excel Function Dictionary Percentages
A B C D E F G H I J
1 Percentages
2
3 There are no specific functions for calculating percentages.
4 You have to use the skills you were taught in your maths class at school!
5
6 Finding a percentage of a value
7
8 Initial value 120
9 % to find 25%
10 Percentage value 30 =D8*D9
11
12 Example 1
13 A company is about to give its staff a pay rise.
14 The wages department need to calculate the increases.
15 Staff on different grades get different pay rises.
16
17 Grade % Rise
18 A 10%
19 B 15%
20 C 20%
21
22 Name Grade Old Salary Increase
23 Alan A £ 10,000 £ 1,000 =E23*LOOKUP(D23,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)
24 Bob B £ 20,000 £ 3,000 =E24*LOOKUP(D24,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)
25 Carol C £ 30,000 £ 6,000 =E25*LOOKUP(D25,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)
26 David B £ 25,000 £ 3,750 =E26*LOOKUP(D26,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)
27 Elaine C £ 32,000 £ 6,400 =E27*LOOKUP(D27,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)
28 Frank A £ 12,000 £ 1,200 =E28*LOOKUP(D28,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)
29
30
31 Finding a percentage increase
32
33 Initial value 120
34 % increase 25%
35 Increased value 150 =D33*D34+D33
36
37 Example 2
38 A company is about to give its staff a pay rise.
39 The wages department need to calculate the new salary including the % increase.
40 Staff on different grades get different pay rises.
41
42 Grade % Rise
43 A 10%
44 B 15%
45 C 20%
46
47 Name Grade Old Salary Increase
48 Alan A £ 10,000 £ 11,000 =E48*LOOKUP(D48,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)+E48
49 Bob B £ 20,000 £ 23,000 =E49*LOOKUP(D49,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)+E49
50 Carol C £ 30,000 £ 36,000 =E50*LOOKUP(D50,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)+E50
51 David B £ 25,000 £ 28,750 =E51*LOOKUP(D51,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)+E51
52 Elaine C £ 32,000 £ 38,400 =E52*LOOKUP(D52,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)+E52
53 Frank A £ 12,000 £ 13,200 =E53*LOOKUP(D53,$C$18:$C$20,$D$18:$D$20)+E53
54
55
56 Finding one value as percentage of another
57
A B C D E F G H I J
58 Value A 120
59 Value B 60
60 A as % of B 50% =D59/D58
61
62 You will need to format the result as % by using the % button
63 on the toolbar.
64
65 Example 3
66 An manager has been asked to submit budget requirements for next year.
67 The manger needs to specify what will be required each quarter.
68 The manager knows what has been spent by each region in the previous year.
69 By analysing the past years spending, the manager hopes to predict
70 what will need to be spent in the next year.
71
72 Last years figures
73 Region Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
74 North 9,000 2,000 9,000 7,000
75 South 7,000 4,000 9,000 5,000
76 East 2,000 8,000 7,000 3,000
77 West 8,000 9,000 6,000 5,000 Total
78 Total 26,000 23,000 31,000 20,000 100,000
79
80 Last years Quarters as % of last years Total
82 North 9% 2% 9% 7% =G74/$H$78
83 South 7% 4% 9% 5% =G75/$H$78
84 East 2% 8% 7% 3% =G76/$H$78
85 West 8% 9% 6% 5% =G77/$H$78
86 Total 26% 23% 31% 20% =G78/$H$78
87
88 Next years budget 150,000
89 Next years estimated budget requirements
91 North 13,500 3,000 13,500 10,500 =G82*$E$88
92 South 10,500 6,000 13,500 7,500 =G83*$E$88
93 East 3,000 12,000 10,500 4,500 =G84*$E$88
94 West 12,000 13,500 9,000 7,500 Total
95 Total 39,000 34,500 46,500 30,000 150,000
96
97
98 Finding an original value after an increase has been applied
99
100 Increased value 150
101 % increase 25%
102 Original value 120 =D100/(100%+D101)
103
104 Example 4
105 An employ has to submit an expenses claim for travelling and accommodation.
106 The claim needs to show the VAT tax portion of each receipt.
107 Unfortunately the receipts held by the employee only show the total amount.
108 The employee needs to split this total to show the original value and the VAT amount.
109
110 VAT rate 17.50%
111
112 Receipt Total Actual Value Vat Value
113 Petrol £ 10.00 £ 8.51 £ 1.49 =D113-D113/(100%+$D$110)
114 Hotel £ 235.00 £ 200.00 £ 35.00
115 Petrol £ 117.50 £ 100.00 £ 17.50
A B C D E F G H I J
116 =D115/(100%+$D$110)
Excel Function Dictionary Show all formula
A B C D E F G H I
1 Show all formula
2
3 You can view all the formula on the worksheet by pressing Ctrl and `.
4 The ' is the left single quote usually found on the key to left of number 1.
5
6 Press Ctrl and ` to see the formula below. (The screen may look a bit odd.)
7 Press the same combination to see the original view.
8
9 10 20 30
10 30 40 70
11 50 60 60
12 70 80 30
Excel Function Dictionary SUM_using_names
A B C D E F G H I
1 SUM using names
2
3 You can use the names typed at the top of columns or side of rows in calculations
4 simply by typing the name into the formula.
5
6 Try this example:
7 Go to cell C16 and then enter the formula =SUM(jan)
8 The result will show.
9 This formula can be copied to D16 and E16, and the names change to Feb and Mar.
10
11 Jan Feb Mar
12 North 45 50 50
13 South 30 25 35
14 East 35 10 50
15 West 20 50 5
16 Total
17
18
19 If it does not work !
20 The feature may have been switched off on your computer.
21 You can switch it on by using Tools, Options, Calculation, Accept Labels in Formula.
Excel Function Dictionary Instant Charts
A B C D E F G H I
1 Instant Charts
2
3 You can create a chart quickly without having to use the chart button on
4 the toolbar by pressing the function key F11 whilst inside a range of data.
5
6 Jan Feb Mar
7 North 45 50 50
8 South 30 25 35
9 East 35 10 50
10 West 20 50 5
11
12 Click anywhere inside the table above.
13 Then press F11.
Excel Function Dictionary Filename formula
A B C D E F G H
1 Filename formula
2
3 There may be times when you need to insert the name of the current workbook
4 or worksheet in to a cell.
5
6 This can be done by using the CELL() function, shown below.
7 'file:///conversion/tmp/scratch/457981464.xls'#$ Filename formula
8 =CELL("filename")
9
10 The problem with this is that it gives the complete path including drive letter and folders.
11 To just pick out the workbook or worksheet name you need to use text functions.
12
13 To pick the Path.
14 #VALUE!
15 =MID(CELL("filename"),1,FIND("[",CELL("filename"))-1)
16
17 To pick the Workbook name.
18 #VALUE!
19 =MID(CELL("filename"),FIND("[",CELL("filename"))+1,FIND("]",CELL("filename"))-FIND("[",CELL("filename"))-1)
20
21 To pick the Worksheet name.
22 #VALUE!
23 =MID(CELL("filename"),FIND("]",CELL("filename"))+1,255)
Excel Function Dictionary Brackets in formula
A B C D E F G H I
1 Brackets in formula
2
3 Sometimes you will need to use brackets, (also known as 'braces'), in formula.
4 This is to ensure that the calculations are performed in the order that you need.
5 The need for brackets occurs when you mix plus or minus with divide or multiply.
6
7 Mathematically speaking the * and / are more important than + and - .
8 The * and / operations will be calculated before + and - .
9
10 Example 1 : The wrong answer !
11
12 10
13 20
14 2
15 50 =C12+C13*C14
16
17 You may expect that 10 + 20 would equal 30
18 And then 30 * 2 would equal 60
19
20 But because the * is calculated first Excel sees the
21 calculation as 20 * 2 resulting in 40
22 And then 10 + 40 resulting in 50
23
24
25 Example 2 : The correct answer.
26
27 10
28 20
29 2
30 60 =(C27+C28)*C29
31
32 By placing brackets around (10+20) Excel performs this
33 part of the calulation first, resulting in 30
34 Then the 30 is multipled by 2 resulting in 60
Excel Function Dictionary Age Calculation
A B C D E F G H
1 Age Calculation
2
3 You can calculate a persons age based on their birthday and todays date.
4 The calculation uses the DATEDIF() function.
5 The DATEDIF() is not documented in Excel 5, 7 or 97, but it is in 2000.
6 (Makes you wonder what else Microsoft forgot to tell us!)
7
8 Birth date : 1-Jan-60
9
10 Years lived : 60 =DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"y")
11 and the months : 1 =DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"ym")
12 and the days : 1 =DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"md")
13
14 You can put this all together in one calculation, which creates a text version.
15 Age is 60 Years, 1 Months and 1 Days
16 ="Age is "&DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"y")&" Years, "&DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"ym")&" Months and "&DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"md")&" Days"
17
18
19 Another way to calculate age
20 This method gives you an age which may potentially have decimal places representing the months.
21 If the age is 20.5, the .5 represents 6 months.
22
24
25 Age is : 60.09 =(TODAY()-C23)/365.25
Excel Function Dictionary AutoSum Shortcut Key
A B C D E F G H I
1 AutoSum Shortcut Key
2
3 Instead of using the AutoSum button from the toolbar,
4 you can press Alt and = to achieve the same result.
5
6 Try it here :
7 Move to a blank cell in the Total row or column, then press Alt and =.
8 or
9 Select a row, column or all cells and then press Alt and =.
10
11 Jan Feb Mar Total
12 North 10 50 90
13 South 20 60 100
14 East 30 70 200
15 West 40 80 300
16 Total
Excel Function Dictionary ABS
A B C D E F G H I
1 ABS
2
3 Number Absolute Value
4 10 10 =ABS(C4)
5 -10 10 =ABS(C5)
6 1.25 1.25 =ABS(C6)
7 -1.25 1.25 =ABS(C7)
8
9 What Does it Do ?
10 This function calculates the value of a number, irrespective of whether it is positive or negative.
11
12 Syntax
13 =ABS(CellAddress or Number)
14
15 Formatting
16 The result will be shown as a number, no special formatting is needed.
17
18 Example
19 The following table was used by a company testing a machine which cuts timber.
20 The machine needs to cut timber to an exact length.
21 Three pieces of timber were cut and then measured.
22 In calculating the difference between the Required Length and the Actual Length it does
23 not matter if the wood was cut too long or short, the measurement needs to be expressed as
24 an absolute value.
25
26 Table 1 shows the original calculations.
27 The Difference for Test 3 is shown as negative, which has a knock on effect
28 when the Error Percentage is calculated.
29 Whether the wood was too long or short, the percentage should still be expressed
30 as an absolute value.
31
32 Table 1
Test Required Actual Error
33 Difference
Cut Length Length Percentage
34 Test 1 120 120 0 0%
35 Test 2 120 90 30 25%
36 Test 3 120 150 -30 -25%
37 =D36-E36
38
39 Table 2 shows the same data but using the =ABS() function to correct the calculations.
40
41 Table 2
Test Required Actual Error
42 Difference
Cut Length Length Percentage
43 Test 1 120 120 0 0%
44 Test 2 120 90 30 25%
45 Test 3 120 150 30 25%
46 =ABS(D45-E45)
Excel Function Dictionary ADDRESS
A B C D E F G H I
1 ADDRESS
2
3 Type a column number : 2
4 Type a row number : 3
5 Type a sheet name : Hello
6
7 $B$3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,1,TRUE)
8 B$3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,2,TRUE)
9 $B3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,3,TRUE)
10 B3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,4,TRUE)
11
12 R3C2 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,1,FALSE)
13 R3C[2] =ADDRESS(F4,F3,2,FALSE)
14 R[3]C2 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,3,FALSE)
15 R[3]C[2] =ADDRESS(F4,F3,4,FALSE)
16
17 Hello.$B$3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,1,TRUE,F5)
18 Hello.B$3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,2,TRUE,F5)
19 Hello.$B3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,3,TRUE,F5)
20 Hello.B3 =ADDRESS(F4,F3,4,TRUE,F5)
21
22 What Does It Do ?
23 This function creates a cell reference as a piece of text, based on a row and column
24 numbers given by the user.
25 This type of function is used in macros rather than on the actual worksheet.
26
27 Syntax
28 =ADDRESS(RowNumber,ColNumber,Absolute,A1orR1C1,SheetName)
29 The RowNumber is the normal row number from 1 to 16384.
30 The ColNumber is from 1 to 256, cols A to IV.
31 The Absolute can be 1,2,3 or 4.
32 When 1 the reference will be in the form $A$1, column and row absolute.
33 When 2 the reference will be in the form A$1, only the row absolute.
34 When 3 the reference will be in the form $A1, only the column absolute.
35 When 4 the reference will be in the form A1, neither col or row absolute.
36 The A1orR1C1 is either TRUE of FALSE.
37 When TRUE the reference will be in the form A1, the normal style for cell addresses.
38 When FALSE the reference will be in the form R1C1, the alternative style of cell address.
39 The SheetName is a piece of text to be used as the worksheet name in the reference.
40 The SheetName does not actually have to exist.
Excel Function Dictionary AND
A B C D E F G H I
1 AND
2
3 Items To Test Result
4 500 800 1 =AND(C4>=100,D4>=100)
5 500 25 0 =AND(C5>=100,D5>=100)
6 25 500 0 =AND(C6>=100,D6>=100)
7 12 1 =AND(D7>=1,D7<=52)
8
9 What Does It Do?
10 This function tests two or more conditions to see if they are all true.
11 It can be used to test that a series of numbers meet certain conditions.
12 It can be used to test that a number or a date falls between an upper and lower limit.
13 Normally the AND() function would be used in conjunction with a function such as =IF().
14
15 Syntax
16 =AND(Test1,Test2)
17 Note that there can be up to 30 possible tests.
18
19 Formatting
20 When used by itself it will show TRUE or FALSE.
21
22 Example 1
23 The following example shows a list of examination results.
24 The teacher wants to find the pupils who scored above average in all three exams.
25 The =AND() function has been used to test that each score is above the average.
26 The result of TRUE is shown for pupils who have scored above average in all three exams.
27
28 Name Maths English Physics Passed
29 Alan 80 75 85 1
30 Bob 50 30 40 0
31 Carol 60 70 50 0
32 David 90 85 95 1
33 Eric 20 30 Absent 0
34 Fred 40 60 80 0
35 Gail 10 90 80 0
36 Harry 80 70 60 1
37 Ian 30 10 20 0
38 Janice 10 20 30 0
39 =AND(C38>=AVERAGE($C$29:$C$38),D38>=AVERAGE($D$29:$D$38),E38>=AVERAGE($E$29:$E$38))
40
41 Averages 47 54 60
Excel Function Dictionary AREAS
A B C D E F G H I
1 AREAS
2
3 Pink Name Age Err:504 =AREAS(PeopleLists)
4 Alan 18
5 Bob 17
6 Carol 20
7
8 Green Name Age
9 David 20
10 Eric 16
11 Fred 19
12
13 What Does It Do?
14 This function tests a range to determine whether it is a single block of data, or whether
15 it is a multiple selection.
16 If it is a single block the result will be 1.
17 If it is a multiple block the result will be the number of ranges selected.
18 The function is designed to be used in macros.
19
20 Syntax
21 =AREAS(RangeToTest)
22
23 Formatting
24 The result will be shown as a number.
25
26 Example
27 The example at the top of this page shows two ranges coloured pink and green.
28 These ranges have been given the name PeopleLists.
29 The =AREAS(PeopleLists) gives a result of 2 indicating that there are two separate
30 selections which form the PeopleLists range.
31
32 Note
33 To name multiple ranges the CTRL key must be used.
34 In the above example the pink range was selected as normal, then the Ctrl key
35 was held down before selecting the green range.
36 When a Range Name is created it will consider both Pink and Green as being one range.
Excel Function Dictionary AVERAGE
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
1 AVERAGE
2
3 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Average
4 Temp 30 31 32 29 26 28 27 29 =AVERAGE(D4:J4)
5 Rain 0 0 0 4 6 3 1 2 =AVERAGE(D5:J5)
6
8 Temp 30 32 29 26 28 27 28.6667 =AVERAGE(D8:J8)
9 Rain 0 0 4 6 3 1 2.33333 =AVERAGE(D9:J9)
10
12 Temp 30 No 32 29 26 28 27 28.6667 =AVERAGE(D12:J12)
13 Rain 0 Reading 0 4 6 3 1 2.33333 =AVERAGE(D13:J13)
14
16 This function calculates the average from a list of numbers.
17 If the cell is blank or contains text, the cell will not be used in the average calculation.
18 If the cell contains zero 0, the cell will be included in the average calculation.
19
20 Syntax
21 =AVERAGE(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30)
22
23 Formatting
24 No special formatting is needed.
25
26 Note
27 To calculate the average of cells which contain text or blanks use =SUM() to get the total and
28 then divide by the count of the entries using =COUNTA().
29
31 Temp 30 No 32 29 26 28 27 24.5714 =SUM(D31:J31)/COUNTA(D31:J31)
32 Rain 0 Reading 0 4 6 3 1 2 =SUM(D32:J32)/COUNTA(D32:J32)
33
35 Temp 30 32 29 26 28 27 28.6667 =SUM(D35:J35)/COUNTA(D35:J35)
36 Rain 0 0 4 6 3 1 2.33333 =SUM(D36:J36)/COUNTA(D36:J36)
37
38
39 Further Usage
Excel Function Dictionary BIN2DEC
A B C D E F G H I
1 BIN2DEC
2
3 Binary Number Decimal Equivalent
4 0 0 =BIN2DEC(C4)
5 1 1 =BIN2DEC(C5)
6 10 2 =BIN2DEC(C6)
7 11 3 =BIN2DEC(C7)
8 111111111 511 =BIN2DEC(C8)
9 1111111111 -1 =BIN2DEC(C9)
10 1111111110 -2 =BIN2DEC(C10)
11 1111111101 -3 =BIN2DEC(C11)
12 1000000000 -512 =BIN2DEC(C12)
13 11111111111 Err:502 =BIN2DEC(C13)
14
16 This function converts a binary number to decimal.
17 Negative numbers are represented using two's-complement notation.
18
19 Syntax
20 =BIN2DEC(BinaryNumber)
21 The binary number has a limit of ten characters.
22
23 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary CEILING
A B C D E F G H
1 CEILING
2
3 Number Raised Up
4 2.1 3 =CEILING(C4,1)
5 1.5 2 =CEILING(C5,1)
6 1.9 2 =CEILING(C6,1)
7 20 30 =CEILING(C7,30)
8 25 30 =CEILING(C8,30)
9 40 60 =CEILING(C9,30)
10
12 This function rounds a number up to the nearest multiple specified by the user.
13
14 Syntax
15 =CEILING(ValueToRound,MultipleToRoundUpTo)
16 The ValueToRound can be a cell address or a calculation.
17
18 Formatting
20
21 Example 1
22 The following table was used by a estate agent renting holiday apartments.
23 The properties being rented are only available on a weekly basis.
24 When the customer supplies the number of days required in the property the =CEILING()
25 function rounds it up by a multiple of 7 to calculate the number of full weeks to be billed.
26
Days To
27
Days Required Be Billed
28 Customer 1 3 7 =CEILING(D28,7)
31
32
33 Example 2
34 The following table was used by a builders merchant delivering products to a construction site.
35 The merchant needs to hire trucks to move each product.
36 Each product needs a particular type of truck of a fixed capacity.
37
38 Table 1 calculates the number of trucks required by dividing the Units To Be Moved by
39 the Capacity of the truck.
40 This results of the division are not whole numbers, and the builder cannot hire just part
41 of a truck.
42
43 Table 1
Units To Truck Trucks
44
Item Be Moved Capacity Needed
45 Bricks 1000 300 3.33 =D45/E45
46 Wood 5000 600 8.33 =D46/E46
47 Cement 2000 350 5.71 =D47/E47
48
49 Table 2 shows how the =CEILING() function has been used to round up the result of
50 the division to a whole number, and thus given the exact amount of trucks needed.
51
52 Table 2
Excel Function Dictionary CEILING
A B C D E F G H
Units To Truck Trucks
53
Item Be Moved Capacity Needed
54 Bricks 1000 300 4 =CEILING(D54/E54,1)
55 Wood 5000 600 9 =CEILING(D55/E55,1)
56 Cement 2000 350 6 =CEILING(D56/E56,1)
57
58
59 Example 3
60 The following tables were used by a shopkeeper to calculate the selling price of an item.
61 The shopkeeper buys products by the box.
62 The cost of the item is calculated by dividing the Box Cost by the Box Quantity.
63 The shopkeeper always wants the price to end in 99 pence.
64
65 Table 1 shows how just a normal division results in varying Item Costs.
66
67 Table 1
68 Item Box Qnty Box Cost Cost Per Item
69 Plugs 11 £20 1.81818 =D69/C69
70 Sockets 7 £18.25 2.60714 =D70/C70
71 Junctions 5 £28.10 5.62000 =D71/C71
72 Adapters 16 £28 1.75000 =D72/C72
73
74
75 Table 2 shows how the =CEILING() function has been used to raise the Item Cost to
76 always end in 99 pence.
77
78 Table 2
79 Item In Box Box Cost Cost Per Item Raised Cost
80 Plugs 11 £20 1.81818 1.99
81 Sockets 7 £18.25 2.60714 2.99
82 Junctions 5 £28.10 5.62000 5.99
83 Adapters 16 £28 1.75000 1.99
84 =INT(E83)+CEILING(MOD(E83,1),0.99)
85
86 Explanation
87 =INT(E83) Calculates the integer part of the price.
88 =MOD(E83,1) Calculates the decimal part of the price.
89 =CEILING(MOD(E83),0.99) Raises the decimal to 0.99
Excel Function Dictionary CELL
A B C D E F G H
1 CELL
2
3 This is the cell and contents to test. 17.50%
4
5 The cell address. $D$3 =CELL("address",D3)
6 The column number. 4 =CELL("col",D3)
7 The row number. 3 =CELL("row",D3)
8 The actual contents of the cell. 0.175 =CELL("contents",D3)
9 The type of entry in the cell. v =CELL("type",D3)

Shown as b for blank, l for text, v for value.
The alignment of the cell.
10 Shown as ' for left, ^ for centre, " for right. =CELL("prefix",D3)
Nothing is shown for numeric entries.
11 The width of the cell. 12 =CELL("width",D3)
The number format fo the cell.
12 P2 =CELL("format",D3)
(See the table shown below)
13 Formatted for braces ( ) on positive values. 0 =CELL("parentheses",D3)

1 for yes, 0 for no.
Formatted for coloured negatives.
14 0 =CELL("color",D3)
1 for yes, 0 for no.
The type of cell protection.
15 1 =CELL("protect",D3)
1 for a locked, 0 for unlocked.
16 The filename containing the cell. 'file:///conversion/tmp/scratch/457981464.xls'#$CELL
17 =CELL("filename",D3)
19 This function examines a cell and displays information about the contents, position and formatting.
20
21 Syntax
22 =CELL("TypeOfInfoRequired",CellToTest)
23 The TypeOfInfoRequired is a text entry which must be surrounded with quotes " ".
24
25 Formatting
27
28 Codes used to show the formatting of the cell.
29
30 Numeric Format Code
31 General G
32 0 F0
33 #,##0 ,0
34 0.00 F2
35 #,##0.00 ,2
36 $#,##0_);($#,##0) C0
37 $#,##0_);[Red]($#,##0) C0-
38 $#,##0.00_);($#,##0.00) C2
39 $#,##0.00_);[Red]($#,##0.00) C2-
40 0% P0
41 0.00% P2
42 0.00E+00 S2
43 # ?/? or # ??/?? G
44 m/d/yy or m/d/yy h:mm or mm/dd/yy. D4
45 d-mmm-yy or dd-mmm-yy D1
46 d-mmm or dd-mmm D2
47 mmm-yy D3
48 mm/dd D5
49 h:mm AM/PM D7
50 h:mm:ss AM/PM D6
51 h:mm D9
52 h:mm:ss D8
53
54
55 Example
Excel Function Dictionary CELL
A B C D E F G H
56 The following example uses the =CELL() function as part of a formula which extracts the filename.
57
58 The name of the current file is : #VALUE!
59 =MID(CELL("filename"),FIND("[",CELL("filename"))+1,FIND("]",CELL("filename"))-FIND("[",CELL("filename"))-1)
Excel Function Dictionary CHAR
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X
1 CHAR
2
3 ANSI Number Character
4 65 A =CHAR(G4)
5 66 B =CHAR(G5)
6 169 � =CHAR(G6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function converts a normal number to the character it represent in the ANSI
10 character set used by Windows.
11
12 Syntax
13 =CHAR(Number)
14 The Number must be between 1 and 255.
15
16 Formatting
17 The result will be a character with no special formatting.
18
19 Example
20 The following is a list of all 255 numbers and the characters they represent.
21 Note that most Windows based program may not display some of the special characters,
22 these will be displayed as a small box.
23
24 1 26 51 3 76 L 101 e 126 ~ 151 � 176 � 201 � 226 � 251 �
25 2 27 52 4 77 M 102 f 127 152 � 177 � 202 � 227 � 252 �
26 3 28 53 5 78 N 103 g 128 � 153 � 178 � 203 � 228 � 253 �
27 4 29 54 6 79 O 104 h 129 � 154 � 179 � 204 � 229 � 254 �
28 5 30 55 7 80 P 105 i 130 � 155 � 180 � 205 � 230 � 255 �
29 6 31 56 8 81 Q 106 j 131 � 156 � 181 � 206 � 231 �
30 7 32 57 9 82 R 107 k 132 � 157 � 182 � 207 � 232 �
31 8 33 ! 58 : 83 S 108 l 133 � 158 � 183 � 208 � 233 �
32 9 34 " 59 ; 84 T 109 m 134 � 159 � 184 � 209 � 234 �
33 10 35 # 60 < 85 U 110 n 135 � 160 � 185 � 210 � 235 �
34 11 36 $ 61 = 86 V 111 o 136 � 161 � 186 � 211 � 236 �
35 12 37 % 62 > 87 W 112 p 137 � 162 � 187 � 212 � 237 �
36 13 38 & 63 ? 88 X 113 q 138 � 163 � 188 � 213 � 238 �
37 14 39 ' 64 @ 89 Y 114 r 139 � 164 � 189 � 214 � 239 �
38 15 40 ( 65 A 90 Z 115 s 140 � 165 � 190 � 215 � 240 �
39 16 41 ) 66 B 91 [ 116 t 141 � 166 � 191 � 216 � 241 �
40 17 42 * 67 C 92 \ 117 u 142 � 167 � 192 � 217 � 242 �
41 18 43 + 68 D 93 ] 118 v 143 � 168 � 193 � 218 � 243 �
42 19 44 , 69 E 94 ^ 119 w 144 � 169 � 194 � 219 � 244 �
43 20 45 - 70 F 95 _ 120 x 145 � 170 � 195 � 220 � 245 �
44 21 46 . 71 G 96 ` 121 y 146 � 171 � 196 � 221 � 246 �
45 22 47 / 72 H 97 a 122 z 147 � 172 � 197 � 222 � 247 �
46 23 48 0 73 I 98 b 123 { 148 � 173 � 198 � 223 � 248 �
47 24 49 1 74 J 99 c 124 | 149 � 174 � 199 � 224 � 249 �
48 25 50 2 75 K 100 d 125 } 150 � 175 � 200 � 225 � 250 �
49
50 Note
51 Number 32 does not show as it is the SPACEBAR character.
Excel Function Dictionary CHOOSE
A B C D E F G H I J
1 CHOOSE
2
Index
3
Value Result
4 1 Alan =CHOOSE(C4,"Alan","Bob","Carol")
5 3 Carol =CHOOSE(C5,"Alan","Bob","Carol")
6 2 Bob =CHOOSE(C6,"Alan","Bob","Carol")
7 3 18% =CHOOSE(C7,10%,15%,18%)
8 1 10% =CHOOSE(C8,10%,15%,18%)
9 2 15% =CHOOSE(C9,10%,15%,18%)
10
11
12 What Does It Do?
13 This function picks from a list of options based upon an Index value given to by the user.
14
15 Syntax
16 =CHOOSE(UserValue, Item1, Item2, Item3 through to Item29)
17
18 Formatting
19 No special formatting is required.
20
21 Example
22 The following table was used to calculate the medals for athletes taking part in a race.
23 The Time for each athlete is entered.
24 The =RANK() function calculates the finishing position of each athlete.
25 The =CHOOSE() then allocates the correct medal.
26 The =IF() has been used to filter out any positions above 3, as this would cause
27 the error of #VALUE to appear, due to the fact the =CHOOSE() has only three items in it.
28
29 Name Time Position Medal
30 Alan 1:30 2 Silver =IF(D30<=3,CHOOSE(D30,"Gold","Silver","Bronze"),"unplaced")
31 Bob 1:15 4 unplaced =IF(D31<=3,CHOOSE(D31,"Gold","Silver","Bronze"),"unplaced")
32 Carol 2:45 1 Gold =IF(D32<=3,CHOOSE(D32,"Gold","Silver","Bronze"),"unplaced")
33 David 1:05 5 unplaced =IF(D33<=3,CHOOSE(D33,"Gold","Silver","Bronze"),"unplaced")
34 Eric 1:20 3 Bronze =IF(D34<=3,CHOOSE(D34,"Gold","Silver","Bronze"),"unplaced")
35 =RANK(C34,C30:C34)
Excel Function Dictionary CLEAN
A B C D E F G H I
1 CLEAN
2
3 Dirty Text Clean Text
4 Hello Hello =CLEAN(C4)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function removes any nonprintable characters from text.
10 These nonprinting characters are often found in data which has been imported
11 from other systems such as database imports from mainframes.
12
13 Syntax
14 =CLEAN(TextToBeCleaned)
15
16 Formatting
17 No special formatting is needed. The result will show as normal text.
Excel Function Dictionary CODE
1 CODE
2
3 Letter ANSI Code
4 A 65 =CODE(C4)
5 B 66 =CODE(C5)
6 C 67 =CODE(C6)
7 a 97 =CODE(C7)
8 b 98 =CODE(C8)
9 c 99 =CODE(C9)
10 Alan 65 =CODE(C10)
11 Bob 66 =CODE(C11)
12 Carol 67 =CODE(C12)
13
14 What Does It Do?
15 This function shows the ANSI value of a single character, or the first character in a piece
16 of text.
17 The ANSI character set is used by Windows to identify each keyboard character by using
18 a unique number.
19 There are 255 characters in the ANSI set.
20
21 Syntax
22 =CODE(Text)
23
24 Formatting
25 No special formatting is needed, the result will be shown as a number between 1 and 255.
26
27 Example
28 See the example for FREQUENCY.
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
Excel Function Dictionary COMBIN
A B C D E F G
1 COMBIN
2
3 Pool Of Items Items In A Group Possible Groups
4 4 2 6 =COMBIN(C4,D4)
5 4 3 4 =COMBIN(C5,D5)
6 26 2 325 =COMBIN(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do ?
9 This function calculates the highest number of combinations available based upon
10 a fixed number of items.
11 The internal order of the combination does not matter, so AB is the same as BA.
12
13 Syntax
14 =COMBIN(HowManyItems,GroupSize)
15
16 Formatting
18
19
20 Example 1
21 This example calculates the possible number of pairs of letters available
22 from the four characters ABCD.
23
24 Total Characters Group Size Combinations
25 4 2 6 =COMBIN(C25,D25)
26
27 The proof ! The four letters : ABCD
28 Pair 1 AB
29 Pair 2 AC
30 Pair 3 AD
31 Pair 4 BC
32 Pair 5 BD
33 Pair 6 CD
34
35 Example 2
36 A decorator is asked to design a colour scheme for a new office.
37 The decorator is given five colours to work with, but can only use three in any scheme.
38 How many colours schemes can be created ?
39
40 Available Colours Colours Per Scheme Totals Schemes
41 5 3 10 =COMBIN(C41,D41)
42
43 The colours
44 Red
45 Green
46 Blue
47 Yellow
48 Black
49
50 Scheme 1 Scheme 2 Scheme 3 Scheme 4 Scheme 5
51 Red Red Red Red Red
52 Green Green Green Blue Blue
53 Blue Yellow Black Yellow Black
54
55 Scheme 6 Scheme 7 Scheme 8 Scheme 9 Scheme 10
56 Green Green Green Blue ??????
Excel Function Dictionary COMBIN
A B C D E F G
57 Blue Blue Yellow Yellow
58 Yellow Black Black Black
Excel Function Dictionary CONCATENATE
A B C D E F G H I
1 CONCATENATE
2
3 Name 1 Name 2 Concatenated Text
4 Alan Jones AlanJones =CONCATENATE(C4,D4)
5 Bob Williams BobWilliams =CONCATENATE(C5,D5)
6 Carol Davies CarolDavies =CONCATENATE(C6,D6)
7 Alan Jones Alan Jones =CONCATENATE(C7," ",D7)
8 Bob Williams Williams, Bob =CONCATENATE(D8,", ",C8)
9 Carol Davies Davies, Carol =CONCATENATE(D9,", ",C9)
10
11 What Does It Do?
12 This function joins separate pieces of text into one item.
13
14 Syntax
15 =CONCATENATE(Text1,Text2,Text3...Text30)
16 Up to thirty pieces of text can be joined.
17
18 Formatting
19 No special formatting is needed, the result will be shown as normal text.
20
21 Note
22 You can achieve the same result by using the & operator.
23
24 Name 1 Name 2 Concatenated Text
25 Alan Jones AlanJones =C25&D25
26 Bob Williams BobWilliams =C26&D26
27 Carol Davies CarolDavies =C27&D27
28 Alan Jones Alan Jones =C28&" "&D28
29 Bob Williams Williams, Bob =D29&", "&C29
30 Carol Davies Davies, Carol =D30&", "&C30
Excel Function Dictionary CONVERT
A B C D E F G H
1 CONVERT
2 Converte
Amount Converting Converting d
3
To Convert From To Amount
4 1 in cm 2.54 =CONVERT(C4,D4,E4)
5 1 ft m 0.3048 =CONVERT(C5,D5,E5)
6 1 yd m 0.9144 =CONVERT(C6,D6,E6)
7
8 1 yr day 365.25 =CONVERT(C8,D8,E8)
9 1 day hr 24 =CONVERT(C9,D9,E9)
10 1.5 hr mn 90 =CONVERT(C10,D10,E10)
11 0.5 mn sec 30 =CONVERT(C11,D11,E11)
12
14 This function converts a value measure in one type of unit, to the same value expressed
15 in a different type of unit, such as Inches to Centimetres.
16
17 Syntax
18 =CONVERT(AmountToConvert,UnitToConvertFrom,UnitToConvertTo)
19
20 Formatting
22
23 Example
24 The following table was used by an Import / Exporting company to convert the weight
25 and size of packages from old style UK measuring system to European system.
26
27 Pounds Ounces Kilograms
28 Weight 5 3 2.35301
29 =CONVERT(D28,"lbm","kg")+CONVERT(E28,"ozm","kg")
30
31 Feet Inches Metres
32 Height 12 6 3.81
33 Length 8 3 2.5146
34 Width 5 2 1.5748
35 =CONVERT(D34,"ft","m")+CONVERT(E34,"in","m")
36
37 Abbreviations
38 This is a list of all the possible abbreviations which can be used to denote measuring systems.
39
40 Weight & Mass Distance
41 Gram g Meter m
42 Kilogram kg Statute mile mi
43 Slug sg Nautical mile Nmi
44 Pound mass lbm Inch in
45 U (atomic mass) u Foot ft
46 Ounce mass ozm Yard yd
47 Angstrom ang
48 Time Pica (1/72 in.) Pica
49 Year yr
50 Day day Pressure
51 Hour hr Pascal Pa
52 Minute mn Atmosphere atm
53 Second sec mm of Mercury mmHg
Excel Function Dictionary CONVERT
A B C D E F G H
54
55 Temperature Liquid
56 Degree Celsius C Teaspoon tsp
57 Degree Fahrenhei F Tablespoon tbs
58 Degree Kelvin K Fluid ounce oz
59 Cup cup
60 Force Pint pt
61 Newton N Quart qt
62 Dyne dyn Gallon gal
63 Pound force lbf Liter l
64
65 Energy Power
66 Joule J Horsepower HP
67 Erg e Watt W
Thermodynamic
68
calorie c
69 IT calorie cal Magnetism
70 Electron volt eV Tesla T
71 Horsepower-hour HPh Gauss ga
72 Watt-hour Wh
73 Foot-pound flb
74 BTU BTU
75
76
77 These characters can be used as a prefix to access further units of measure.
78 Using "c" as a prefix to meters "m" will allow centimetres "cm" to be calculated.
79
80 Prefix Multiplier Abbreviation Prefix Multiplier Abbreviation
81 exa 1.00E+18 E deci 1.00E-01 d
82 peta 1.00E+15 P centi 1.00E-02 c
83 tera 1.00E+12 T milli 1.00E-03 m
84 giga 1.00E+09 G micro 1.00E-06 u
85 mega 1.00E+06 M nano 1.00E-09 n
86 kilo 1.00E+03 k pico 1.00E-12 p
87 hecto 1.00E+02 h femto 1.00E-15 f
88 dekao 1.00E+01 e atto 1.00E-18 a
Excel Function Dictionary CORREL
A B C D E F G H I J
1 CORREL
2
3 Table 1 Table 2
4 Air Cond Advertising

Month Avg Temp Sales Costs Sales
5 Jan 20 100 £2,000 £20,000
6 Feb 30 200 £1,000 £30,000
7 Mar 30 300 £5,000 £20,000
8 Apr 40 200 £1,000 £40,000
9 May 50 400 £8,000 £40,000
10 Jun 50 400 £1,000 £20,000
11
12 Correlation 0.864 Correlation 28%
13 =CORREL(D5:D10,E5:E10) =CORREL(G5:G10,H5:H10)
14
16 This function examines two sets of data to determine the degree of relationship
17 between the two sets.
18 The result will be a decimal between 0 and 1.
19 The larger the result, the greater the correlation.
20
21 In Table 1 the Monthly temperature is compared against the Sales of air conditioning units.
22 The correlation shows that there is an 0.864 realtionship between the data.
23
24 In Table 2 the Cost of advertising has been compared to Sales.
25 It can be formatted as percentage % to show a more meaning full result.
26 The correlation shows that there is an 28% realtionship between the data.
27
28 Syntax
29 =CORREL(Range1,Range2)
30
31 Formatting
32 The result will normally be shown in decimal format.
Excel Function Dictionary COUNT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 COUNT
2
3 Entries To Be Counted Count
4 10 20 30 3 =COUNT(C4:E4)
5 10 0 30 3 =COUNT(C5:E5)
6 10 -20 30 3 =COUNT(C6:E6)
7 10 1-Jan-88 30 3 =COUNT(C7:E7)
8 10 21:30 30 3 =COUNT(C8:E8)
9 10 0.432237 30 3 =COUNT(C9:E9)
10 10 30 2 =COUNT(C10:E10)
11 10 Hello 30 2 =COUNT(C11:E11)
12 10 #DIV/0! 30 2 =COUNT(C12:E12)
13
15 This function counts the number of numeric entries in a list.
16 It will ignore blanks, text and errors.
17
18 Syntax
19 =COUNT(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30)
20
21 Formatting
23
24 Example
25 The following table was used by a builders merchant to calculate the number of sales
26 for various products in each month.
27
28 Item Jan Feb Mar
29 Bricks £1,000
30 Wood £5,000
31 Glass £2,000 £1,000
32 Metal £1,000
33 Count 3 2 0
34 =COUNT(D29:D32)
Excel Function Dictionary COUNTA
A B C D E F G H I J
1 COUNTA
2
3 Entries To Be Counted Count
4 10 20 30 3 =COUNTA(C4:E4)
5 10 0 30 3 =COUNTA(C5:E5)
6 10 -20 30 3 =COUNTA(C6:E6)
7 10 1-Jan-88 30 3 =COUNTA(C7:E7)
8 10 21:30 30 3 =COUNTA(C8:E8)
9 10 0.77103 30 3 =COUNTA(C9:E9)
10 10 30 2 =COUNTA(C10:E10)
11 10 Hello 30 3 =COUNTA(C11:E11)
12 10 #DIV/0! 30 3 =COUNTA(C12:E12)
13
15 This function counts the number of numeric or text entries in a list.
16 It will ignore blanks.
17
18 Syntax
19 =COUNTA(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30)
20
21 Formatting
23
24 Example
25 The following table was used by a school to keep track of the examinations taken by each pupil.
26 Each exam passed was graded as 1, 2 or 3.
27 A failure was entered as Fail.
28
29 The school needed to known how many pupils sat each exam.
30 The school also needed to know how many exams were taken by each pupil.
31
32 The =COUNTA() function has been used because of its ability to count text and numeric entries.
33
Exams Taken
34 Maths English Art History
By Each Pupil
35 Alan Fail 1 2
36 Bob 2 1 3 3
37 Carol 1 1 1 3
38 David Fail Fail 2
39 Elaine 1 3 2 Fail 4
40 =COUNTA(D39:G39)
41 How many pupils sat each Exam.
42 Maths English Art History
43 4 3 5 2
44 =COUNTA(D35:D39)
Excel Function Dictionary COUNTBLANK
A B C D E F G H I
1 COUNTBLANK
2
3 Range To Test Blanks
4 1 2 =COUNTBLANK(C4:C11)
5 Hello
6 3
7 0
8
9 1-Jan-98
10
11 5
12
14 This function counts the number of blank cells in a range.
15
16 Syntax
17 =COUNTBLANK(RangeToTest)
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example
23 The following table was used by a company which was balloting its workers on whether
24 the company should have a no smoking policy.
25 Each of the departments in the various factories were questioned.
26 The response to the question could be Y or N.
27 As the results of the vote were collated they were entered in to the table.
28 The =COUNTBLANK() function has been used to calculate the number of departments which
29 have no yet registered a vote.
30
31 Admin Accounts Production Personnel
32 Factory 1 Y N
33 Factory 2 Y Y N
34 Factory 3
35 Factory 4 N N N
36 Factory 5 Y Y
37 Factory 6 Y Y Y N
38 Factory 7 N Y
39 Factory 8 N N Y Y
40 Factory 9 Y
41 Factory 10 Y N Y
42
43 Votes not vet registered : 16 =COUNTBLANK(C32:F41)
44
45 Votes for Yes : 14 =COUNTIF(C32:F41,"Y")
46
47 Votes for No : 10 =COUNTIF(C32:F41,"N")
Excel Function Dictionary COUNTIF
A B C D E F G
1 COUNTIF
2
3 Item Date Cost
4 Brakes 1-Jan-98 80
5 Tyres 10-May-98 25
6 Brakes 1-Feb-98 80
7 Service 1-Mar-98 150
8 Service 5-Jan-98 300
9 Window 1-Jun-98 50
10 Tyres 1-Apr-98 200
11 Tyres 1-Mar-98 100
12 Clutch 1-May-98 250
13
14 How many Brake Shoes Have been bought. 2 =COUNTIF(C4:C12,"Brakes")
15 How many Tyres have been bought. 3 =COUNTIF(C4:C12,"Tyres")
16 How many items cost £100 or above. 5 =COUNTIF(E4:E12,">=100")
17
18 Type the name of the item to count. service 2 =COUNTIF(C4:C12,E18)
19
20
22 This function counts the number of items which match criteria set by the user.
23
24 Syntax
25 =COUNTIF(RangeOfThingsToBeCounted,CriteriaToBeMatched)
26 The criteria can be typed in any of the following ways.
27 To match a specific number type the number, such as =COUNTIF(A1:A5,100)
28 To match a piece of text type the text in quotes, such as =COUNTIF(A1:A5,"Hello")
29 To match using operators surround the expression with quotes, such as =COUNTIF(A1:A5,">100")
30
31 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary DATE
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DATE
2
3 Day Month Year Date
4 25 12 99 12/25/99 =DATE(E4,D4,C4)
5 25 12 99 25-Dec-99 =DATE(E5,D5,C5)
6 33 12 99 January 2, 2000 =DATE(E6,D6,C6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function creates a real date by using three normal numbers typed into separate cells.
10
11 Syntax
12 =DATE(year,month,day)
13
14 Formatting
15 The result will normally be displayed in the dd/mm/yy format.
16 By using the Format,Cells,Number,Date command the format can be changed.
Excel Function Dictionary DATEDIF
A B C D E F G H I
1 DATEDIF
2
3 FirstDate SecondDate Interval Difference
4 1-Jan-60 10-May-70 days 3782 =DATEDIF(C4,D4,"d")
5 1-Jan-60 10-May-70 months 124 =DATEDIF(C5,D5,"m")
6 1-Jan-60 10-May-70 years 10 =DATEDIF(C6,D6,"y")
7 1-Jan-60 10-May-70 yeardays 129 =DATEDIF(C7,D7,"yd")
8 1-Jan-60 10-May-70 yearmonths 4 =DATEDIF(C8,D8,"ym")
9 1-Jan-60 10-May-70 monthdays 9 =DATEDIF(C9,D9,"md")
10
11 What Does It Do?
12 This function calculates the difference between two dates.
13 It can show the result in weeks, months or years.
14
15 Syntax
16 =DATEDIF(FirstDate,SecondDate,"Interval")
17 FirstDate : This is the earliest of the two dates.
18 SecondDate : This is the most recent of the two dates.
19 "Interval" : This indicates what you want to calculate.
20 These are the available intervals.
21 "d" Days between the two dates.
22 "m" Months between the two dates.
23 "y" Years between the two dates.
24 "yd" Days between the dates, as if the dates were in the same year.
25 "ym" Months between the dates, as if the dates were in the same year.
26 "md" Days between the two dates, as if the dates were in the same month and year.
27
28 Formatting
30
31
32
33
35
36 Years lived : 60 =DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"y")
37 and the month 1 =DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"ym")
38 and the days : 1 =DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"md")
39
40 You can put this all together in one calculation, which creates a text version.
41 Age is 60 Years, 1 Months and 1 Days
42 ="Age is "&DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"y")&" Years, "&DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"ym")&" Months and "&DATEDIF(C8,TODAY(),"md")&" Days"
Excel Function Dictionary DATEVALUE
A B C D E F G H
1 DATEVALUE
2
3 Date Date Value
4 25-dec-99 36519 =DATEVALUE(C4)
5 25/12/99 Err:502 =DATEVALUE(C5)
6 25-dec-99 36519 =DATEVALUE(C6)
7 25/12/99 Err:502 =DATEVALUE(C7)
8
9 What Does It Do?
10 The function is used to convert a piece of text into a date which can be used in calculations.
11 Dates expressed as text are often created when data is imported from other programs, such as
12 exports from mainframe computers.
13
14 Syntax
15 =DATEVALUE(text)
16
17 Formatting
18 The result will normally be shown as a number which represents the date. This number can
19 be formatted to any of the normal date formats by using Format,Cells,Number,Date.
20
21 Example
22 The example uses the =DATEVALUE and the =TODAY functions to calculate the number of
23 days remaining on a property lease.
24
25 The =DATEVALUE function was used because the date has been entered in the cell as
26 a piece of text, probably after being imported from an external program.
27
Days Until
28
Property Ref. Expiry Date Expiry
29 BC100 25-dec-99 -7344
30 FG700 10-july/99 Err:502
31 TD200 13-sep-98 -7812
32 HJ900 30/5/2000 Err:502
33 =DATEVALUE(E32)-TODAY()
Excel Function Dictionary DAVERAGE
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DAVERAGE
2 This is the Database range.
Life Box Boxes In Value Of
3
Product Wattage Hours Brand Unit Cost Quantity Stock Stock
4 Bulb 200 3000 Horizon £4.50 4 3 £54.00
5 Neon 100 2000 Horizon £2.00 15 2 £60.00
6 Spot 60 £0.00
7 Other 10 8000 Sunbeam £0.80 25 6 £120.00
8 Bulb 80 1000 Horizon £0.20 40 3 £24.00
9 Spot 100 unknown Horizon £1.25 10 4 £50.00
10 Spot 200 3000 Horizon £2.50 15 0 £0.00
11 Other 25 unknown Sunbeam £0.50 10 3 £15.00
12 Bulb 200 3000 Sunbeam £5.00 3 2 £30.00
13 Neon 100 2000 Sunbeam £1.80 20 5 £180.00
14 Bulb 100 unknown Sunbeam £0.25 10 5 £12.50
15 Bulb 10 800 Horizon £0.20 25 2 £10.00
16 Bulb 60 1000 Sunbeam £0.15 25 0 £0.00
17 Bulb 80 1000 Sunbeam £0.20 30 2 £12.00
18 Bulb 100 2000 Horizon £0.80 10 5 £40.00
19 Bulb 40 1000 Horizon £0.10 20 5 £10.00
20
21 To calculate the Average cost of a particular Brand of bulb.
22
23 Brand These two cells are the Criteria range.
24 Type the brand name : sunbeam
25
26 The Average cost of sunbeam is : £1.24 =DAVERAGE(B3:I19,F3,E23:E24)
27
29 This function examines a list of information and produces and average.
30
31 Syntax
32 =DAVERAGE(DatabaseRange,FieldName,CriteriaRange)
33 The DatabaseRange is the entire list of information you need to examine, including the
34 field names at the top of the columns.
35 The FieldName is the name, or cell, of the values to be averaged, such as "Unit Cost" or F3.
36 The CriteriaRange is made up of two types of information.
37 The first set of information is the name, or names, of the Fields(s) to be used as the basis
38 for selecting the records, such as the category Brand or Wattage.
39 The second set of information is the actual record, or records, which are to be selected, such
40 as Horizon as a brand name, or 100 as the wattage.
41
42 Formatting
44
45 Examples
46
47 The average Unit Cost of a particular Product of a particular Brand.
48
49 Product Brand
50 Bulb Horizon
Excel Function Dictionary DAVERAGE
A B C D E F G H I J
51
52 The average of Horizon Bulb is : £1.16 =DAVERAGE(B3:I19,F3,E49:F50)
53
54 This is the same calculation but using the actual name "Unit Cost" instead of the cell address.
55
56 £1.16 =DAVERAGE(B3:I19,"Unit Cost",E49:F50)
57
58 The average Unit Cost of a Bulb equal to a particular Wattage.
59
60 Product Wattage
61 Bulb 100
62
63 Average of Bulb 100 is : £0.53 =DAVERAGE(B3:I19,"Unit Cost",E60:F61)
64
65 The average Unit Cost of a Bulb less then a particular Wattage.
66
67 Product Wattage
68 Bulb <100
69
70 Average of Bulb <100 is : £0.17 =DAVERAGE(B3:I19,"Unit Cost",E67:F68)
Excel Function Dictionary DAY
A B C D E F G H
1 DAY
2
3 Full Date The Day
4 25-Dec-98 25 =DAY(C4)
5 2-Feb-20 Mon 1 =DAY(C5)
6 2-Feb-20 2 =DAY(C6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function extracts the day of the month from a complete date.
10
11 Syntax
12 =DAY(value)
13
14 Formatting
15 Normally the result will be a number, but this can be formatted to show the actual
16 day of the week by using Format,Cells,Number,Custom and using the code ddd or dddd.
17
18 Example
19 The =DAY function has been used to calculate the name of the day for your birthday.
20
21 Please enter your date of birth in the format dd/mm/yy : 3/25/1962
22 You were born on : Wednesday 24 =DAY(F21)
Excel Function Dictionary DAYS360
A B C D E F
1 DAYS360
2
3 StartDate EndDate Days Between * See the Note below.
4 1-Jan-98 5-Jan-98 4 =DAYS360(C4,D4,TRUE)
5 1-Jan-98 1-Feb-98 30 =DAYS360(C5,D5,TRUE)
6 1-Jan-98 31-Mar-98 89 =DAYS360(C6,D6,TRUE)
7 1-Jan-98 31-Dec-98 359 =DAYS360(C7,D7,TRUE)
8
9 What Does It Do?
10 Shows the number of days between two dates based on a 360-day year (twelve 30-day months).
11 Use this function if your accounting system is based on twelve 30-day months.
12
13 Syntax
14 =DAYS360(StartDate,EndDate,TRUE of FALSE)
15 TRUE : Use this for European accounting systems.
16 FALSE : Use this for USA accounting systems.
17
18 Formatting
20
21 Note
22 The calculation does not include the last day. The result of using 1-Jan-98 and 5-Jan-98 will
23 give a result of 4. To correct this add 1 to the result. =DAYS360(Start,End,TRUE)+1
Excel Function Dictionary DB
A B C D E F G H I
1 DB
2
3 Purchase Price : £5,000
4 Life in Years : 5
5 Salvage value : £200
6
7 Year Deprecation
8 1 £2,375.00 =DB(E3,E5,E4,D8)
9 2 £1,246.88 =DB(E3,E5,E4,D9)
10 3 £654.61 =DB(E3,E5,E4,D10)
11 4 £343.67 =DB(E3,E5,E4,D11)
12 5 £180.43 =DB(E3,E5,E4,D12)
13
14 Total Depreciation : £4,800.58 * See example 4 below.
15
17 This function calculates deprecation based upon a fixed percentage.
18 The first year is depreciated by the fixed percentage.
19 The second year uses the same percentage, but uses the original value of the item less
20 the first years depreciation.
21 Any subsequent years use the same percentage, using the original value of the item less
22 the depreciation of the previous years.
23 The percentage used in the depreciation is not set by the user, the function calculates
24 the necessary percentage, which will be vary based upon the values inputted by the user.
25
26 An additional feature of this function is the ability to take into account when the item was
27 originally purchased.
28 If the item was purchased part way through the financial year, the first years depreciation
29 will be based on the remaining part of the year.
30
31 Syntax
32 =DB(PurchasePrice,SalvageValue,Life,PeriodToCalculate,FirstYearMonth)
33 The FirstYearMonth is the month in which the item was purchased during the
34 first financial year. This is an optional value, if it not used the function will assume 12 as
35 the value.
36
37 Formatting
39
40 Example 1
41 This example shows the percentage used in the depreciation.
42 Year 1 depreciation is based upon the original Purchase Price alone.
43 Year 2 depreciation is based upon the original Purchase Price minus Year 1 deprecation.
44 Year 3 deprecation is based upon original Purchase Price minus Year 1 + Year 2 deprecation.
45 The % Deprc has been calculated purely to demonstrate what % is being used.
46
48 Salvage value : £1,000
49 Life in Years : 5
50
51 Year Deprecation % Deprc
52 1 £1,375.00 27.50%
53 2 £996.88 27.50%
54 3 £722.73 27.50%
A B C D E F G H I
55 4 £523.98 27.50%
56 5 £379.89 27.50%
57 =DB(E47,E48,E49,D56)
58
59 Total Depreciation : £3,998.48
60
61
62 Example 2
63 This example is similar to the previous, with the exception of the deprecation being calculated
64 on a monthly basis. This has been done by multiplying the years by 12.
65
67 Life in Years : £5
68 Salvage value : 100
69
70 Month Deprecation
71 56 £8.79
72 57 £8.24
73 58 £7.72
74 59 £7.23
75 60 £6.78
76 =DB(E66,E68,E67*12,D75)
77
78
79 Example 3
80 This example shows how the length of the first years ownership has been taken into account.
81
85 First Year Ownership In Months : 6
86
87 Year Deprecation % Deprc
88 1 £687.50 13.75%
89 2 £1,185.94 27.50%
90 3 £859.80 27.50%
91 4 £623.36 27.50%
92 5 £451.93 27.50%
93 =DB(E74,E76,E75,D84,E77)
94
95 Total Depreciation : £3,808.54
96
97
98 Why Is The Answer Wrong ?
99 In all of the examples above the total depreceation may not be exactly the expected value.
100 This is due to the way in which the percentage value for the depreceation has been calculated
101 by the =DB() fumction.
102 The percentage rate is calculated by Execl using the formula = 1 - ((salvage / cost) ^ (1 / life)).
103 The result of this calculation is then rounded to three decimal places.
104 Although this rounding may only make a minor change to the percentage rate, when applied
105 to large values, the differnce is compounded resulting in what could be considered as
106 approximate values for the the depreceation.
107
108 Example 4
A B C D E F G H I
109 This example has been created with both the Excel calculated percentage and the 'real'
110 percentage calculated manually.
111 The Excel Deprecation uses the =DB() function.
112 The Real Deprecation uses a manual calculation.
113
114 This is the 'real' deprecation percentage, calculated manually : 27.522034%
115 =1-((E117/E116)^(1/E118))
116 Purchase Price : £5,000 = 1 - ((salvage / cost) ^ (1 / life)).
119
Excel Real Excel
120
Year Deprecation Depreciation % Deprc
121 1 £1,375.0000 £1,376.1017 27.500%
122 2 £996.8750 £997.3705 27.500%
123 3 £722.7344 £722.8739 27.500%
124 4 £523.9824 £523.9243 27.500%
125 5 £379.8873 £379.7297 27.500%
126
127 Total Depreciation : £3,998.48 £4,000.00
128
129 Error difference : £1.52
Excel Function Dictionary DCOUNT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DCOUNT
3
4 Bulb 200 3000 Horizon £4.50 4 3 £54.00
5 Neon 100 2000 Horizon £2.00 15 2 £60.00
6 Spot 60 £0.00
7 Other 10 8000 Sunbeam £0.80 25 6 £120.00
8 Bulb 80 1000 Horizon £0.20 40 3 £24.00
10 Spot 200 3000 Horizon £2.50 15 1 £37.50
12 Bulb 200 3000 Sunbeam £5.00 3 2 £30.00
13 Neon 100 2000 Sunbeam £1.80 20 5 £180.00
15 Bulb 10 800 Horizon £0.20 25 2 £10.00
16 Bulb 60 1000 Sunbeam £0.15 25 1 £3.75
17 Bulb 80 1000 Sunbeam £0.20 30 2 £12.00
18 Bulb 100 2000 Horizon £0.80 10 5 £40.00
19 Bulb 40 1000 Horizon £0.10 20 5 £10.00
20
21 Count the number of products of a particular Brand which have a Life Hours rating.
22
24 Type the brand name : Horizon
25
26 The COUNT value of Horizon is : 7 =DCOUNT(B3:I19,D3,E23:E24)
27
29 This function examines a list of information and counts the values in a specified column.
30 It can only count values, the text items and blank cells are ignored.
31
32 Syntax
33 =DCOUNT(DatabaseRange,FieldName,CriteriaRange)
36 The FieldName is the name, or cell, of the values to Count, such as "Value Of Stock" or I3.
42
43 Formatting
45
46 Examples
47
48 The count of a particular product, with a specific number of boxes in stock.
49
Excel Function Dictionary DCOUNT
A B C D E F G H I J
Boxes In
50
Product Stock
51 Bulb 5
52
53 The number of products is : 3 =DCOUNT(B3:I19,H3,E50:F51)
54
55 This is the same calculation but using the name "Boxes In Stock" instead of the cell address.
56
57 3 =DCOUNT(B3:I19,"Boxes In Stock",E50:F51)
58
59 The count of the number of Bulb products equal to a particular Wattage.
60
61 Product Wattage
62 Bulb 100
63
64 The count is : 2 =DCOUNT(B3:I19,"Boxes In Stock",E61:F62)
65
66 The count of Bulb products between two Wattage values.
67
68 Product Wattage Wattage
69 Bulb >=80 <=100
70
71 The count is : 4 =DCOUNT(B3:I19,"Boxes In Stock",E68:G69)
Excel Function Dictionary DCOUNTA
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DCOUNTA
3
4 Bulb 200 3000 Horizon £4.50 4 3 £54.00
5 Neon 100 2000 Horizon £2.00 15 2 £60.00
6 Spot 60 £0.00
7 Other 10 8000 Sunbeam £0.80 25 6 £120.00
8 Bulb 80 1000 Horizon £0.20 40 3 £24.00
10 Spot 200 3000 Horizon £2.50 15 1 £37.50
12 Bulb 200 3000 Sunbeam £5.00 3 2 £30.00
13 Neon 100 2000 Sunbeam £1.80 20 5 £180.00
15 Bulb 10 800 Horizon £0.20 25 2 £10.00
16 Bulb 60 1000 Sunbeam £0.15 25 1 £3.75
17 Bulb 80 1000 Sunbeam £0.20 30 2 £12.00
18 Bulb 100 2000 Horizon £0.80 10 5 £40.00
19 Bulb 40 1000 Horizon £0.10 20 5 £10.00
20
21 Count the number of products of a particular Brand.
22
25
26 The COUNT value of Horizon is : 8 =DCOUNTA(B3:I19,E3,E23:E24)
27
29 This function examines a list of information and counts the non blank cells in a specified column.
30 It counts values and text items, but blank cells are ignored.
31
32 Syntax
33 =DCOUNTA(DatabaseRange,FieldName,CriteriaRange)
36 The FieldName is the name, or cell, of the values to Count, such as "Value Of Stock" or I3.
42
43 Formatting
45
46 Examples
47
48 The count of a product with an unknown Life Hours value.
49
Excel Function Dictionary DCOUNTA
A B C D E F G H I J
50
Product Life Hours
51 Bulb unknown
52
53 The number of products is : 1 =DCOUNTA(B3:I19,D3,E50:F51)
54
55 This is the same calculation but using the name "Life Hours" instead of the cell address.
56
57 1 =DCOUNTA(B3:I19,"Life Hours",E50:F51)
58
59 The count of the number of particular product of a specific brand.
60
61 Product Brand
62 Bulb Horizon
63
64 The count is : 5 =DCOUNTA(B3:I19,"Product",E61:F62)
65
66 The count of particular products from specific brands.
67
68 Product Brand
69 Spot Horizon
70 Neon Sunbeam
71
72 The count is : 3 =DCOUNTA(B3:I19,"Product",E68:F70)
Excel Function Dictionary DEC2BIN
A B C D E F G H
1 DEC2BIN
2
3 Decimal Number Binary Equivalent
4 0 0 =DEC2BIN(C4)
5 1 1 =DEC2BIN(C5)
6 2 10 =DEC2BIN(C6)
7 3 11 =DEC2BIN(C7)
8 511 111111111 =DEC2BIN(C8)
9 512 Err:502 =DEC2BIN(C9)
10 -1 1111111111 =DEC2BIN(C10)
11 -2 1111111110 =DEC2BIN(C11)
12 -3 1111111101 =DEC2BIN(C12)
13 -511 1000000001 =DEC2BIN(C13)
14 -512 1000000000 =DEC2BIN(C14)
15
16 Decimal Number Places To Pad Binary Equivalent
17 1 1 1 =DEC2BIN(C17,D17)
18 1 2 01 =DEC2BIN(C18,D18)
19 1 3 001 =DEC2BIN(C19,D19)
20 1 9 000000001 =DEC2BIN(C20,D20)
21 -1 1 1111111111 =DEC2BIN(C21,D21)
22
24 This function converts a decimal number to its binary equivalent.
25 It can only cope with decimals ranging from -512 to 511.
26 The result can be padded with leading 0 zeros, although this is ignored for negatives.
27
28 Syntax
29 =DEC2BIN(DecimalNumber,PlacesToPad)
30 The PlacesToPad is optional.
31
32 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary DEC2HEX
A B C D E F G H
1 DEC2HEX
2
3 Decimal Number Hexadecimal
4 0 0 =DEC2HEX(C4)
5 1 1 =DEC2HEX(C5)
6 2 2 =DEC2HEX(C6)
7 3 3 =DEC2HEX(C7)
8 25 19 =DEC2HEX(C8)
9 26 1A =DEC2HEX(C9)
10 27 1B =DEC2HEX(C10)
11 28 1C =DEC2HEX(C11)
12 -1 FFFFFFFFFF =DEC2HEX(C12)
13 -2 FFFFFFFFFE =DEC2HEX(C13)
14 -3 FFFFFFFFFD =DEC2HEX(C14)
15 -2 FFFFFFFFFE =DEC2HEX(C15)
16 -1 FFFFFFFFFF =DEC2HEX(C16)
17 549,755,813,887 7FFFFFFFFF =DEC2HEX(C17)
18 -549,755,813,888 8000000000 =DEC2HEX(C18)
19 549,755,813,888 8000000000 =DEC2HEX(C19)
20 -549,755,813,889 7FFFFFFFFF =DEC2HEX(C20)
21
22 Decimal Number Places To Pad Hexadecimal
23 1 1 1 =DEC2HEX(C23,D23)
24 1 2 01 =DEC2HEX(C24,D24)
25 26 3 01A =DEC2HEX(C25,D25)
26 26 9 00000001A =DEC2HEX(C26,D26)
27 -26 1 FFFFFFFFE6 =DEC2HEX(C27,D27)
28
30 This function converts a decimal number to its hexadecimal equivalent.
31 It can only cope with decimals ranging from -549,755,813,888 to 549,755,813,887.
32 The result can be padded with leading 0 zeros, although this is ignored for negatives.
33
34 Syntax
35 =DEC2HEX(DecimalNumber,PlacesToPad)
36 The PlacesToPad is optional.
37
38 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary DELTA
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DELTA
2
3 Number1 Number2 Delta
4 10 20 0 =DELTA(C4,D4)
5 50 50 1 =DELTA(C5,D5)
6 17.5 17.5 1 =DELTA(C6,D6)
7 17.5 18 1 =DELTA(C7,D7)
8 17.50% 0.175 1 =DELTA(C8,D8)
9 Hello Hello #VALUE! =DELTA(C9,D9)
10 1 =DELTA(C10,D10)
11
13 This function compares two values and tests whether they are exactly the same.
14 If the numbers are the same the result will be 1, otherwise the result is 0.
15 It only works with numbers, text values produce a result of #VALUE.
16 The formatting of the number is not significant, so numbers which appear rounded due
17 to the removal of decimal places will still match correctly with non rounded values.
18
19 Syntax
20 =DELTA(FirstNumber,SecondNumber)
21
22 Formatting
24
25 Example
26 The following table is used to determine how may pairs of similar numbers are in a list.
27 The =DELTA() function tests each pair and then the =SUM() function totals them.
28
29 Number1 Number2 Delta
30 10 20 0 =DELTA(C30,D30)
31 50 50 1 =DELTA(C31,D31)
32 30 30 1 =DELTA(C32,D32)
33 17.5 18 1 =DELTA(C33,D33)
34 12 8 0 =DELTA(C34,D34)
35 100 100 1 =DELTA(C35,D35)
36 150 125 0 =DELTA(C36,D36)
37 Total Pairs 4 =SUM(E30:E36)
Excel Function Dictionary DGET
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DGET
3
4 Bulb 200 3000 Horizon £4.50 4 3 £54.00
5 Neon 100 2000 Horizon £2.00 15 2 £60.00
6 Spot 60 £0.00
7 Other 10 8000 Sunbeam £0.80 25 6 £120.00
8 Bulb 80 1000 Horizon £0.20 40 3 £24.00
10 Spot 200 3000 Horizon £2.50 15 1 £37.50
12 Bulb 200 3000 Sunbeam £5.00 3 2 £30.00
13 Neon 100 2000 Sunbeam £1.80 20 5 £180.00
15 Bulb 10 800 Horizon £0.20 25 2 £10.00
16 Bulb 60 1000 Sunbeam £0.15 25 1 £3.75
17 Bulb 80 1000 Sunbeam £0.20 30 2 £12.00
18 Bulb 100 2000 Horizon £0.80 10 5 £40.00
19 Bulb 40 1000 Horizon £0.10 20 5 £10.00
20
21 How many boxes of a particular item do we have in stock?
22
Life
23
Product Wattage Hours Brand
24 Bulb 100 Horizon
25
26 The number in stock is : 5 =DGET(B3:I19,H3,C23:F24)
27
29 This function examines a list of information and produces one result.
30 If more than one record matches the criteria the error #NUM is shown.
31 If no records match the criteria the error #VALUE is shown.
32
33 Syntax
34 =DGET(DatabaseRange,FieldName,CriteriaRange)
37 The FieldName is the name, or cell, of the values to Get, such as "Value Of Stock" or I3.
41 The second set of information is the actual record which needs to be selected, such
43
44 Formatting
46
47 Example 1
48 This example extracts information from just one record.
49
Excel Function Dictionary DGET
A B C D E F G H I J
51
Life
52
53 Bulb 100 Horizon
54
55 The number in stock is : 5 =DGET(B3:I19,H3,C51:F52)
56
57
58 Example 2
59 This example extracts information from multiple records and therefore shows the #NUM error.
60
62
Life
63
64 Bulb 100
65
66 The number in stock is : Err:502 =DGET(B3:I19,H3,C63:F64)
67
68
69 Example 3
70 This example extracts information from no records and therefore shows the #VALUE error.
71
73
Life
74
75 Bulb 9999
76
77 The number in stock is : #VALUE! =DGET(B3:I19,H3,C64:F65)
78
79
80 Example 4
81 This example uses the =IF() function to display a message when an error occurs.
82
84
Life
85
86 Bulb 9999
87
88 The number in stock is : #VALUE! =DGET(B3:I19,H3,C85:F86)
89
90 Err:502
91 =IF(ISERR(F88),CHOOSE(ERROR.TYPE(F88)/3,"No such product.","Duplicates products found."),"One product found.")
Excel Function Dictionary DMAX
1 DMAX
3
4 Bulb 200 3000 Horizon £4.50 4 3 £54.00
5 Neon 100 2000 Horizon £2.00 15 2 £60.00
6 Spot 60 £0.00
7 Other 10 8000 Sunbeam £0.80 25 6 £120.00
8 Bulb 80 1000 Horizon £0.20 40 3 £24.00
10 Spot 200 3000 Horizon £2.50 15 0 £0.00
12 Bulb 200 3000 Sunbeam £5.00 3 2 £30.00
13 Neon 100 2000 Sunbeam £1.80 20 5 £180.00
15 Bulb 10 800 Horizon £0.20 25 2 £10.00
16 Bulb 60 1000 Sunbeam £0.15 25 0 £0.00
17 Bulb 80 1000 Sunbeam £0.20 30 2 £12.00
18 Bulb 100 2000 Horizon £0.80 10 5 £40.00
19 Bulb 40 1000 Horizon £0.10 20 5 £10.00
20
21 To calculate largest Value Of Stock of a particular Brand of bulb.
22
25
26 The MAX value of Horizon is : £60.00 =DMAX(B3:I19,I3,E23:E24)
27
29 This function examines a list of information and produces the largest value from a specified column.
30
31 Syntax
32 =DMAX(DatabaseRange,FieldName,CriteriaRange)
35 The FieldName is the name or cell, of the values to pick the Max from, such as "Value Of Stock" or I3.
41
42 Formatting
44
45 Examples
46
47 The largest Value Of Stock of a particular Product of a particular Brand.
48
49 Product Brand
50 Bulb sunbeam
51
52 The largest value is : £30.00 =DMAX(B3:I19,I3,E49:F50)
53
54 This is the same calculation but using the name "Value Of Stock" instead of the cell address.
55
56 £30.00 =DMAX(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E49:F50)
Excel Function Dictionary DMAX
57
58 The largest Value Of Stock of a Bulb equal to a particular Wattage.
59
60 Product Wattage
61 Bulb 100
62
63 The largest Value Of Stock is : £40.00 =DMAX(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E60:F61)
64
65 The largest Value Of Stock of a Bulb less than a particular Wattage.
66
67 Product Wattage
68 Bulb <100
69
70 The largest Value Of Stock is : £24.00 =DMAX(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E67:F68)
Excel Function Dictionary DMIN
1 DMIN
3
4 Bulb 200 3000 Horizon £4.50 4 3 £54.00
5 Neon 100 2000 Horizon £2.00 15 2 £60.00
6 Spot 60 £0.00
7 Other 10 8000 Sunbeam £0.80 25 6 £120.00
8 Bulb 80 1000 Horizon £0.20 40 3 £24.00
10 Spot 200 3000 Horizon £2.50 15 1 £37.50
12 Bulb 200 3000 Sunbeam £5.00 3 2 £30.00
13 Neon 100 2000 Sunbeam £1.80 20 5 £180.00
15 Bulb 10 800 Horizon £0.20 25 2 £10.00
16 Bulb 60 1000 Sunbeam £0.15 25 1 £3.75
17 Bulb 80 1000 Sunbeam £0.20 30 2 £12.00
18 Bulb 100 2000 Horizon £0.80 10 5 £40.00
19 Bulb 40 1000 Horizon £0.10 20 5 £10.00
20
21 To calculate lowest Value Of Stock of a particular Brand of bulb.
22
25
26 The MIN value of Horizon is : £10.00 =DMIN(B3:I19,I3,E23:E24)
27
29 This function examines a list of information and produces smallest value from a specified column.
30
31 Syntax
32 =DMIN(DatabaseRange,FieldName,CriteriaRange)
35 The FieldName is the name, or cell, of the values to pick the Min from, such as "Value Of Stock" or I3.
41
42 Formatting
44
45 Examples
46
47 The lowest Value Of Stock of a particular Product of a particular Brand.
48
49 Product Brand
50 Bulb sunbeam
51
52 The lowest value is : £3.75 =DMIN(B3:I19,I3,E49:F50)
53
55
56 £3.75 =DMIN(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E49:F50)
Excel Function Dictionary DMIN
57
58 The lowest Value Of Stock of a Bulb equal to a particular Wattage.
59
60 Product Wattage
61 Bulb 100
62
63 The lowest Value Of Stock is : £12.50 =DMIN(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E60:F61)
64
65 The lowest Value Of Stock of a Bulb between two Wattage values.
66
67 Product Wattage Wattage
68 Bulb >=80 <=100
69
70 The lowest Value Of Stock is : £12.00 =DMIN(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E67:G68)
Excel Function Dictionary DOLLAR
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DOLLAR
2
Original Converted
3
Number To Text
4 10 $10.00 =DOLLAR(C4)
5 10 $10 =DOLLAR(C5,0)
6 10 $10.0 =DOLLAR(C6,1)
7 10 $10.00 =DOLLAR(C7,2)
8 10.25 $10.25 =DOLLAR(C8)
9 10.25 $10 =DOLLAR(C9,0)
10 10.25 $10.3 =DOLLAR(C10,1)
11 10.25 $10.25 =DOLLAR(C11,2)
12
13 What Does It Do?
14 This function converts a number into a piece of text formatted as currency.
15
16 Syntax
17 =DOLLAR(Number,DecimalPlaces)
18 Number : This is the number which needs to be converted.
19 DecimalPlaces : This is the amount of decimal places needed in the converted number.
20
21 Formatting
23 The result will be shown as a text entry.
Excel Function Dictionary DSUM
A B C D E F G H I J
1 DSUM
3
4 Bulb 200 3000 Horizon £4.50 4 3 £54.00
5 Neon 100 2000 Horizon £2.00 15 2 £60.00
6 Spot 60 £0.00
7 Other 10 8000 Sunbeam £0.80 25 6 £120.00
8 Bulb 80 1000 Horizon £0.20 40 3 £24.00
10 Spot 200 3000 Horizon £2.50 15 0 £0.00
12 Bulb 200 3000 Sunbeam £5.00 3 2 £30.00
13 Neon 100 2000 Sunbeam £1.80 20 5 £180.00
15 Bulb 10 800 Horizon £0.20 25 2 £10.00
16 Bulb 60 1000 Sunbeam £0.15 25 0 £0.00
17 Bulb 80 1000 Sunbeam £0.20 30 2 £12.00
18 Bulb 100 2000 Horizon £0.80 10 5 £40.00
19 Bulb 40 1000 Horizon £0.10 20 5 £10.00
20
21 To calculate the total Value Of Stock of a particular Brand of bulb.
22
25
26 The stock value of Horizon is : £248.00 =DSUM(B3:I19,I3,E23:E24)
27
29 This function examines a list of information and produces the total.
30
31 Syntax
32 =DSUM(DatabaseRange,FieldName,CriteriaRange)
35 The FieldName is the name, or cell, of the values to be totalled, such as "Value Of Stock" or I3.
41
42 Formatting
44
45 Examples
46
47 The total Value Of Stock of a particular Product of a particular Brand.
48
49 Product Brand
50 Bulb sunbeam
Excel Function Dictionary DSUM
A B C D E F G H I J
51
52 Total stock value is : £54.50 =DSUM(B3:I19,I3,E49:F50)
53
55
56 £54.50 =DSUM(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E49:F50)
57
58 The total Value Of Stock of a Bulb equal to a particular Wattage.
59
60 Product Wattage
61 Bulb 100
62
63 Total Value Of Stock is : £52.50 =DSUM(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E60:F61)
64
65 The total Value Of Stock of a Bulb less than a particular Wattage.
66
67 Product Wattage
68 Bulb <100
69
70 Total Value Of Stock is : £56.00 =DSUM(B3:I19,"Value Of Stock",E67:F68)
Excel Function Dictionary EAST
A B C D E F G H I J
1 Eastern data.
2 Used by the example for the =INDIRECT() function.
3
4 Jan Feb Mar Total
5 Alan 1000 2000 3000 6000
6 Bob 4000 5000 6000 15000
7 Carol 7000 8000 9000 24000
8 Total 12000 15000 18000 45000
Excel Function Dictionary EDATE
A B C D E F G
1 EDATE
2
3 Start Date Plus Months End Date
4 1-Jan-98 3 1-Apr-98 =EDATE(C4,D4)
5 2-Jan-98 3 2-Apr-98 =EDATE(C5,D5)
6 2-Jan-98 -3 2-Oct-97 =EDATE(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function is used to calculate a date which is a specific number of months in the past or
10 in the future.
11
12 Syntax
13 =EDATE(StartDate,Months)
14
15 Formatting
16 The result will normally be expressed as a number, this can be formatted to represent
17 a date by using the Format,Cells,Number,Date command.
18
19 Example
20 This example was used by a company hiring contract staff.
21 The company needed to know the end date of the employment.
22 The Start date is entered.
23 The contract Duration is entered as months.
24 The =EDATE() function has been used to calculate the end of the contract.
25
26 Start Duration End
27 Tue 06-Jan-98 3 Mon 06-Apr-98 =EDATE(C27,D27)
28 Mon 12-Jan-98 3 Sun 12-Apr-98 =EDATE(C28,D28)
29 Fri 09-Jan-98 4 Sat 09-May-98 =EDATE(C29,D29)
30 Fri 09-Jan-98 3 Thu 09-Apr-98 =EDATE(C30,D30)
34
35
36 The company decide not to end contracts on Saturday or Sunday.
37 The =WEEKDAY() function has been used to identify the actaul weekday number of the end date.
38 If the week day number is 6 or 7, (Sat or Sun), then 5 is subtracted from the =EDATE() to
39 ensure the end of contract falls on a Friday.
40
41 Start Duration End
42 Tue 06-Jan-98 3 Mon 06-Apr-98
43 Mon 12-Jan-98 3 Fri 10-Apr-98
44 Fri 09-Jan-98 4 Fri 08-May-98
45 Fri 09-Jan-98 3 Thu 09-Apr-98
46 Mon 19-Jan-98 3 Fri 17-Apr-98
47 Mon 26-Jan-98 3 Fri 24-Apr-98
48 Mon 12-Jan-98 3 Fri 10-Apr-98
49
50 =EDATE(C48,D48)-IF(WEEKDAY(EDATE(C48,D48),2)>5,WEEKDAY(EDATE(C48,D48),2)-5,0)
Excel Function Dictionary EOMONTH
A B C D E F G
1 EOMONTH
2
3 StartDate Plus Months End Of Month
4 5-Jan-98 2 35885 =EOMONTH(C4,D4)
5 5-Jan-98 2 31-Mar-98 =EOMONTH(C5,D5)
6 5-Jan-98 -2 30-Nov-97 =EOMONTH(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function will show the last day of the month which is a specified number of months
10 before or after a given date.
11
12 Syntax
13 =EOMONTH(StartDate,Months)
14
15 Formatting
16 The result will normally be expressed as a number, this can be formatted to represent
17 a date by using the Format,Cells,Number,Date command.
Excel Function Dictionary ERROR.TYPE
A B C D E F G H
1 ERROR.TYPE
2
3 Data The Error Error Type
4 10 0 #DIV/0! 532 =ERROR.TYPE(E4)
5 10 3 #NAME? 525 =ERROR.TYPE(E5)
6 10 3 #VALUE! 519 =ERROR.TYPE(E6)
7 10:00 13:00 21:00 #N/A =ERROR.TYPE(E7)
8
9
10 What Does It Do?
11 This function will show a number which corresponds to an error produced by a formula.
12
13 Syntax
14 =ERROR.TYPE(Error)
15 Error is the cell reference where the error occurred.
16
17 Formatting
18 The result will be formatted as a normal number.
19
20 Example
21 See Example 4 in the =DGET() function.
Excel Function Dictionary EVEN
A B C D E F G H I
1 EVEN
2
3 Original Value Evenly Rounded
4 1 2 =EVEN(C4)
5 1.2 2 =EVEN(C5)
6 2.3 4 =EVEN(C6)
7 25 26 =EVEN(C7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function round a number up the nearest even whole number.
11
12 Syntax
13 =EVEN(Number)
14
15 Formatting
17
18 Example
19 The following table is used by a garage which repairs cars.
20 The garage is repairing a fleet of cars from three manufactures.
21 Each manufacturer uses a different type of windscreen wiper which are only supplied in pairs.
22
23 Table 1 was used to enter the number of wipers required for each type of car
24 and then show how many pairs need to be ordered.
25
26 Table 1
27 Car Wipers To Order Pairs to Order
28 Vauxhall 5 3 =EVEN(D28)/2
29 Ford 9 5 =EVEN(D29)/2
30 Peugeot 7 4 =EVEN(D30)/2
Excel Function Dictionary EXACT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 EXACT
2
3 Text1 Text2 Result
4 Hello Hello 1 =EXACT(C4,D4)
5 Hello hello 0 =EXACT(C5,D5)
6 Hello Goodbye 0 =EXACT(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function compares two items of text and determine whether they are exactly the same.
10 The case of the characters is taken into account, only words which are spelt the same and
11 which have upper and lower case characters in the same position will be considered as equal.
12
13 Syntax
14 =EXACT(Text1,Text2)
15 Only two items of text can be compared.
16
17 Formatting
18 If the two items of text are exactly the same the result of TRUE will be shown.
19 If there is any difference in the two items of text the result of FALSE will be shown.
20
21 Example
22 Here is a simple password checking formula.
23 You need to guess the correct password.
24 The password is the name of a colour, either red blue or green.
25 The case of the password is important.
26 The =EXACT() function is used to check your guess.
27
28 Guess the password : red
29 Is it correct : No
30
31 (To stop you from cheating, the correct password has been entered as a series of =CHAR()
32 functions, which use the ANSI number of the characters rather than the character itself!)
33 Its still very easy though.
Excel Function Dictionary FACT
A B C D E F G H
1 FACT
2
3 Number Factorial
4 3 6 =FACT(C4)
5 3.5 6 =FACT(C5)
6 5 120 =FACT(C6)
7 10 3,628,800 =FACT(C7)
8 20 2,432,902,008,176,640,000 =FACT(C8)
9
11 This function calculates the factorial of a number.
12 The factorial is calculated as 1*2*3*4..etc.
13 The factorial of 5 is calculated as 1*2*3*4*5, which results in 120.
14 Decimal fractions of the number are ignored.
15
16 Syntax
17 =FACT(Number)
18
19 Formatting.
Excel Function Dictionary FIND
A B C D E F G
1 FIND
2
3 Text Letter To Find Position Of Letter
4 Hello e 2 =FIND(D4,C4)
5 Hello H 1 =FIND(D5,C5)
6 Hello o 5 =FIND(D6,C6)
7 Alan Williams a 3 =FIND(D7,C7)
8 Alan Williams a 11 =FIND(D8,C8,6)
9 Alan Williams T #VALUE! =FIND(D9,C9)
10
11 What Does It Do?
12 This function looks for a specified letter inside another piece of text.
13 When the letter is found the position is shown as a number.
14 If the text contains more than one reference to the letter, the first occurrence is used.
15 An additional option can be used to start the search at a specific point in the text, thus
16 enabling the search to find duplicate occurrences of the letter.
17 If the letter is not found in the text, the result #VALUE is shown.
18
19 Syntax
20 =FIND(LetterToLookFor,TextToLookInside,StartPosition)
21 LetterToLookFor : This needs to be a single character.
22 TextToLookInside : This is the piece of text to be searched through.
23 StartPosition : This is optional, it specifies at which point in the text the search should begin.
24
25 Formatting
26 No special formatting is needed, the result will be shown as a number.
Excel Function Dictionary FIXED
A B C D E F G H I J
1 FIXED
2
Original Converte
3
Number d To Text
4 10 10.00 =FIXED(C4)
5 10 10 =FIXED(C5,0)
6 10 10.0 =FIXED(C6,1)
7 10 10.00 =FIXED(C7,2)
8 10.25 10.25 =FIXED(C8)
9 10.25 10 =FIXED(C9,0)
10 10.25 10.3 =FIXED(C10,1)
11 10.25 10.25 =FIXED(C11,2)
12 1000 1,000.00 =FIXED(C12)
13 1000.23 1,000 =FIXED(C13,0)
14 1000.23 1000 =FIXED(C14,0,TRUE)
15
17 This function converts a numeric value to text.
18 During the conversion the value can be rounded to a specific number of decimal places,
19 and commas can be inserted at the 1,000's.
20
21 Syntax
22 =FIXED(NumberToConvert,DecimalPlaces,Commas)
23 If DecimalPlaces places is not specified the function will assume 2.
24 The Commas option can be TRUE for commas or FALSE for no commas.
25 If the Commas is not specified the function will assume TRUE.
26
27 Formatting
29 Note that any further formatting with the Format, Cells, Number command will not have any effect.
Excel Function Dictionary FLOOR
A B C D E F G H I
1 FLOOR
2
3 Number Rounded Down
4 1.5 1 =FLOOR(C4,1)
5 2.3 2 =FLOOR(C5,1)
6 2.9 2 =FLOOR(C6,1)
7 123 100 =FLOOR(C7,50)
8 145 100 =FLOOR(C8,50)
9 175 150 =FLOOR(C9,50)
10
12 This function rounds a value down to the nearest multiple specified by the user.
13
14 Syntax
15 =FLOOR(NumberToRound,SignificantValue)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used to calculate commission for members of a sales team.
22 Commission is only paid for every £1000 of sales.
23 The =FLOOR() function has been used to round down the Actual Sales to the
24 nearest 1000, which is then used as the basis for Commission.
25
26 Name Actual Sales Relevant Sales Commission
27 Alan £23,500 £23,000 £230
28 Bob £56,890 £56,000 £560
29 Carol £18,125 £18,000 £180
30 =FLOOR(D29,1000)
Excel Function Dictionary FORECAST
A B C D E F G H I
1 FORECAST
2
3 Month Sales
4 1 £1,000
5 2 £2,000
6 3 £2,500
7 4 £3,500
8 5 £3,800
9 6 £4,000
10
11 Type the month number to predict : 12
12 The Forecast sales figure is : £7,997 =FORECAST(E11,F4:F9,E4:E9)
13
15 This function uses two sets of values to predict a single value.
16 The predicted value is based on the relationship between the two original sets of values.
17 If the values are sales figures for months 1 to 6, (Jan to Jun), you can use the function
18 to predict what the sales figure will be in any other month.
19 The way in which the prediction is calculated is based upon the assumption of a Linear Trend.
20
21 Syntax
22 =FORECAST(ItemToForeCast,RangeY,RangeX)
23 ItemToForecast is the point in the future, (or past), for which you need the forecast.
24 RangeY is the list of values which contain the historical data to be used as the basis
25 of the forecast, such as Sales figures.
26 RangeX is the intervals used when recording the historical data, such as Month number.
27
28 Formatting
30
31 Example
32 The following table was used by a company considering expansion of their sales team.
33 The Size and Performance of the previous teams over a period of three years were entered.
34 The size of the New Sales team is entered.
35 The =FORECAST() function is used to calculate the predicted performance for the new sales
36 team based upon a linear trend.
37
38 Size Of Known
Year Sales Team Performance
39 1996 10 £5,000
40 1997 20 £8,000
41 1998 30 £8,500
42
43 Size Of The New Sales Team : 40
44 Estimated Forecast Of Performance : £10,667 =FORECAST(E43,E39:E41,D39:D41)
Excel Function Dictionary FREQUENCY
A B C D E F G H I
1 FREQUENCY
2
3 Jan Feb Mar
4 North £5,000 £6,000 £4,500
5 South £5,800 £7,000 £3,000
6 East £3,500 £2,000 £10,000
7 West £12,000 £4,000 £6,000
8
9 Sales £4,000 and below. £4,000 4 {=FREQUENCY(D4:F7,E9:E11)}
10 Sales above £4,000 up to £6,000 £6,000 5 {=FREQUENCY(D4:F7,E9:E11)}
11 Sales above £6,000 £999,999 3 {=FREQUENCY(D4:F7,E9:E11)}
12
14 This function compares a range of data against a list of intervals.
15 The result shows how many items in the range of data fall between the intervals.
16 The function is entered in the cells as an array, that is why it is enclosed in { } braces.
17
18 Syntax
19 =FREQUENCY(RangeOfData,ListOfIntervals)
20
21 Formatting
23
24 Example 1
25 The following tables were used to record the weight of a group of children.
26 The =FREQUENCY() function was then used to calculate the number of children whose
27 weights fell between specified intervals.
28
29 Weight Kg Number Of Children:
30 Child 1 20.47 Between 0 - 15 Kg 2
31 Child 2 22.83 Above 15 but less than or equal to 20 Kg 4
32 Child 3 15.74 Above 20 Kg 3
33 Child 4 10.80 {=FREQUENCY(C30:C38,C41:C43)}
36 Child 7 17.36
37 Child 8 16.67
38 Child 9 18.01
39
40 Kg Weight Intervals
41 15
42 20
43 100
44
45
46 Example 2
47 This example uses characters instead of values.
48 A restaurant has asked 40 customers for their rating of the food in the restaurant.
49 The ratings were entered into a table as a single letter, E, V, A, P or D.
50 The manager now wants to calculate how many responses fell into each category.
51 Unfortunately, the =FREQUENCY() function ignores text entries, so how can the frequency
52 of text be calculated?
53
54 The answer is to use the =CODE() and =UPPER() functions.
Excel Function Dictionary FREQUENCY
A B C D E F G H I
55 The =UPPER() forces all the text entries to be considered as capital letters.
56 The =CODE() function calculates the unique ANSI code for each character.
57 As this code is a numeric value, the =FREQUENCY() function can then be used!
58
59 Rating Frequency
60 Excellent E 6 {=FREQUENCY(CODE(UPPER(B67:I71)),CODE(UPPER(C60:C64)))}
61 Very Good V 8 {=FREQUENCY(CODE(UPPER(B67:I71)),CODE(UPPER(C60:C64)))}
62 Average A 9 {=FREQUENCY(CODE(UPPER(B67:I71)),CODE(UPPER(C60:C64)))}
63 Poor P 8 {=FREQUENCY(CODE(UPPER(B67:I71)),CODE(UPPER(C60:C64)))}
64 Disgusting D 9 {=FREQUENCY(CODE(UPPER(B67:I71)),CODE(UPPER(C60:C64)))}
65
66 Customer Ratings
67 V D V A p A D D
68 V P a D A P V d
69 A V E P p E D A
70 A E d V D P a E
71 V e P P A V E D
Excel Function Dictionary FREQUENCY 2
A B C D E F G H I
1 FREQUENCY 2
2
3 This example shows how the =FREQUENCY() function has been used to calculate
4 how often certain numbers appear in the Lottery results.
5
6 Table 1 is a record of all the results from the past seven weeks.
7
8 Table 1
9 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7
10 1st Number 3 36 5 3 2 41 45
11 2nd Number 6 3 19 37 23 15 4
12 3rd Number 15 44 35 20 47 29 44
13 4th Number 32 15 32 46 6 45 23
14 5th Number 37 31 13 22 49 13 43
15 6th Number 5 22 30 8 49 11 46
16 Bonus Ball 17 13 15 25 18 17 1
17
18
19 Table 2 is the list of possible number from 1 to 49, and how many appearances
20 each number has made during the past seven weeks.
21
22 Table 2
Lottery How Many
23 Number Appearances
24 1 1 {=FREQUENCY(C10:I16,B24:B72)}
25 2 1 {=FREQUENCY(C10:I16,B24:B72)}
26 3 3 {=FREQUENCY(C10:I16,B24:B72)}
27 4 1 {=FREQUENCY(C10:I16,B24:B72)}
28 5 2
29 6 2
30 7 0
31 8 1
32 9 0 Special tip!
33 10 0 To count how many unique numbers in a range
34 11 1 use the following formula. It has to be entered,
35 12 0 as an array, so press Ctrl+Shift+Enter rather than,
36 13 3 just Enter alone.
37 14 0
38 15 4 Unique values. 31
39 16 0
40 17 2 =SUM(1/COUNTIF(C10:I16,C10:I16))
41 18 1
42 19 1
43 20 1
44 21 0
45 22 2
46 23 2
47 24 0
48 25 1
49 26 0
50 27 0
51 28 0
52 29 1
Excel Function Dictionary FREQUENCY 2
A B C D E F G H I
53 30 1
54 31 1
55 32 2
56 33 0
57 34 0
58 35 1
59 36 1
60 37 2
61 38 0
62 39 0
63 40 0
64 41 1
65 42 0
66 43 1
67 44 2
68 45 2
69 46 2
70 47 1
71 48 0
72 49 2
Excel Function Dictionary GCD
A B C D E F G H I J
1 GCD
2
Greatest
3
Numbers Divisor
4 6 15 3 =GCD(C4,D4)
5 28 49 7 =GCD(C5,D5)
6 5 99 1 =GCD(C6,D6)
7
Greatest
8
Numbers Divisor
9 18 72 96 6 =GCD(C9,D9,E9)
10 300 500 200 100 =GCD(C10,D10,E10)
11 2.5 4 6 0.5 =GCD(C11,D11,E11)
12
14 This function calculates the largest number which can be used to divided all the
15 values specified.
16 The result is always a whole number.
17 Where there is no common divisor the value of 1 is used.
18 Decimal fractions are ignored.
19
20 Syntax
21 =GCD(Number1,Number2,Number3... through to Number29)
22
23 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary GESTEP
A B C D E F G H I J
1 GESTEP
2
3 Number1 Number2 GESTEP
4 10 20 0 =GESTEP(C4,D4)
5 50 20 1 =GESTEP(C5,D5)
6 99 100 0 =GESTEP(C6,D6)
7 100 100 1 =GESTEP(C7,D7)
8 101 100 1 =GESTEP(C8,D8)
9 2 1 =GESTEP(C9,D9)
10 2 0 =GESTEP(C10,D10)
11
13 This function test a number to see if it is greater than or equal to another number.
14 If the number is greater than or equal, the result of 1 will be shown, otherwise 0 is shown.
15
16 Syntax
17 =GESTEP(NumberToTest,NumberToTestAgainst)
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example
23 The following table was used to calculate how many sales staff achieved their targets.
24 The =GESTEP() function compares the Sales with Target, and the results are totalled.
25
26 Name Sales Target GESTEP
27 Alan £3,000 £4,000 0 =GESTEP(D27,E27)
28 Bob £5,000 £4,000 1 =GESTEP(D28,E28)
29 Carol £1,000 £2,000 0 =GESTEP(D29,E29)
30 David £2,000 £2,000 1 =GESTEP(D30,E30)
31 Eric £8,000 £7,000 1 =GESTEP(D31,E31)
32
33 Targets Achieved 3 =SUM(F27:F31)
Excel Function Dictionary HEX2DEC
A B C D E F G
1 HEX2DEC
2
3 Hexadecimal Decimal Number
4 0 0 =HEX2DEC(C4)
5 1 1 =HEX2DEC(C5)
6 2 2 =HEX2DEC(C6)
7 3 3 =HEX2DEC(C7)
8 1A 26 =HEX2DEC(C8)
9 1B 27 =HEX2DEC(C9)
10 7FFFFFFFFF 549,755,813,887 =HEX2DEC(C10)
11 8000000000 -549,755,813,888 =HEX2DEC(C11)
12 FFFFFFFFFF -1 =HEX2DEC(C12)
13 FFFFFFFFFE -2 =HEX2DEC(C13)
14 FFFFFFFFFD -3 =HEX2DEC(C14)
15
17 This function converts a hexadecimal number to its decimal equivalent.
18
19 Syntax
20 =HEX2DEC(HexaDecimalNumber)
21
22 Formatting
24
25 Example
26 The following table was used to add two hexadecimal values together.
27
28 Hexadecimal
29 Value 1 F
30 Value 2 1A
31 Result 29 =DEC2HEX(HEX2DEC(C29)+HEX2DEC(C30))
Excel Function Dictionary HLOOKUP
A B C D E F G H I J
1 HLOOKUP
2
3 Jan Feb Mar row 1 The row numbers are not needed.
4 10 80 97 row 2 they are part of the illustration.
5 20 90 69 row 3
6 30 100 45 row 4
7 40 110 51 row 5
8 50 120 77 row 6
9
10 Type a month to look for : Feb
11 Which row needs to be picked out : 4
12
13 The result is : 100 =HLOOKUP(F10,D3:F10,F11,FALSE)
14
16 This function scans across the column headings at the top of a table to find a specified item.
17 When the item is found, it then scans down the column to pick a cell entry.
18
19 Syntax
20 =HLOOKUP(ItemToFind,RangeToLookIn,RowToPickFrom,SortedOrUnsorted)
21 The ItemToFind is a single item specified by the user.
22 The RangeToLookIn is the range of data with the column headings at the top.
23 The RowToPickFrom is how far down the column the function should look to pick from.
24 The Sorted/Unsorted is whether the column headings are sorted. TRUE for yes, FALSE for no.
25
26 Formatting
28
29 Example 1
30 This table is used to find a value based on a specified month and name.
31 The =HLOOKUP() is used to scan across to find the month.
32 The problem arises when we need to scan down to find the row adjacent to the name.
33 To solve the problem the =MATCH() function is used.
34
35 The =MATCH() looks through the list of names to find the name we require. It then calculates
36 the position of the name in the list. Unfortunately, because the list of names is not as deep
37 as the lookup range, the =MATCH() number is 1 less than we require, so and extra 1 is
38 added to compensate.
39
40 The =HLOOKUP() now uses this =MATCH() number to look down the month column and
41 picks out the correct cell entry.
42
43 The =HLOOKUP() uses FALSE at the end of the function to indicate to Excel that the
44 column headings are not sorted, even though to us the order of Jan,Feb,Mar is correct.
45 If they were sorted alphabetically they would have read as Feb,Jan,Mar.
46
47 Jan Feb Mar
48 Bob 10 80 97
49 Eric 20 90 69
50 Alan 30 100 45
51 Carol 40 110 51
52 David 50 120 77
53
54 Type a month to look for : feb
A B C D E F G H I J
55 Type a name to look for : alan
56
57 The result is : 100
58 =HLOOKUP(F54,D47:F54,MATCH(F55,C48:C52,0)+1,FALSE)
59
60 Example 2
61 This example shows how the =HLOOKUP() is used to pick the cost of a spare part for
62 different makes of cars.
63 The =HLOOKUP() scans the column headings for the make of car specified in column B.
64 When the make is found, the =HLOOKUP() then looks down the column to the row specified
65 by the =MATCH() function, which scans the list of spares for the item specified in column C.
66
67 The function uses the absolute ranges indicated by the dollar symbol $. This ensures that
68 when the formula is copied to more cells, the ranges for =HLOOKUP() and =MATCH() do
69 not change.
70
71 Maker Spare Cost
72 Vauxhall Ignition £50 Vauxhall Ford VW
73 VW GearBox £600 GearBox 500 450 600
74 Ford Engine £1,200 Engine 1000 1200 800
75 VW Steering £275 Steering 250 350 275
76 Ford Ignition £70 Ignition 50 70 45
77 Ford CYHead £290 CYHead 300 290 310
78 Vauxhall GearBox £500
79 Ford Engine £1,200
80 =HLOOKUP(B79,G72:I77,MATCH(C79,F73:F77,0)+1,FALSE)
81
82
83 Example 3
84 In the following example a builders merchant is offering discount on large orders.
85 The Unit Cost Table holds the cost of 1 unit of Brick, Wood and Glass.
86 The Discount Table holds the various discounts for different quantities of each product.
87 The Orders Table is used to enter the orders and calculate the Total.
88
89 All the calculations take place in the Orders Table.
90 The name of the Item is typed in column C.
91
92 The Unit Cost of the item is then looked up in the Unit Cost Table.
93 The FALSE option has been used at the end of the function to indicate that the product
94 names across the top of the Unit Cost Table are not sorted.
95 Using the FALSE option forces the function to search for an exact match. If a match is
96 not found, the function will produce an error.
97 =HLOOKUP(C127,E111:G112,2,FALSE)
98
99 The discount is then looked up in the Discount Table
100 If the Quantity Ordered matches a value at the top of the Discount Table the =HLOOKUP will
101 look down the column to find the correct discount.
102 The TRUE option has been used at the end of the function to indicate that the values
103 across the top of the Discount Table are sorted.
104 Using TRUE will allow the function to make an approximate match. If the Quantity Ordered does
105 not match a value at the top of the Discount Table, the next lowest value is used.
106 Trying to match an order of 125 will drop down to 100, and the discount from
107 the 100 column is used.
108 =HLOOKUP(D127,E115:G118,MATCH(C127,D116:D118,0)+1,TRUE)
A B C D E F G H I J
109
110 Unit Cost Table
111 Brick Wood Glass
112 £2 £1 £3
113
114 Discount Table
115 1 100 300
116 Brick 0% 6% 8%
117 Wood 0% 3% 5%
118 Glass 0% 12% 15%
119
120 Orders Table
121 Item Units Unit Cost Discount Total
122 Brick 100 £2 6% £188
123 Wood 200 £1 3% £194
124 Glass 150 £3 12% £396
125 Brick 225 £2 6% £423
126 Wood 50 £1 0% £50
127 Glass 500 £3 15% £1,275
128
129 Unit Cost =HLOOKUP(C127,E111:G112,2,FALSE)
130
131 Discount =HLOOKUP(D127,E115:G118,MATCH(C127,D116:D118,0)+1,TRUE)
Excel Function Dictionary HOUR
A B C D E F G H I
1 HOUR
2
3 Number Hour
4 21:15 21 =HOUR(C4)
5 0.25 6 =HOUR(C5)
6
7 What Does It Do?
8 The function will show the hour of the day based upon a time or a number.
9
10 Syntax
11 =HOUR(Number)
12
13 Formatting
14 The result will be shown as a normal number between 0 and 23.
Excel Function Dictionary IF
A B C D E F G H I J
1 IF
2
3 Name Sales Target Result
4 Alan 1000 5000 Not Achieved =IF(C4>=D4,"Achieved","Not Achieved")
5 Bob 6000 5000 Achieved =IF(C5>=D5,"Achieved","Not Achieved")
6 Carol 2000 4000 Not Achieved =IF(C6>=D6,"Achieved","Not Achieved")
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function tests a condition.
10 If the condition is met it is considered to be TRUE.
11 If the condition is not met it is considered as FALSE.
12 Depending upon the result, one of two actions will be carried out.
13
14 Syntax
15 =IF(Condition,ActionIfTrue,ActionIfFalse)
16 The Condition is usually a test of two cells, such as A1=A2.
17 The ActionIfTrue and ActionIfFalse can be numbers, text or calculations.
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example 1
23 The following table shows the Sales figures and Targets for sales reps.
24 Each has their own target which they must reach.
25 The =IF() function is used to compare the Sales with the Target.
26 If the Sales are greater than or equal to the Target the result of Achieved is shown.
27 If the Sales do not reach the target the result of Not Achieved is shown.
28 Note that the text used in the =IF() function needs to be placed in double quotes "Achieved".
29
30 Name Sales Target Result
31 Alan 1000 5000 Not Achieved =IF(C31>=D31,"Achieved","Not Achieved")
32 Bob 6000 5000 Achieved =IF(C32>=D32,"Achieved","Not Achieved")
33 Carol 2000 4000 Not Achieved =IF(C33>=D33,"Achieved","Not Achieved")
34
35
36 Example 2
37 The following table is similar to that in Example 1.
38 This time the Commission to be paid to the sales rep is calculated.
39 If the Sales are greater than or equal to the Target, the Commission is 10% of Sales.
40 If the Sales do not reach Target, the Commission is only 5% of Sales.
41
42 Name Sales Target Commission
43 Alan 1000 5000 50 =IF(C43>=D43,C43*10%,C43*5%)
44 Bob 6000 5000 600 =IF(C44>=D44,C44*10%,C44*5%)
45 Carol 2000 4000 100 =IF(C45>=D45,C45*10%,C45*5%)
46
47
48 Example 3
49 This example uses the =AND() within the =IF() function.
50 A builders merchant gives 10% discount on certain product lines.
51 The discount is only given on products which are on Special Offer, when the Order Value
52 is £1000 or above.
53 The =AND() function is used with the =IF() to check that the product is on offer and that
54 the value of the order is above £1000.
55
56 Special Order
57 Product Offer Value Discount Total
58 Wood Yes £ 2,000 £ 200 £ 1,800
Excel Function Dictionary IF
A B C D E F G H I J
59 Glass No £ 2,000 £ - £ 2,000
60 Cement Yes £ 500 £ - £ 500
61 Turf Yes £ 3,000 £ 300 £ 2,700
62 =IF(AND(C61="Yes",D61>=1000),D61*10%,0)
Excel Function Dictionary INDEX
A B C D E F G H I
1 INDEX
2
3 Holiday booking price list.
4
5 People
6 Weeks 1 2 3 4
7 1 £500 £300 £250 £200
8 2 £600 £400 £300 £250
9 3 £700 £500 £350 £300
10
11 How many weeks required : 2
12 How many people in the party : 4
13
14 Cost per person is : 250 =INDEX(D7:G9,G11,G12)
15
17 This function picks a value from a range of data by looking down a specified number
18 of rows and then across a specified number of columns.
19 It can be used with a single block of data, or non-continuos blocks.
20
21 Syntax
22 There are various forms of syntax for this function.
23
24 Syntax 1
25 =INDEX(RangeToLookIn,Coordinate)
26 This is used when the RangeToLookIn is either a single column or row.
27 The Co-ordinate indicates how far down or across to look when picking the data from the range.
28 Both of the examples below use the same syntax, but the Co-ordinate refers to a row when
29 the range is vertical and a column when the range is horizontal.
30
31 Colours
32 Red
33 Green
34 Blue Size Large Medium Small
35
36 Type either 1, 2 or 3 : 2 Type either 1, 2 or 3 : 2
37 The colour is : Green The size is : Medium
38 =INDEX(D32:D34,D36) =INDEX(G34:I34,H36)
39
40 Syntax 2
41 =INDEX(RangeToLookIn,RowCoordinate,ColumnColumnCordinate)
42 This syntax is used when the range is made up of rows and columns.
43
44 Country Currency Population Capitol
45 England Sterling 50 M London
46 France Franc 40 M Paris
47 Germany DM 60 M Bonn
48 Spain Peseta 30 M Barcelona
49
50 Type 1,2,3 or 4 for the country : 2
51 Type 1,2 or 3 for statistics : 3
52
53 The result is : Paris =INDEX(D45:F48,F50,F51)
54
Excel Function Dictionary INDEX
A B C D E F G H I
55
56 Syntax 3
57 =INDEX(NamedRangeToLookIn,RowCoordinate,ColumnColumnCordinate,AreaToPickFrom)
58 Using this syntax the range to look in can be made up of multiple areas.
59 The easiest way to refer to these areas is to select them and give them a single name.
60
61 The AreaToPickFrom indicates which of the multiple areas should be used.
62
63 In the following example the figures for North and South have been named as one
64 range called NorthAndSouth.
65
66 NORTH Qtr1 Qtr2 Qtr3 Qtr4
67 Bricks £1,000 £2,000 £3,000 £4,000
68 Wood £5,000 £6,000 £7,000 £8,000
69 Glass £9,000 £10,000 £11,000 £12,000
70
71 SOUTH Qtr1 Qtr2 Qtr3 Qtr4
72 Bricks £1,500 £2,500 £3,500 £4,500
73 Wood £5,500 £6,500 £7,500 £8,500
74 Glass £9,500 £10,500 £11,500 £12,500
75
76 Type 1, 2 or 3 for the product : 1
77 Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the Qtr : 3
78 Type 1 for North or 2 for South : 2
79
80 The result is : Err:504 =INDEX(NorthAndSouth,F76,F77,F78)
81
82
83
84 Example
85 This is an extended version of the previous example.
86 It allows the names of products and the quarters to be entered.
87 The =MATCH() function is used to find the row and column positions of the names entered.
88 These positions are then used by the =INDEX() function to look for the data.
89
90 EAST Qtr1 Qtr2 Qtr3 Qtr4
91 Bricks £1,000 £2,000 £3,000 £4,000
92 Wood £5,000 £6,000 £7,000 £8,000
93 Glass £9,000 £10,000 £11,000 £12,000
94
95 WEST Qtr1 Qtr2 Qtr3 Qtr4
96 Bricks £1,500 £2,500 £3,500 £4,500
97 Wood £5,500 £6,500 £7,500 £8,500
98 Glass £9,500 £10,500 £11,500 £12,500
99
100 Type 1, 2 or 3 for the product : wood
101 Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the Qtr : qtr2
102 Type 1 for North or 2 for South : west
103
104 The result is : Err:504
105
106 =INDEX(EastAndWest,MATCH(F100,C91:C93,0),MATCH(F101,D90:G90,0),IF(F102=C90,1,IF(F102=C95,2)))
Excel Function Dictionary INDIRECT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 INDIRECT
2
3 Jan Feb Mar
4 North 10 20 30
5 South 40 50 60
6 East 70 80 90
7 West 100 110 120
8
9 Type address of any of the cells in the above table, such as G6 : G6
10
11 The value in the cell you typed is : 80 =INDIRECT(H9)
12
14 This function converts a plain piece of text which looks like a cell address into a usable
15 cell reference.
16 The address can be either on the same worksheet or on a different worksheet.
17
18 Syntax
19 =INDIRECT(Text)
20
21 Formatting
23
24 Example 1
25 This example shows how data can be picked form other worksheets by using
26 the worksheet name and a cell address.
27 The example uses three other worksheets named NORTH, SOUTH and EAST.
28 The data on these three sheets is laid out in the same cells on each sheet.
29
30 When a reference to a sheet is made the exclamation symbol ! needs to be placed
31 between the sheet name and cell address acting as punctuation.
32
33 Type the name of the sheet, such as North : North
34 Type the cell to pick data from, such as C8 : C8
35 The contents of the cell C8 on North is : #REF! =INDIRECT(G33&"!"&G34)
36
37 The =INDIRECT() created a reference to =NORTH!C8
38
39
40 Example 2
41 This example uses the same data as above, but this time the =SUM() function is
42 used to calculate a total from a range of cells.
43
44 Type the name of the sheet, such as South : South
45 Type the start cell of the range, such as C5 : C5
46 Type the end cell of the range, such as C7 : C7
47 The sum of the range C5:C7 on South is : #REF!
48 =SUM(INDIRECT(G44&"!"&G45&":"&G46))
49
50 The =INDIRECT() created a reference to =SUM(SOUTH!C5:C7)
51
Excel Function Dictionary INFO
A B C D E F
1 INFO
2
3 System Information
4 Current directory #N/A =INFO("directory")
5 Available bytes of memory #N/A =INFO("memavail")
6 Memory in use #N/A =INFO("memused")
7 Total bytes of memory #N/A =INFO("totmem")
8 Number of active worksheets 1 =INFO("numfile")
9 Cell currently in the top left of the window #N/A =INFO("origin")
10 Operating system Windows (32-bit) NT 5.01 =INFO("osversion")
11 Recalculation mode Automatic =INFO("recalc")
12 Excel version 10m0(Build:2) =INFO("release")
13 Name of system. (PC or Mac) LINUX =INFO("system")
14
15 What Does It Do?
16 This function provides information about the operating environment of the computer.
17
18 Syntax
19 =INFO(text)
20 text : This is the name of the item you require information about.
21
22 Formatting
23 The results will be shown as text or a number depending upon what was requested.
Excel Function Dictionary INT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 INT
2
3 Number Integer
4 1.5 1 =INT(C4)
5 2.3 2 =INT(C5)
6 10.75 10 =INT(C6)
7 -1.47589 -2 =INT(C7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function rounds a number down to the nearest whole number.
11
12 Syntax
13 =INT(Number)
14
15 Formatting
17
18 Example
19 The following table was used by a school to calculate the age a child when the
20 school year started.
21 A child can only be admitted to school if they are over 8 years old.
22 The Birth Date and the Term Start date are entered and the age calculated.
23 Table 1 shows the age of the child with decimal places
24
25 Table 1
26 Birth Date Term Start Age
27 1-Jan-80 1-Sep-88 8.668035592 =(D27-C27)/365.25
28 5-Feb-81 1-Sep-88 7.570157426
29 20-Oct-79 1-Sep-88 8.8678987
30 1-Mar-81 1-Sep-88 7.504449008
31
32
33 Table 2 shows the age of the child with the Age formatted with no decimal places.
34 This has the effect of increasing the child age.
35
36 Table 2
38 1-Jan-80 1-Sep-88 9 =(D38-C38)/365.25
39 5-Feb-81 1-Sep-88 8
40 20-Oct-79 1-Sep-88 9
41 1-Mar-81 1-Sep-88 8
42
43
44 Table 3 shows the age of the child with the Age calculated using the =INT() function to
45 remove the decimal part of the number to give the correct age.
46
47 Table 3
49 1-Jan-80 1-Sep-88 8 =INT((D49-C49)/365.25)
50 5-Feb-81 1-Sep-88 7
51 20-Oct-79 1-Sep-88 8
52 1-Mar-81 1-Sep-88 7
53
54
55 Note
56 The age is calculated by subtracting the Birth Date from the Term Start to find the
57 age of the child in days.
58 The number of days is then divided by 365.25
Excel Function Dictionary INT
A B C D E F G H I J
59 The reason for using 365.25 is to take account of the leap years.
Excel Function Dictionary ISBLANK
A B C D E F G H I
1 ISBLANK
2
3 Data Is The Cell Blank
4 1 0 =ISBLANK(C4)
5 Hello 0 =ISBLANK(C5)
6 1 =ISBLANK(C6)
7 ### 0 =ISBLANK(C7)
8
9 What Does It Do?
10 This function will determine if there is an entry in a particular cell.
11 It can be used when a spreadsheet has blank cells which may cause errors, but which
12 will be filled later as the data is received by the user.
13 Usually the function is used in conjunction with the =IF() function which can test the result
14 of the =ISBLANK()
15
16 Syntax
17 =ISBLANK(CellToTest)
18
19 Formatting
20 Used by itself the result will be shown as TRUE or FALSE.
21
22 Example
23 The following example shows a list of cheques received by a company.
24 When the cheque is cleared the date is entered.
25 Until the Cleared date is entered the Cleared column is blank.
26 While the Cleared column is blank the cheque will still be Outstanding.
27 When the Cleared date is entered the cheque will be shown as Banked.
28 The =ISBLANK() function is used to determine whether the Cleared column is empty or not.
29
30 Cheques Received Date Date
31 Num From Received Amount Cleared Banked Outstanding
32 chq1 ABC Ltd 1-Jan-98 £100 2-Jan-98 100 0
33 chq2 CJ Design 1-Jan-98 £200 7-Jan-98 200 0
34 chq3 J Smith 2-Jan-98 £50 0 50
35 chq4 Travel Co. 3-Jan-98 £1,000 0 1000
36 chq5 J Smith 4-Jan-98 £250 6-Jan-98 250 0
37 =IF(ISBLANK(F36),0,E36)
38 =IF(ISBLANK(F36),E36,0)
39
40 Totals 550 1050
Excel Function Dictionary ISERR
A B C D E F G H I
1 ISERR
2
3 Cell to test Result
4 3 0 =ISERR(D4)
5 #DIV/0! 1 =ISERR(D5)
6 #NAME? 1 =ISERR(D6)
7 #VALUE! 1 =ISERR(D7)
10 #N/A 0 =ISERR(D10)
11
13 This function tests a cell and shows TRUE if there is an error value in the cell.
14 It will show FALSE if the contents of the cell calculate without an error, or if the error
15 is the #NA message.
16
17 Syntax
18 =ISERR(CellToTest)
19 The CellToTest can be a cell reference or a calculation.
20
21 Formatting
23
24 Example
25 The following tables were used by a publican to calculate the cost of a single bottle
26 of champagne, by dividing the cost of the crate by the quantity of bottles in the crate.
27
28 Table 1 shows what happens when the value zero 0 is entered as the number of bottles.
29 The #DIV/0 indicates that an attempt was made to divide by zero 0, which Excel does not do.
30
31 Table 1
32 Cost Of Crate : £24
33 Bottles In Crate : 0
34 Cost of single bottle : #DIV/0! =E32/E33
35
36
37 Table 2 shows how this error can be trapped by using the =ISERR() function.
38
39 Table 2
40 Cost Of Crate : £24
41 Bottles In Crate : 0
42 Cost of single bottle : Try again! =IF(ISERR(E40/E41),"Try again!",E40/E41)
Excel Function Dictionary ISERROR
A B C D E F G H
1 ISERROR
2
3 Cell to test Result
4 3 0 =ISERROR(D4)
5 #DIV/0! 1 =ISERROR(D5)
6 #NAME? 1 =ISERROR(D6)
7 #VALUE! 1 =ISERROR(D7)
10 #N/A 1 =ISERROR(D10)
11
13 This function tests a cell or calculation to determine whether an error has been generated.
14 It will show TRUE for any type of error and FALSE if no error is found.
15
16 Syntax
17 =ISERROR(CellToTest)
18 The CellToTest can be a cell reference or a formula.
19
20 Formatting
22
23 Example
24 The following tables was used to calculate the difference between two dates.
25
26 Table 1 shows an error due to the fact that the first entry was entered using an inappropriate
27 date format.
28
29 Table 1
30 Start date : Jan 01 98
31 End date : 5-Jan-98
32 Difference : 3-Jan-00 =D31-D30
33
34
35 Table 2 shows how the =ISERROR() function has been used to trap the error and inform the
36 user that there has been an error in the data entry.
37
38 Table 2
39 Start date : Jan 01 98
40 End date : 5-Jan-98
41 Difference : 3-Jan-00
42 =IF(ISERROR(D40-D39),"Error in data entry",D40-D39)
Excel Function Dictionary ISEVEN
A B C D E F G H I
1 ISEVEN
2
3 Number Is it Even
4 1 0 =ISEVEN(C4)
5 2 1 =ISEVEN(C5)
6 2.5 1 =ISEVEN(C6)
7 2.6 1 =ISEVEN(C7)
8 3.5 0 =ISEVEN(C8)
9 3.6 0 =ISEVEN(C9)
10 Hello #VALUE! =ISEVEN(C10)
11 1-Feb-98 0 =ISEVEN(C11)
12 1-Feb-96 1 =ISEVEN(C12)
13
14
16 This function tests a number to determine whether it is even.
17 An even number is shown as TRUE an odd number is shown as FALSE.
18 Note that decimal fractions are ignored.
19 Note that dates can be even or odd.
20 Note that text entries result in the #VALUE! error.
21
22 Syntax
23 =ISEVEN(CellToTest)
24
25 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary ISLOGICAL
A B C D E F G H I J
1 ISLOGICAL
2
3 Cell To Test Result
4 0 0 =ISLOGICAL(D4)
6 0 =ISLOGICAL(D6)
8 1-Jan-98 0 =ISLOGICAL(D8)
9 Hello 0 =ISLOGICAL(D9)
10 #DIV/0! 0 =ISLOGICAL(D10)
11
13 This function tests a cell to determine whether the cell contents are logical.
14 The logical values can only be TRUE or FALSE.
15 If the cell does contain a logical value, the result TRUE is shown.
16 If the cell does not contain a logical value, the result FALSE is shown.
17
18 Syntax
19 =ISLOGICAL(CellToTest)
20
21 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary ISNA
A B C D E F G H I J
1 ISNA
2
3 Number Result
4 1 0 =ISNA(C4)
5 Hello 0 =ISNA(C5)
6 0 =ISNA(C6)
7 1-Jan-98 0 =ISNA(C7)
8 #N/A 1 =ISNA(C8)
9
10
11 What Does It Do?
12 This function tests a cell to determine whether it contains the Not Available error #N/A.
13 The #N/A is generated when a function cannot work properly because of missing data.
14 The #N/A can also be typed in to a cell by the user to indicate the cell is currently empty,
15 but will be used for data entry in the future.
16 The function is normally used with other functions such as the =IF() function.
17
18 Syntax
19 =ISNA(CellToTest)
20
21 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary ISNONTEXT
A B C D E F G H
1 ISNONTEXT
2
3 Item To Test Is It A Number?
4 10 1 =ISNONTEXT(C4)
5 Hello 0 =ISNONTEXT(C5)
6 1 =ISNONTEXT(C6)
7 1-Jan-98 1 =ISNONTEXT(C7)
8 1OO 0 =ISNONTEXT(C8)
9
10 What Does It Do?
11 This functions tests an entry to determine whether it is a number, rather than text.
12 It would be used to ensure that only numeric entries are used in calculations, rather
13 than text which looks like a number, such as typing the letter O instead of zero 0.
14 The function is normally used with other function such as the =IF() function.
15
16 Syntax
17 =ISNONTEXT(CellToTest)
18
19 Formatting
20 No special formatting.
21
22 Examples
23 The following table is used by an electrical retailer to calculate the selling price
24 of an item based on the buying price and the shop mark-up.
25
26 Table 1 shows the #VALUE! error generated when a number, 300, is entered
27 using the letter O instead of the zero 0.
28
Table 1
29 Item Buying Price Mark-up Profit
30 Radio 400 150% 600
31 TV 800 200% 1600
32 Video 3OO 150% #VALUE! =D32*E32
33
34 Table 2 shows how the error is trapped using the =ISNONTEXT function and
35 the =IF() function in the calculation.
36
Table 2
37 Item Buying Price Mark-up Profit
38 Radio 400 150% 600
39 TV 800 200% 1600
40 Video 3OO 150% Retype the Price
41 =IF(ISNONTEXT(D40),D40*E40,"Retype the Price")
Excel Function Dictionary ISNUMBER
A B C D E F G H I J
1 ISNUMBER
2
3 Cell Entry Result
4 1 1 =ISNUMBER(D4)
5 1-Jan-98 1 =ISNUMBER(D5)
6 0 =ISNUMBER(D6)
7 #DIV/0! 0 =ISNUMBER(D7)
8 Hello 0 =ISNUMBER(D8)
9
11 This function examines a cell or calculation to determine whether it is a numeric value.
12 If the cell or calculation is a numeric value the result TRUE is shown.
13 If the cell or calculation is not numeric, or is blank, the result FALSE is shown.
14
15 Syntax
16 =ISNUMBER(CellToTest)
17 The cell to test can be a cell reference or a calculation.
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example
23 The following table was used by a personnel department to lookup the salary of an employee.
24 The employee can be entered as a Name or as a Numeric value.
25 The =ISNUMBER() function has been used to identify the type of entry made, and then
26 the =IF() decides which VLOOKUP to perform.
27
28 ID No. Name Salary
29 1 Alan £10,000
30 2 Eric £12,000
31 3 Carol £8,000
32 4 Bob £15,000
33 5 David £12,000
34
35 Type Employee Name or ID : eric
36 The Salary is : £ 12,000
37 =IF(ISNUMBER(E35),VLOOKUP(E35,C29:E33,3,FALSE),VLOOKUP(E35,D29:E33,2,FALSE))
Excel Function Dictionary ISODD
A B C D E F G H I J
1 ISODD
2
3 Number Is it Odd
4 1 1 =ISODD(C4)
5 2 0 =ISODD(C5)
6 2.5 0 =ISODD(C6)
7 2.6 0 =ISODD(C7)
8 3.5 1 =ISODD(C8)
9 3.6 1 =ISODD(C9)
10 Hello #VALUE! =ISODD(C10)
11 1-Feb-98 1 =ISODD(C11)
12 1-Feb-96 0 =ISODD(C12)
13
14
16 This function tests a number to determine whether it is odd.
17 An odd number is shown as TRUE an even number is shown as FALSE.
18 Note that decimal fractions are ignored.
19 Note that dates can be odd or even.
20 Note that text entries result in the #VALUE! error.
21
22 Syntax
23 =ISODD(CellToTest)
24
25 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary ISREF
A B C D E F G H I
1 ISREF
2
3 1 =ISREF(A1)
4 0 =ISREF(B99)
5 0 =ISREF(Hello)
6 0 =ISREF(10)
7 0 =ISREF(NOW())
8 0 =ISREF("A1")
9 0 =ISREF(XX99)
10
12 This function shows TRUE if given a cell address, or FALSE for any other type of value.
13 Its a bit of an odd one, and is normally used in macros rather than on the worksheet.
14
15 Syntax
16 =ISREF(ValueToTest)
17 The ValueToTest can be any type of data, but when used on the worksheet, it cannot be a
18 reference to the contents of another cell, as the reference will itself be evaluated by the function.
19
20 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary ISTEXT
A B C D E F G H I
1 ISTEXT
2
4 Hello 1 =ISTEXT(D4)
5 1 0 =ISTEXT(D5)
6 25-Dec-98 0 =ISTEXT(D6)
7 0 =ISTEXT(D7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This functions tests an entry to determine whether it is text.
11 If the entry is text is shows TRUE.
12 If the entry is any other type it shows FALSE.
13
14 Syntax
15 =ISTEXT(CellToTest)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used by a personnel department to lookup the salary of an employee.
22 The employee can be entered as a Name or as a Numeric value.
23 The =ISTEXT() function has been used to identify the type of entry made, and then
24 the =IF() decides which VLOOKUP to perform.
25
26 ID No. Name Salary
27 1 Alan £10,000
28 2 Eric £12,000
29 3 Carol £8,000
30 4 Bob £15,000
31 5 David £12,000
32
33 Type Employee Name or ID : 3
34 The Salary is : £ 8,000
35 =IF(ISTEXT(E33),VLOOKUP(E33,D27:E31,2,FALSE),VLOOKUP(E33,C27:E31,3,FALSE))
Excel Function Dictionary LARGE
A B C D E F G H I J
1 LARGE
2
3 Values Highest Value 800 =LARGE(C4:C8,1)
4 120 2nd Highest Value 250 =LARGE(C4:C8,2)
5 800 3rd Highest Value 120 =LARGE(C4:C8,3)
6 100 4th Highest Value 120 =LARGE(C4:C8,4)
7 120 5th Highest Value 100 =LARGE(C4:C8,5)
8 250
9
11 This function examines a list of values and picks the value at a user specified position
12 in the list.
13
14 Syntax
15 =LARGE(ListOfNumbersToExamine,PositionToPickFrom)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used to calculate the top 3 sales figures between Jan, Feb and Mar.
22
23 Sales Jan Feb Mar
24 North £5,000 £6,000 £4,500
25 South £5,800 £7,000 £3,000
26 East £3,500 £2,000 £10,000
27 West £12,000 £4,000 £6,000
28
29 Highest Value £12,000 =LARGE(D24:F27,1)
30 2nd Highest Value £10,000 =LARGE(D24:F27,2)
31 3rd Highest Value £7,000 =LARGE(D24:F27,3)
32
33 Note
34 Another way to find the Highest and Lowest values would have been to use
35 the =MAX() and =MIN() functions.
36
37 Highest £12,000 =MAX(D24:F27)
38 Lowest £2,000 =MIN(D24:F27)
Excel Function Dictionary LCM
A B C D E F G H I J
1 LCM
2
Least
3 Common
Numbers Multiple
4 6 20 60 =LCM(C4,D4)
5 12 18 36 =LCM(C5,D5)
6 34 96 1632 =LCM(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do ?
9 This function calculate the Least Common Multiple, which is the smallest number
10 that can be divided by each of the given numbers.
11
12 Syntax
13 =LCM(Number1,Number2,Number3... through to Number29)
14
15 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary LEFT
A B C D E F G H I
1 LEFT
2
Number Of
3 Characters
Text Required Left String
4 Alan Jones 1 A =LEFT(C4,D4)
5 Alan Jones 2 Al =LEFT(C5,D5)
6 Alan Jones 3 Ala =LEFT(C6,D6)
7 Cardiff 6 Cardif =LEFT(C7,D7)
8 ABC123 4 ABC1 =LEFT(C8,D8)
9
11 This function displays a specified number of characters from the left hand side of a
12 piece of text.
13
14 Syntax
15 =LEFT(OriginalText,NumberOfCharactersRequired)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used to extract the first name of a person from their full name.
22 The =FIND() function was used to locate position of the space between the first and second name.
23 The length of the first name is therefore the position of the space minus one character.
24 The =LEFT() function can now extract the first name based on the position of the space.
25
26 Full Name First Name
27 Alan Jones Alan =LEFT(C27,FIND(" ",C27)-1)
28 Bob Smith Bob =LEFT(C28,FIND(" ",C28)-1)
29 Carol Williams Carol =LEFT(C29,FIND(" ",C29)-1)
Excel Function Dictionary LEN
A B C D E F G H I
1 LEN
2
3 Text Length
4 Alan Jones 10 =LEN(C4)
5 Bob Smith 9 =LEN(C5)
6 Carol Williams 14 =LEN(C6)
7 Cardiff 7 =LEN(C7)
8 ABC123 6 =LEN(C8)
9
11 This function counts the number of characters, including spaces and numbers, in a piece of text.
12
13 Syntax
14 =LEN(Text)
15
16 Formatting
17 No Special formatting is needed.
18
19 Example
20 This example shows how the =LEN() function is used in a formula which extracts the
21 second name from a text entry containing both first and second names.
22
23 Original Text
24 Carol Williams 6 =FIND(" ",C24)
25 This is the position of the space.
26
27 Carol Williams 8 =LEN(C24)-FIND(" ",C24)
28 This is the length of the second name.
29 Calculated by taking the overall length of the complete
30 name and subtracting the position of the space.
31
32 =RIGHT(C24,LEN(C24)-FIND(" ",C24))
33 This is just the second name.
34 Calculated by using the =RIGHT() function to extract
35 the rightmost characters up to the length of
36 the second name.
Excel Function Dictionary LOOKUP (Array)
A B C D E F G H I J
1 LOOKUP (Array)
2
3 Name Jan Feb Mar
4 Alan 10 80 97
5 Bob 20 90 69
6 Carol 30 100 45
7 David 40 110 51
8 Eric 50 120 77
9 Francis 60 130 28
10 Gail 70 140 73
11
12 Type a Name in this cell : Eric
13
14 The March value for this person is : 77 =LOOKUP(F12,D4:G10)
15
17 This function looks for a piece of information in a list, and then picks an item from the
18 last cell in the adjacent row or column.
19
20 It always picks the data from the end of the row or column, so it is no good if you need
21 to pick data from part way across a list, (use VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP).
22
23 The way in which the function decides whether to pick from the row or column is based
24 on the size of the table.
25
26 If the table has more rows than columns : the function will look down the left most column
27 trying to find a match for the piece of information
28 you asked it to look for.
29 When a match is found, the function will look
30 across to the right most column to pick the
31 last entry on the row.
32
33 If the table has the same amount of rows and columns :
34 the function will look down the left most column and
35 work in just the same way as if the table had more
36 rows than columns, as in the description above.
37
38 If the table has more columns than rows : the function will look across the top row trying
39 to find a match for the piece of information you
40 have asked it to look for.
41 When a match is found, the function will then look
42 down to the bottom cell of the column to pick
43 the last entry of the column.
44
45 Syntax
46 =LOOKUP(WhatToLookFor,RangeToLookIn)
47 The WhatToLookFor should be a single item.
48 The RangeToLook in can be either horizontal or vertical.
49 Be careful not to include unnecessary heading in the range as these will cause errors.
50
51 Example 1 Example 2
52 In this table there are more In this table there are more columns than rows, so
53 rows than columns, so the the row heading of Jan is not included in the
Excel Function Dictionary LOOKUP (Array)
A B C D E F G H I J
54 column heading of Jan is lookup range.
55 not included in the lookup
56 range. Alan Bob Carol David
57 Jan Jan 100 100 100 100
58 Alan 100
59 Bob 100
60 Carol 100
61 David 100
62 Eric 100
63 Fred 100
64
65 Formatting
67
68 Problems
69 The list of information to be looked through must be sorted in ascending order, otherwise errors
70 will occur, either as #N/A or incorrect results.
71
72 Table 1 shows the Name column sorted alphabetically, the results of using =LOOKUP() will
73 be correct.
74
75 Table 2 shows the same data, but not sorted. Sometimes the results will be correct, but other
76 times the result will be an #N/A error or incorrect figure.
77
78 Table 1 Table 2
79 Name Jan Feb Mar Name Jan Feb Mar
80 Alan 10 80 97 David 40 110 51
81 Bob 20 90 69 Eric 50 120 77
82 Carol 30 100 45 Alan 10 80 97
83 David 40 110 51 Bob 20 90 69
84 Eric 50 120 77 Carol 30 100 45
85 Francis 60 130 28 Francis 60 130 28
86 Gail 70 140 73 Gail 70 140 73
87
88 Name : Eric Name : Eric
89
90 Value : 77 Value : 77
91 =LOOKUP(C88,B80:E86) =LOOKUP(H88,G80:J86)
Excel Function Dictionary LOOKUP (Vector)
A B C D E F G H I J
1 LOOKUP (Vector)
2
3 Name Jan Feb Mar
4 Alan 10 80 97
5 Bob 20 90 69
6 Carol 30 100 45
7 David 40 110 51
8 Eric 50 120 77
9 Francis 60 130 28
10 Gail 70 140 73
11
12 Type a Name in this cell : Eric
13
14 The Feb value for this person is : 120 =LOOKUP(F12,D4:G10,F4:F10)
15
17 This function looks for a piece of information in a list, and then picks an item from
18 a second range of cells.
19
20 Syntax
21 =LOOKUP(WhatToLookFor,RangeToLookIn,RangeToPickFrom)
22 The WhatToLookFor should be a single item.
23 The RangeToLook in can be either horizontal or vertical.
24 The RangeToPickFrom must have the same number of cells in it as the RangeToLookin.
25 Be careful not to include unnecessary heading in the ranges as these will cause errors.
26
27 Formatting
29
30 Example
31 The following example shows how the =LOOKUP() function was used to match a name typed
32 in cell G41 against the list of names in C38:C43. When a match is found the =LOOKUP() then
33 picks from the second range E38:J38.
34 If the name Carol is used, the match is made in the third cell of the list of names, and then
35 the function picks the third cell from the list of values.
36
37 RangeToLookIn RangeToPickFrom
38 Alan 5 10 15 20 25 30
39 Bob
40 Carol
41 David Type a name : Carol
42 Eric Value : 15
43 Fred =LOOKUP(G41,C38:C43,E38:J38)
44
45
46 Problems
47 The list of information to be looked through must be sorted in ascending order, otherwise errors
48 will occur, either as #N/A or incorrect results.
Excel Function Dictionary LOWER
A B C D E F G H
1 LOWER
2
3 Upper Case Text Lower Case
4 ALAN JONES alan jones =LOWER(C4)
5 BOB SMITH bob smith =LOWER(C5)
6 CAROL WILLIAMS carol williams =LOWER(C6)
7 CARDIFF cardiff =LOWER(C7)
8 ABC123 abc123 =LOWER(C8)
9
11 This function converts all characters in a piece of text to lower case.
12
13 Syntax
14 =LOWER(TextToConvert)
15
16 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary MATCH
A B C D E F G H I
1 MATCH
2
3 Names Values
4 Bob 250
5 Alan 600
6 David 1000
7 Carol 4000
8
9 Type a name to look for : Alan Type a value : 1000
10
11 The position of Alan is : 2 Value position : 3
12 =MATCH(E9,E4:E7,0) =MATCH(I9,I4:I7,1)
13
15 This function looks for an item in a list and shows its position.
16 It can be used with text and numbers.
17 It can look for an exact match or an approximate match.
18
19 Syntax
20 =MATCH(WhatToLookFor,WhereToLook,TypeOfMatch)
21 The TypeOfMatch either 0, 1 or -1.
22
23 Using 0 will look for an exact match. If no match is found the #NA error will be shown.
24
25 Using 1 will look for an exact match, or the next lowest number if no exact match exists.
26 If there is no match or next lowest number the error #NA is shown.
27 The list of values being examined must be sorted for this to work correctly.
28
29 Using -1 will look for an exact match, or the next highest number if no exact match exists.
30 If there is no exact match or next highest number the error #NA is shown.
31 The list must be sorted for this to work properly.
32
33 Examples 1
34 Using the 0 option suitable for an exact match.
35 The Ascending list gives the exact match.
36 The Descending list gives the exact match.
37 The Wrong Value list cannot find an exact match, so the #NA is shown.
38
39 Ascending Descending Wrong Value
40 10 40 10
41 20 30 20
42 30 20 30
43 40 10 40
44
45 20 20 25
46 2 3 #N/A
47 =MATCH(G45,G40:G43,0)
48
49
50 Example 2
51 Using the 1 option suitable for a ascending list to find an exact or next lowest match.
52 The Ascending list gives the exact match.
53 The Descending list gives the #NA error.
A B C D E F G H I
54 The Wrong Value list finds the next lowest number..
55
57 10 40 10
58 20 30 20
59 30 20 30
60 40 10 40
61
62 20 20 25
63 2 #N/A 2
64 =MATCH(G62,G57:G60,1)
65
66
67 Example 3
68 Using the -1 option suitable for a descending list to find an exact or next highest match.
69 The Ascending list gives the #NA error.
70 The Descending list gives the exact match.
71 The Wrong Value list finds the next highest number.
72
74 10 40 40
75 20 30 30
76 30 20 20
77 40 10 10
78
79 20 20 25
80 2 3 2
81 =MATCH(G79,G74:G77,-1)
82
83
84 Example 4
85 The tables below were used to by a bus company taking booking for bus tours.
86 They need to allocate a bus with enough seats for the all the passengers.
87 The list of bus sizes has been entered in a list.
88 The number of passengers on the tour is then entered.
89 The =MATCH() function looks down the list to find the bus with enough seats.
90 If the number of passengers is not an exact match, the next biggest bus will be picked.
91 After the =MATCH() function has found the bus, the =INDEX() function has been used
92 to look down the list again and pick out the actual bus size required.
93
94 Bus Size Passengers on the tour : 23
95 Bus 1 54 Bus size needed : 50
96 Bus 2 50 =INDEX(D95:D99,MATCH(H94,D95:D99,-1),0)
97 Bus 3 22
98 Bus 4 15
99 Bus 5 6
100
101
102 Example 5
103 The tables below were used by a school to calculate the exam grades for pupils.
104 The list of grade breakpoints was entered in a list.
105 The pupils scores were entered in another list.
106 The pupils scores are compared against the breakpoints.
A B C D E F G H I
107 If an exact match is not found, the next lowest breakpoint is used.
108 The =INDEX() function then looks down the Grade list to find the grade.
109
110 Exam Score Grade Pupil Score Grade
111 0 Fail Alan 60 Pass
112 50 Pass Bob 6 Fail
113 90 Merit Carol 97 Distinction
114 95 Distinction David 89 Pass
115 =INDEX(D111:D114,MATCH(G114,C111:C114,1),0)
Excel Function Dictionary MAX
A B C D E F G H I
1 MAX
2
3 Values Maximum
4 120 800 100 120 250 800 =MAX(C4:G4)
5
6 Dates Maximum
7 1-Jan-98 25-Dec-98 31-Mar-98 27-Dec-98 4-Jul-98 27-Dec-98 =MAX(C7:G7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function picks the highest value from a list of data.
11
12 Syntax
13 =MAX(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30)
14
15 Formatting
17
18 Example
19 In the following example the =MAX() function has been used to find the highest value for
20 each region, month and overall.
21
22 Sales Jan Feb Mar Region Max
23 North £5,000 £6,000 £4,500 £6,000 =MAX(C23:E23)
24 South £5,800 £7,000 £3,000 £7,000
25 East £3,500 £2,000 £10,000 £10,000
26 West £12,000 £4,000 £6,000 £12,000
27
28 Month Max £12,000 £7,000 £10,000
29 =MAX(E23:E26)
30 Overall Max £12,000
31 =MAX(C23:E26)
Excel Function Dictionary MEDIAN
A B C D E F G H I J
1 MEDIAN
2
3 Value1 Value2 Value3 Value4 Value5 Median
4 20 50 10 30 40 30 =MEDIAN(C4:G4)
5
6 2000 1000 10 20 8000 1000 =MEDIAN(C6:G6)
7
8 10 20 40 40 40 40 =MEDIAN(C8:G8)
9
10 Value1 Value2 Value3 Value4 Median
11 20 40 30 10 25 =MEDIAN(C11:F11)
12
13 20 20 40 20 20 =MEDIAN(C13:F13)
14
16 This function finds the median value of a group of values.
17 The median is not the average, it is the half way point where half the numbers in the group are
18 larger than it and half the numbers are less than it.
19 If there is no exact median number in the group, the two nearest the half way point are
20 added and their average is used as the median.
21
22 Syntax
23 =MEDIAN(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30)
24
25 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary MID
A B C D E F G H
1 MID
2
Start How Many
3
Text Position Characters Mid String
4 ABCDEDF 1 3 ABC =MID(C4,D4,E4)
5 ABCDEDF 2 3 BCD =MID(C5,D5,E5)
6 ABCDEDF 5 2 ED =MID(C6,D6,E6)
7
8 ABC-100-DEF 100 =MID(C8,5,3)
9 ABC-200-DEF 200 =MID(C9,5,3)
10 ABC-300-DEF 300 =MID(C10,5,3)
11
12 Item Size: Large Large =MID(C12,12,99)
13 Item Size: Medium Medium =MID(C13,12,99)
14 Item Size: Small Small =MID(C14,12,99)
15
17 This function picks out a piece of text from the middle of a text entry.
18 The function needs to know at what point it should start, and how many characters to pick.
19 If the number of characters to pick exceeds what is available, only the available characters
20 will be picked.
21
22 Syntax
23 =MID(OriginalText,PositionToStartPicking,NumberOfCharactersToPick)
24
25 Formatting
27
28 Example 1
29 The following table uses the =MID() function to extract a post code from a branch ID used
30 by a company.
31 It is assumed that all branch ID's follow the same format with the letters identifying the
32 postal region being in the 5th and 6th positions.
33
34 Branch ID Postal Region
35 DRS-CF-476 CF =MID(C35,5,2)
36 DRS-WA-842 WA =MID(C36,5,2)
37 HLT-NP-190 NP =MID(C37,5,2)
38
39
40 Example 2
41 This example shows how to extract an item which is of variable length, which is inside
42 a piece of text which has no standard format, other than the required text is always
43 between two slash / symbols.
44
45 Full Branch Code Postal Region
46 DRS/STC/872 STC
47 HDRS/FC/111 FC
48 S/NORTH/874 NORTH
49 HQ/K/875 K
50 SPECIAL/UK & FR/876 UK & FR
51 =MID(C50,FIND("/",C50)+1,FIND("/",C50,FIND("/",C50)+1)-FIND("/",C50)-1)
52
Excel Function Dictionary MID
A B C D E F G H
53 Find the first /, plus 1 for the Start of the code.
54 Find the second /, occurring after the first /
55 Calculate the length of the text to extract, by subtracting the position
56 of the first / from the position of the second /
Excel Function Dictionary MIN
A B C D E F G H I
1 MIN
2
3 Values Minimum
4 120 800 100 120 250 100 =MIN(C4:G4)
5
6 Dates Maximum
7 1-Jan-98 25-Dec-98 31-Mar-98 27-Dec-98 4-Jul-98 1-Jan-98 =MIN(C7:G7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function picks the lowest value from a list of data.
11
12 Syntax
13 =MIN(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30)
14
15 Formatting
17
18 Example
19 In the following example the =MIN() function has been used to find the lowest value for
20 each region, month and overall.
21
22 Sales Jan Feb Mar Region Min
23 North £5,000 £6,000 £4,500 £4,500 =MIN(C23:E23)
24 South £5,800 £7,000 £3,000 £3,000
25 East £3,500 £2,000 £10,000 £2,000
26 West £12,000 £4,000 £6,000 £4,000
27
28 Month MIN £3,500 £2,000 £3,000
29 =MIN(E23:E26)
30 Overall MIN £2,000
31 =MIN(C23:E26)
Excel Function Dictionary MINUTE
A B C D E F G H I
1 MINUTE
2
3 Number Minute
4 2/2/2020 17:53 53 =MINUTE(D4)
5 9:15:00 PM 15 =MINUTE(D5)
6 0.02 28 =MINUTE(D6)
7 0.52 28 =MINUTE(D7)
8 1.52 28 =MINUTE(D8)
9
10 What Does It Do?
11 The function will show the minute of the hour based upon a time or a number.
12 Only the fraction part of the number is used as it is this which relates to time of day.
13
14 Syntax
15 =MINUTE(Number)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The =REPT() function has been used to make a digital display for the current time.
22 The time functions of =HOUR(), =MINUTE() and =SECOND() have been used in conjunction
23 with the =NOW() as the basis for the number of repeats.
24 To update the clock press the function key F9.
25
26 Clock
27 Hour ||||||||||||||||| 17
28 Minute ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 53
29 Second ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 53
30 =REPT("|",HOUR(NOW()))&" "&TEXT(HOUR(NOW()),"00")
31 =REPT("|",MINUTE(NOW()))&" "&TEXT(MINUTE(NOW()),"00")
32 =REPT("|",SECOND(NOW()))&" "&TEXT(SECOND(NOW()),"00")
33
34
35 Related Information
36 To convert a time in hh:mm format to decimal format.
37
38 Enter a time in hh:mm format : 2:45
39
40 The same time converted to a decimal : 2.75 =F38*24
41
42 To extract the hours as a decimal : 2 =INT(F38*24)
43
44 To extract the minutes as a decimal : 0.75 =MOD(F38*24,1)
45
46
47 To convert a time in decimal format to hh:mm format.
48
49 Enter a time in decimal format : 3.75
50
51 The same time converted to hh:mm format is : 3:45 =F49/24
52
53 To extract the hours in hh:mm format : 3:00 =INT(F49)/24
54
55 To extract the minutes in hh:mm format : 0:45 =MOD(F49,1)/24
56
Excel Function Dictionary MINUTE
A B C D E F G H I
57 The three formula above have also been formatted as hh:mm using
58 the Format, Cells, Number, Time command.
Excel Function Dictionary MMULT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 MMULT
2
3 What Does It Do ?
4 This function multiplies one range of values with another range of values.
5 The ranges do not have to be of equal size.
6 The dimensions of the result range is in direct proportion to dimensions of the two input ranges.
7 It is an Array function and must be entered using the Ctrl+Shift+Enter combination.
8
9 Syntax
10 =MMULT(Range1,Range2)
11
12 Formatting
14
15 Example
16 The following tables were used by a company producing boxes of chocolates.
17 The types of chocolate produced were Milk, Dark and White.
18 The company boxed the chocolates in three differing mixtures of Milk, Dark and White.
19 In the run up to Christmas customers ordered various quantities of each box.
20 The chocolate company now needed to know what quantity of each type of chocolate to produce.
21 The =MMULT() function was used to multiply the contents of boxes by the customer orders.
22 The result of the =MMULT() is the total number of each type of chocolate to produce.
23
24 Chocolates in the box
25 Size Milk Dark White
26 Giant 50 50 50
27 Standard 30 20 10
28 Economy 20 5 5
29
30 Customers Orders
31 Giant Standard Economy
32 300 400 500
33
34 Quantity To Produce
35 Milk Dark White
36 37,000 25,500 21,500
37
38 {=MMULT(C32:E32,C26:E28)}
39 In all three cells
40
41 How It Was Done
42 Cells C36 to E36 were selected.
43 The formula =MMULT(C32:E32,C26:E28) was typed, (but not yet entered).
44 The keys Ctrl+Shift+Enter were pressed to confirm the entry as an array.
45 The formula then showed the correct result.
46
47 Getting The Dimensions Correct
48 The dimensions of the Result range are directly related to the two input ranges.
49 The number of rows in the Result should be equal to the rows in Range1.
50 The number of columns in the Result should be equal to the columns in Range2.
51
52 Example 2
53 The following tables were used by the chocolate company to calculate the amount of
Excel Function Dictionary MMULT
A B C D E F G H I J
54 ingredients needed to produce batches of chocolate.
55
56 The company has four factories, each of which has to order enough Butter, Eggs and Sugar
57 to ensure they can meet production targets.
58
59 Range 1 contains the planned production of Milk and Dark chocolate for each factory.
60 Range 2 contains the amount Butter, Eggs and Sugar needed to make 1 unit of Milk or Plain.
61 The Result range shows the quantities of each ingredient that will have to be ordered to
62 meet the production target.
63
64 Note the depth of the Result is the same as the depth of Range 1, and the width of
65 the Result is the same as the width of Range 2.
66
67 Range 1 Range 2
68 Production Milk Dark Ingredients Butter Eggs Sugar
69 Factory 1 20 0 Milk 1 3 10
70 Factory 2 20 1 Dark 2 2 5
71 Factory 3 10 5
72 Factory 4 20 10
73
74 Result
75 Ingredients To Order Butter Eggs Sugar
76 Factory 1 20 60 200
77 Factory 2 22 62 205
78 Factory 3 20 40 125
79 Factory 4 40 80 250
80
81 {=MMULT(C69:D72,G69:I70)}
82 In all cells
83
84
85
86 Hint
87 To get a feel for how the =MMULT() function operates, set all values in Range1 and Range2
88 to zero 0, then change a single value in each.
Excel Function Dictionary MOD
A B C D E F G H I
1 MOD
2
3 Number Divisor Remainder
4 12 5 2 =MOD(C4,D4)
5 20 7 6 =MOD(C5,D5)
6 18 3 0 =MOD(C6,D6)
7 9 2 1 =MOD(C7,D7)
8 24 7 3 =MOD(C8,D8)
9
11 This function calculates the remainder after a number has been divided by another number.
12
13 Syntax
14 =MOD(Number,Divisor)
15
16 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary MODE
A B C D E F G H I J
1 MODE
2
3 Value1 Value2 Value3 Value4 Value5 Mode
4 20 50 10 10 40 10 =MODE(C4:G4)
5
6 40 20 40 10 40 40 =MODE(C6:G6)
7
8 10 10 99 20 20 10 =MODE(C8:G8)
9 20 20 99 10 10 10 =MODE(C9:G9)
10 10 20 20 99 10 10 =MODE(C10:G10)
11
12 10 20 30 40 50 #VALUE! =MODE(C12:G12)
13
15 This function displays the most frequently occurring number in a group of numbers.
16 For it to work correctly there must be at least two numbers which are the same.
17 If all the values in the group are unique the function shows the error #N/A.
18 When there is more than one set of duplicates, the number closest to the beginning
19 of the group will be used. (Which is not really an accurate answer!)
20
21 Syntax
22 =MODE(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30)
23
24 Formatting
26
27 Example
28 The following table shows garments sold in a clothes shop.
29 The shopkeeper wants to keep track of the most commonly sold size.
30 The =MODE() function has been used to calulate this.
31
32 Order Garmet Size
33 001 Blouse 10 Most frequently ordered size : 10
34 002 Skirt 10 =MODE(D33:D52)
35 003 Shirt 8
36 004 Blouse 10
37 005 Skirt 12 Count of size 8 : 6
38 006 Dress 8 =COUNTIF(D33:D52,"8")
39 007 Shirt 10
40 008 Blouse 10 Count of size 10 : 11
41 009 Dress 8 =COUNTIF(D33:D52,"10")
42 010 Shirt 10
43 011 Dress 12 Count of size 12 : 3
44 012 Skirt 12 =COUNTIF(D33:D52,"12")
45 013 Skirt 10
46 014 Shirt 10
47 015 Dress 8
48 016 Shirt 10
49 017 Blouse 10
50 018 Blouse 8
51 019 Dress 10
52 020 Skirt 8
53
Excel Function Dictionary MODE
A B C D E F G H I J
54 Note
55 If the =AVERAGE() function had been used the answer would have been : 9.7
56 This figure is of no benefit to the shopkeeper as there are no garmets of this size!
Excel Function Dictionary MONTH
A B C D E F G H
1 MONTH
2
3 Original Date Month
4 1-Jan-98 1 =MONTH(C4)
5 1-Jan-98 December =MONTH(C5)
6
7 What Does It Do?
8 This function extracts the month from a complete date.
9
10 Syntax
11 =MONTH(Date)
12
13 Formatting
14 Normally the result will be a number, but this can be formatted to show the actual
15 month by using Format,Cells,Number,Custom and using the code mmm or mmmm.
16
17 Example
18 The =MONTH function has been used to calculate the name of the month for your birthday.
19
20 Please enter your date of birth in the format dd/mm/yy 3/25/1962
21 You were born in January =MONTH(F20)
Excel Function Dictionary MROUND
A B C D E F G H I J
1 MROUND
2
Rounded
3
Number Multiple Value
4 110 50 100 =MROUND(C4,D4)
5 120 50 100 =MROUND(C5,D5)
6 150 50 150 =MROUND(C6,D6)
7 160 50 150 =MROUND(C7,D7)
8 170 50 150 =MROUND(C8,D8)
9
11 This function rounds a number up or down to the nearest multiple specified by the user.
12
13 Syntax
14 =MROUND(NumberToRound,MultipleToUse)
15
16 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary N
A B C D E F G H I J
1 N
2
3 Original Converted
4 1 1 =N(C4)
5 3 1/2 3.5 =N(C5)
6 3.5 3.5 =N(C6)
7 3.50% 0.035 =N(C7)
8 25-Dec-98 36154 =N(C8)
9 1 1 =N(C9)
10 0 0 =N(C10)
11 Hello 0 =N(C11)
12 0 =N(C12)
13
15 This function converts a numeric entry to its mathematical value.
16 Anything which will not convert is shown as 0 zero.
17 Excel does not really need this function, due to the fact that Excel calculates in this way
18 naturally. The function is included for compatibility with other spreadsheet programs.
19
20 Syntax
21 =N(NumericEntry)
22
23 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary NA
A B C D E F G H I
1 NA
2
3 #N/A =NA()
4
5 Value Test
6 10 11 =IF(ISBLANK(C6),NA(),C6+1)
7 #N/A =IF(ISBLANK(C7),NA(),C7+1)
8 30 31 =IF(ISBLANK(C8),NA(),C8+1)
9
10 Sales
11 North 100
12 South #N/A =NA()
13 East #N/A =NA()
14 West 200
15 Total #N/A =SUM(D11:D14)
16
18 This function is a place marker used to indicate that required information is Not Available.
19 It can be type directly in to a cell as =NA() or it can be used as part of a calculation.
20 When the =NA() is used, any calculations which depend upon the cell will also show #NA.
21 It is used to indicate that all the data has not yet been entered in to the spreadsheet.
22
23 Syntax
24 =NA()
25
26 Formatting
28
29 Example
30 The following table was used by a company to calculate the monthly Wage of an employee.
31 The Salary and Tax percentage are entered.
32 The Tax is then deducted from the Salary to calculate the Wage.
33
34 Table 1 shows that when the Tax is not entered, the Wage is still calculated.
35 On a large spreadsheet this may go unnoticed and the wrong Wage paid.
36
37 Table 1
38 Salary Tax % Pay
39 Alan 1000 25% 750 =C39-C39*D39
40 Bob 1000 1000 =C40-C40*D40
41 Carol 1000 20% 800 =C41-C41*D41
42
43
44 Table 2 shows how the =NA() has been inserted in the unknown Tax to act as a
45 reminder that the Tax still needs to be entered.
46
47 Table 2
48 Salary Tax % Pay
49 Alan 1000 25% 750 =C49-C49*D49
50 Bob 1000 #N/A #N/A =C50-C50*D50
51 Carol 1000 20% 800 =C51-C51*D51
Excel Function Dictionary NETWORKDAYS
A B C D E F
1 NETWORKDAYS
2
3 Start Date End Date Work Days
4 1-Mar-98 7-Mar-98 5 =NETWORKDAYS(C4,D4)
5 25-Apr-98 30-Jul-98 69 =NETWORKDAYS(C5,D5)
6 24-Dec-98 5-Jan-99 9 =NETWORKDAYS(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function will calculate the number of working days between two dates.
10 It will exclude weekends and any holidays.
11
12 Syntax
13 =NETWORKDAYS(StartDate,EndDate,Holidays)
14 Holidays : This is a list of dates which will be excluded from the calculation, such as Xmas
15 and Bank holidays.
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Note
21 The calculation does not include the last day. The result of using 1-Jan-98 and 5-Jan-98 will
22 give a result of 4. To correct this add 1 to the result. =NETWORKDAYS(Start,End,Holidays)+1
23
24 Example
25 The following example shows how a list of Holidays can be created.
26
27 Start Date End Date Work Days
28 Mon 02-Mar-98 Fri 06-Mar-98 5 =NETWORKDAYS(B28,C28,C33:C37)
29 Mon 02-Mar-98 Fri 13-Mar-98 10 =NETWORKDAYS(B29,C29,C33:C37)
30 Mon 27-Apr-98 Fri 01-May-98 4 =NETWORKDAYS(B30,C30,C33:C37)
31
32 Holidays
33 Bank Holiday 1-May-98
34 Xmas 25-Dec-98
35 New Year 1-Jan-97
Excel Function Dictionary NORTH
A B C D E F G H I J
1 Northern data.
3 Alan
4 Jan Feb Mar Total
5 Alan 10 20 30 60
6 Bob 40 50 60 150
7 Carol 70 80 90 240
8 Total 120 150 180 450
9
Excel Function Dictionary NOT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 NOT
2
3 Cells To Test Result
4 10 20 1 =NOT(C4>D4)
5 10 20 1 =NOT(C5=D5)
6 10 20 0 =NOT(C6<D6)
7 1-Jan-98 1-Feb-98 1 =NOT(C7>D7)
8 Hello Goodbye 1 =NOT(C8=D8)
9 Hello Hello 0 =NOT(C9=D9)
10
12 This function performs a test to see if the test fails. (A type of reverse logic).
13 If the test fails, the result is TRUE.
14 If the test is met, then the result is FALSE.
15
16 Syntax
17 =NOT(TestToPerform)
18 The TestToPerform can be reference to cells or another calculation.
19
20 Formatting
22
23 Example
24 The following table was used by a library to track books borrowed.
25 The date the book was Taken out is entered.
26 The period of the Loan is entered.
27 The date the book was returned is entered.
28 The =NOT() function has been used to calculate whether the book was returned within
29 the correct time, by adding the Loan value to the Taken date.
30 If the book was not returned on time the result Overdue is shown, otherwise OK is shown.
31
32 Taken Loan Returned Status
33 1-Jan-98 14 5-Jan-98 OK =IF(NOT(D33<=B33+C33),"Overdue","OK")
34 1-Jan-98 14 15-Jan-98 OK =IF(NOT(D34<=B34+C34),"Overdue","OK")
35 1-Jan-98 14 20-Jan-98 Overdue =IF(NOT(D35<=B35+C35),"Overdue","OK")
Excel Function Dictionary NOW
A B C D E F G H I
1 NOW
2
3 The current Date and Time
4 2/2/2020 17:53 =NOW()
5 43863.7457606667 =NOW()
6
7 What Does It Do?
8 This function shows the current date and time. The result will be updated each time the
9 worksheet is opened and every time an entry is made anywhere on the worksheet.
10
11 Syntax
12 =NOW()
13
14 Formatting
15 The result will be shown as a date and time. If it is formatted to show as a number
16 the integer part is used for the date and the decimal portion represent the time.
Excel Function Dictionary ODD
A B C D E F G H I
1 ODD
2
3 Rounded To
Number Next Odd
4 2 3 =ODD(C4)
5 2.4 3 =ODD(C5)
6 2.9 3 =ODD(C6)
7 3 3 =ODD(C7)
8 3.4 5 =ODD(C8)
9 3.9 5 =ODD(C9)
10
12 This function rounds a number up to the next highest whole odd number.
13
14 Syntax
15 =ODD(NumberToBeRounded)
16
17 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary OR
A B C D E F G H I J
1 OR
2
Payment Handling
3
Order No. Cost Type Charge
4 AB001 1000 Cash £ - =IF(OR(E4="Visa",E4="Delta"),5,0)
5 AB002 1000 Visa £ 5 =IF(OR(E5="Visa",E5="Delta"),5,0)
6 AB003 2000 Cheque £ - =IF(OR(E6="Visa",E6="Delta"),5,0)
7 AB004 5000 Delta £ 5 =IF(OR(E7="Visa",E7="Delta"),5,0)
8
9 What Does It Do?
10 This function tests two or more conditions to see if any of them are true.
11 It can be used to test that at least one of a series of numbers meets certain conditions.
12 Normally the OR() function would be used in conjunction with a function such as =IF().
13
14 Syntax
15 =OR(Test1,Test2)
16 Note that there can be up to 30 possible tests.
17
18 Formatting
19 When used by itself it will show TRUE or FALSE.
20
21 Example
22 The following table shows a list of orders taken by a company.
23 A handling charge of £5 is made on all orders paid by Visa or Delta cards.
24 The =OR() function has been used to determine whether the charge needs to be applied.
25
Payment Handling
26
Order No. Cost Type Charge
27 AB001 1000 Cash £ - =IF(OR(E27="Visa",E27="Delta"),5,0)
28 AB002 1000 Visa £ 5
29 AB003 2000 Cheque £ -
30 AB004 5000 Delta £ 5
Excel Function Dictionary Ordering Stock
A B C D E F G H I
1 Ordering Stock
2
3 This is an example of a spreadsheet to calculate the best time interval to order stock.
4
5 Scenario
6 A garage fits exhaust systems.
7 The manager orders the exhausts on a regular basis.
8 Each time an order is made for new stock, there is a fixed administrative cost.
9 The exhausts are kept in stock until needed.
10 Keeping the exhausts in stock incurs a cost due to capital tied up and warehouse costs.
11 The supplier of the Exhausts gives a discount on large orders.
12
13 Objective
14 Find the time interval to order stock which will result in the lowest Admin and Warehouse costs.
15
16 Input Data
17 Cost of a single Exhaust system : £75
18 Cost of keeping Exhaust in stock. (As a % of the stock value) : 12%
19 Quantity of Exhausts used per day : 10
20 Admin cost each time new Exhausts are ordered : £25
21 Average quantity of Exhausts in stock (As % of ordered quantity) : 0.5
22 Ordering Intervals to evaluate. (Expressed in Days) : 2
23
24 Suppliers first Price Break and Discount% offered : 200 1%
25 Suppliers second Price Break and Discount% offered : 750 5%
26
27 Output
Annual
28 Ordering Annual Ware The Best
Interval Quantity Order Order Orders Admin house Annual Ordering
In Days Per Order Value Discount Per Year Cost Costs Total Interval
29 1 10 £ 750 £ - 365 £ 9,125 £ 45 £ 9,170 -
30 2 20 £ 1,500 £ - 183 £ 4,575 £ 90 £ 4,665 -
31 4 40 £ 3,000 £ - 92 £ 2,300 £ 180 £ 2,480 -
32 6 60 £ 4,500 £ - 61 £ 1,525 £ 270 £ 1,795 -
33 8 80 £ 6,000 £ - 46 £ 1,150 £ 360 £ 1,510 -
34 10 100 £ 7,500 £ - 37 £ 925 £ 450 £ 1,375 -
35 12 120 £ 9,000 £ - 31 £ 775 £ 540 £ 1,315 -
36 14 140 £ 10,500 £ - 27 £ 675 £ 630 £ 1,305 -
37 16 160 £ 12,000 £ - 23 £ 575 £ 720 £ 1,295 -
38 18 180 £ 13,500 £ - 21 £ 525 £ 810 £ 1,335 -
39 20 200 £ 15,000 £ 150 19 £ 475 £ 900 £ 1,225 Best
40 22 220 £ 16,500 £ 165 17 £ 425 £ 990 £ 1,250 -
41 24 240 £ 18,000 £ 180 16 £ 400 £ 1,080 £ 1,300 -
42 26 260 £ 19,500 £ 195 15 £ 375 £ 1,170 £ 1,350 -
43 28 280 £ 21,000 £ 210 14 £ 350 £ 1,260 £ 1,400 -
44 30 300 £ 22,500 £ 225 13 £ 325 £ 1,350 £ 1,450 -
45 32 320 £ 24,000 £ 240 12 £ 300 £ 1,440 £ 1,500 -
46 34 340 £ 25,500 £ 255 11 £ 275 £ 1,530 £ 1,550 -
47 36 360 £ 27,000 £ 270 11 £ 275 £ 1,620 £ 1,625 -
48 38 380 £ 28,500 £ 285 10 £ 250 £ 1,710 £ 1,675 -
49 40 400 £ 30,000 £ 300 10 £ 250 £ 1,800 £ 1,750 -
50 42 420 £ 31,500 £ 315 9 £ 225 £ 1,890 £ 1,800 -
51 44 440 £ 33,000 £ 330 9 £ 225 £ 1,980 £ 1,875 -
A B C D E F G H I
52 46 460 £ 34,500 £ 345 8 £ 200 £ 2,070 £ 1,925 -
53 48 480 £ 36,000 £ 360 8 £ 200 £ 2,160 £ 2,000 -
54 50 500 £ 37,500 £ 375 8 £ 200 £ 2,250 £ 2,075 -
55 52 520 £ 39,000 £ 390 8 £ 200 £ 2,340 £ 2,150 -
56 54 540 £ 40,500 £ 405 7 £ 175 £ 2,430 £ 2,200 -
57 56 560 £ 42,000 £ 420 7 £ 175 £ 2,520 £ 2,275 -
58 58 580 £ 43,500 £ 435 7 £ 175 £ 2,610 £ 2,350 -
59 60 600 £ 45,000 £ 450 7 £ 175 £ 2,700 £ 2,425 -
60
61 Things To Try
62 Change the Discount % to 0% and 0%.
63 Change the Ordering Interval to 1 or 30.
64 Change the Cost of the Exhaust making it cheaper or more expensive.
65 Change the Quantity used per day to a larger or smaller number.
66
67 Explanation
68 Column A Ordering Interval In Days
69 The first of these cells has the value 1 entered in it.
70 This is the smallest ordering period, which would require stock to be ordered every day.
71 The second cell picks the ordering interval from the Input Data table.
72 The third and subsequent cells add the ordering interval to the previous cell to create
73 a list of values of the same interval.
74
75 Column B Quantity Per Order
76 This is the number of Exhausts which will need to be ordered.
77
78 Calculation : OrderingInterval * QuantityUsedPerDay
79
80 Column C Order Value
81 This is the value of the Order before any discount.
82
83 Calculation : QuantityOrdered * CostOfExhaust
84
85 Column D Order Discount
86 The discount which can be subtracted from the order value.
87 The discount is only given on orders which are equal to or greater than the
88 Price Break values set by the supplier.
89
90 Calculation : OrderValue * SupplierDiscount
91 The supplier discount is calculated using the =IF() and the =AND() functions.
92
93 If the OrderQuantity is equal to or above the first Price Break, but below
94 the second Price Break, then the first Price Break discount is used.
95 =C29*IF(AND(B29>=$G$24,B29<$G$25),$H$24,IF(B29>=$G$25,$H$25,0))
96
97 If the OrderQuantity is equal to or above the second Price Break,
98 the second Price Break discount is used.
100
101 If the OrderQuantity does not qualify for a discount, zero discount is used.
103
104 Column E Orders Per Year
105 This is how many orders will need to be made based upon the ordering interval.
A B C D E F G H I
106 With an interval of 1, there will have to be 365 orders.
107
108 Calculation : 365/OrderingInterval
109 This calculation may give results which are decimal, such as 2.3
110 This decimal will cause problems, due to the fact that the number of
111 orders must always be a whole number.
112 The =CEILING() function has been used to 'round up' any decimals to
113 the next highest whole number.
114 =CEILING(365/A29,1)
115
116 Column F Annual Admin Costs
117 This is the administration costs involved in making the orders.
118
119 Calculation : OrdersPerYear * AdminCost
120 =E29*$G$20
121
122 Column G Annual Warehouse Costs
123 This is the cost of keeping the stock in the warehouse.
124 It is based on the managers knowledge that on average the stock level is 50% of the
125 quantity ordered.
126
127 Calculation : QuantityOrdered * AverageStockLevel) * ExhaustCost * WarehousingCost
128 =(B29*$G$21)*$G$17*$G$18
129
130 Column H Annual Total
131 This is the full yearly cost of ordering the Exhausts, based upon how frequently the
132 orders are made.
133 It does not take in to account the actual costs of the Exhausts, as the manager only
134 wants to know what the lowest values for the overheads associated with ordering and
135 storing the exhaust systems.
136 However, the Discount figure is taken into account as this can be used to offset some
137 of the overheads.
138
139 Calculation : AnnualAdminCosts + AnnualWarehouseCosts - OrderDiscount
140 =F29+G29-D29
141
142 Column I The Best Ordering Interval
143 This shows the Best ordering interval, giving the lowest annual overheads.
144 It compares the value in column H against the minimum value for all of column H.
145 If the two values match the word Best is shown, otherwise a dash is shown.
146 =IF(H29=MIN($H$29:$H$59),"Best","-")
Excel Function Dictionary PACKERS
A B C D E F G H I J
1
2 Box size Sample Packer1 Packer2 Packer3 Packer4
3 Small 1 10 10 10 10
4 Medium 1 20 20 20 21
5 Large 1 30 28 35 30
6 Small 2 11 9 10 10
7 Medium 2 21 20 0 20
8 Large 2 31 28 30 30
9 Small 3 8 10 12 10
10 Medium 3 22 20 20 19
11 Large 3 32 28 30 30
12
13 Box size Sample Packer1 Packer2 Packer3 Packer4
Excel Function Dictionary PERMUT
A B C D E F G H
1 PERMUT
2
3 Pool Of Items Items In A Group Permutations
4 4 2 12 =PERMUT(C4,D4)
5 4 3 24 =PERMUT(C5,D5)
6 10 4 5040 =PERMUT(C6,D6)
7 26 6 165,765,600 =PERMUT(C7,D7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function calculates the maximum number of permutations given a fixed number of items.
11 The internal order is significant, so AB and BA will be considered as two possible permutations.
12 It could be used to calculate the possible number of 4 digit passwords from the digits 0 to 9.
13
14 Syntax
15 =PERMUT(PoolToPickFrom,ItemsInAGroup)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used to calculate the total number of 8 letter passwords which can
22 be created by using all 26 letters of the alphabet.
23
24 Letter In Alphabet 26
25 Password Size 8
26 Permutations 62,990,928,000
27
28
29 In the case of a two letter password made from the letter A, B, C and D, the following
30 twelve permutations would be possible.
31
32 ABCD
33
34 Password 1 AB Password 7 BA
35 Password 2 AC Password 8 CA
36 Password 3 AD Password 9 DA
37 Password 4 BC Password 10 CB
38 Password 5 BD Password 11 DB
39 Password 6 CD Password 12 DC
Excel Function Dictionary PI
A B C D E F G H I
1 PI
2
3 p
4 3.14159265358979 =PI()
5
6 What Does It Do ?
7 This function is equal to the value of Pi.
8 It is correct to 15 decimal places.
9 It does not need any input, it is a self contained function.
10
11 Syntax
12 =PI()
13
14 Formatting
16
17 Example
18 To calculate the area of a circle.
19
20 Radius Area
21 5 78.54 =PI()*(C21^2)
22 25 1963.50
Excel Function Dictionary POWER
A B C D E F G H I
1 POWER
2
3 Number Power Result
4 3 2 9 =POWER(C4,D4)
5 3 4 81 =POWER(C5,D5)
6 5 2 25 =POWER(C6,D6)
7 5 4 625 =POWER(C7,D7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function raises a number to a user specified power.
11 It is the same as using the ^ operator, such as 3^4, which result is 81.
12 Both the POWER() function and the ^ operator are the same as using 3*3*3*3.
13
14 Syntax
15 =POWER(NumberToBeRaised,Power)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 To calculate the area of a circle.
22
23 Radius Area
24 5 78.54 =PI()*POWER(C22,2)
25 25 1963.50
Excel Function Dictionary PRODUCT
A B C D E F G H I
1 PRODUCT
2
3 Numbers Product
4 2 3 6 =PRODUCT(C4,D4)
5 5 10 50 =PRODUCT(C5:D5)
6 3 7 210 =PRODUCT(C6:D6,10)
7 6300 =PRODUCT(C4:D6)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function multiples a group of numbers together.
11 It is the same as using 2*3*5*10*3*7, which results in 6300.
12
13 Syntax
14 =PRODUCT(Number1,Number2,Number3... through to Number30)
15 or
16 =PRODUCT(RangeOfNumbers)
17 or
18 =PRODUCT(Number1,Range,Number2...)
19
20 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary PROPER
A B C D E F G H I
1 PROPER
2
3 Original Text Proper
4 alan jones Alan Jones =PROPER(C4)
5 bob smith Bob Smith =PROPER(C5)
6 caRol wILLIAMS Carol Williams =PROPER(C6)
7 cardiff Cardiff =PROPER(C7)
8 ABC123 Abc123 =PROPER(C8)
9
11 This function converts the first letter of each word to uppercase, and all subsequent letters
12 are converted to lower case.
13
14 Syntax
15 =PROPER(TextToConvert)
16
17 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary QUARTILE
1 QUARTILE
2
3 Values Quarter No. Quartile
4 1 0 1 =QUARTILE(C4:C8,E4)
5 25 1 25 =QUARTILE(C4:C8,E5)
6 50 2 50 =QUARTILE(C4:C8,E6)
7 75 3 75 =QUARTILE(C4:C8,E7)
8 100 4 100 =QUARTILE(C4:C8,E8)
9
10
11 Values Quarter No. Quartile
12 817 104 640 767 0 104 =QUARTILE(C12:F16,H12)
13 748 756 369 703 1 285.75 =QUARTILE(C12:F16,H13)
14 372 993 294 261 2 489 =QUARTILE(C12:F16,H14)
15 487 384 185 491 3 750 =QUARTILE(C12:F16,H15)
16 140 607 894 182 4 993 =QUARTILE(C12:F16,H16)
17
19 This function examines a group of values and then shows the values which are of the
20 upper limits of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters of the data.
21 The Quartile of 0 (zero) is actually lowest value, which can be obtained using the =MIN() function.
22 The Quartile of 4 is actually highest value, which can be obtained using the =MAX() function.
23
24 Syntax
25 =QUARTILE(RangeToBeExamined,QuartileValue)
26 The QuartileValue can only be 0,1,2,3 or 4.
27
28 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary QUOTIENT
A B C D E F G H
1 QUOTIENT
2
3 Number Divisor Result
4 12 5 2 =QUOTIENT(C4,D4)
5 20 3 6 =QUOTIENT(C5,D5)
6 46 15 3 =QUOTIENT(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do ?
9 This function calculates the number of times a number can be divided by another number.
10 It ignores any remainder, only showing the whole number.
11
12 Syntax
13 =QUOTIENT(NumberToBeDivided,Divisor)
14
15 Formatting
17
18 Example
19 The following example was used by a drinks merchant to calculate the number of
20 crates which could be packed using bottles in stock.
21 The merchant can only sell full crates.
22
23 Table 1 calculates the crates by simple division. This however shows
24 decimal fractions which are not needed.
25
26 Table 1
Bottles Bottles
27
Item To Pack Per Crate Crates Needed
28 Wine 126 12 10.5 =D28/E28
29 Champagne 200 8 25
30 Rum 15 4 3.75
31 Beer 250 20 12.5
32
33
34 Table 2 uses the =QUOTIENT() function to remove the decimal fraction to
35 give the correct result.
36
37 Table 2
Bottles Bottles
38
Item To Pack Per Crate Crates Needed
39 Wine 126 12 10 =QUOTIENT(D39,E39)
40 Champagne 200 8 25
41 Rum 15 6 2
42 Beer 250 20 12
Excel Function Dictionary RAND
A B C D E F G H I
1 RAND
2
3 Random greater than or equal to 0 but less than 1.
4 0.062447571 =RAND()
5
6 Random greater than or equal to 0 but less than 10
7 4.325505607 =RAND()*10
8
9 Random between 5 and 10.
10 6.42821031 =RAND()*(10-5)+5
11
13 This function creates a random number >=0 but <1.
14 The number will change each time the worksheet recalculates, or when F9 is pressed.
15
16 Syntax
17 =RAND()
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Examples
23 The following examples show how the =RAND() function has been used to randomly
24 sort list of information.
25
26 A list of cards has been entered in column C, and =RAND() in column D.
27 By clicking inside the random numbers and then using Data, Sort or the Sort button
28 the cards will be shuffled.
29
30 The same technique has been used to generate a list of six winning lottery numbers.
31
32 Card Random Lottery Random
33 Clubs 8 0.489353 29 0.766714799
34 Clubs 6 0.074441 34 0.252947095
35 Diamond 9 0.103513 30 0.988927807
36 Spades 13 0.468723 41 0.780822475
37 Clubs 9 0.160485 40 0.526785541
38 Diamond 7 0.109597 37 0.446897328
39 Diamond 4 0.34682 26 0.102597314
40 Clubs 10 0.383561 32 0.3493625
41 Spades 3 0.945246 21 0.987747622
42 Hearts 6 0.609677 19 0.626182056
43 Hearts 4 0.611697 7 0.435373752
44 Diamond 8 0.504239 10 0.77741495
45 Hearts 11 0.908688 16 0.107041475
46 Clubs 3 0.1157 8 0.396343177
47 Clubs 13 0.655937 48 0.180178104
48 Spades 5 0.447549 43 0.351280659
49 Diamond 3 0.528836 44 0.247058044
50 Spades 2 0.790859 4 0.671043325
51 Diamond 6 0.747715 3 0.14637183
52 Clubs 5 0.164662 45 0.69826493
53 Spades 1 0.451715 47 0.651074566
Excel Function Dictionary RAND
A B C D E F G H I
54 Clubs 12 0.681548 49 0.629036193
55 Hearts 10 0.856021 35 0.400623264
56 Hearts 13 0.979576 27 0.801654461
57 Spades 7 0.561157 1 0.977406256
58 Spades 6 0.114123 13 0.664424781
59 Diamond 12 0.365697 31 0.558655682
60 Hearts 3 0.363422 5 0.760646227
61 Hearts 5 0.499051 18 0.383427682
62 Hearts 8 0.722243 39 0.505642167
63 Hearts 1 0.446533 23 0.962735827
64 Diamond 13 0.972948 12 0.989110748
65 Hearts 9 0.906189 11 0.626029659
66 Clubs 4 0.994864 20 0.064998953
67 Diamond 5 0.55125 33 0.267288367
68 Spades 4 0.280905 42 0.270068259
69 Clubs 1 0.075851 24 0.354939875
70 Spades 8 0.26397 2 0.7671773
71 Hearts 7 0.111629 14 0.027979069
72 Diamond 1 0.060451 25 0.573360349
73 Clubs 2 0.951376 9 0.935357214
74 Hearts 2 0.932513 38 0.516410904
75 Diamond 11 0.840446 15 0.891350257
76 Clubs 7 0.204997 28 0.298156935
77 Spades 12 0.595116 17 0.602742375
78 Spades 10 0.261035 6 0.841574297
79 Clubs 11 0.466867 22 0.905036739
80 Diamond 2 0.624437 46 0.213131196
81 Diamond 10 0.231607 36 0.686462987
82 Spades 9 0.829155
83 Spades 11 0.39157
84 Hearts 12 0.160301
Excel Function Dictionary RANDBETWEEN
A B C D E F G H I
1 RANDBETWEEN
2
3 Low High Random
4 5 10 8 =RANDBETWEEN(C4,D4)
5 1 49 19 =RANDBETWEEN(C5,D5)
6
7 What Does It Do ?
8 This function produces a random whole number between two specified numbers.
9 The random number will change each time the spreadsheet is recalculated or F9 is pressed.
10
11 Syntax
12 =RANDOMBETWEEN(LowLimit,HighLimit)
13
14 Formatting
16
17 Example
18 The following table shows how the =RANDBETWEEN() has been used to generate six
19 numbers to use for the National Lottery.
20 Note that the function does not check to ensure all numbers are unique, the same number
21 could be generated twice or more.
22
The Winning
23
Lottery Numbers Ticket!
24 1 49 25 =RANDBETWEEN($C$24,$D$24) Number 1
25 19 =RANDBETWEEN($C$24,$D$24) Number 2
26 Press function Key 35 =RANDBETWEEN($C$24,$D$24) Number 3
27 F9 to recalculate. 46 =RANDBETWEEN($C$24,$D$24) Number 4
30 36 =RANDBETWEEN($C$24,$D$24) Bonus ball
31
32
33 All OK
34 {=IF(SUM(1/COUNTIF(E24:E30,E24:E30))<>7,"Duplicates! Spin again","All OK")}
35 This formula is used to determine whether all the numbers are different.
36 It is entered as an array using Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Excel Function Dictionary RANK
A B C D E F G H I
1 RANK
2
3 Ranking Position
Values High to Low
4 7 4 =RANK(C4,C4:C8)
5 4 5 =RANK(C5,C4:C8)
6 25 1 =RANK(C6,C4:C8)
7 8 3 =RANK(C7,C4:C8)
8 16 2 =RANK(C8,C4:C8)
9
10 Ranking Position
Values Low to High
11 7 2 =RANK(C11,C11:C15,1)
12 4 1 =RANK(C12,C11:C15,1)
13 25 5 =RANK(C13,C11:C15,1)
14 8 3 =RANK(C14,C11:C15,1)
15 16 4 =RANK(C15,C11:C15,1)
16
17 Ranking Position
Values High to Low
18 10 5 =RANK(C18,C18:C22)
19 30 2 =RANK(C19,C18:C22)
20 20 4 =RANK(C20,C18:C22)
21 30 2 =RANK(C21,C18:C22)
22 40 1 =RANK(C22,C18:C22)
23
25 This function calculates the position of a value in a list relative to the other values in the list.
26 A typical usage would be to rank the times of athletes in a race to find the winner.
27 The ranking can be done on an ascending (low to high) or descending (high to low) basis.
28 If there are duplicate values in the list, they will be assigned the same rank. Subsequent ranks
29 would not follow on sequentially, but would take into account the fact that there were duplicates.
30 If the numbers 30, 20, 20 and 10 were ranked, 30 is ranked as 1, both 20's are ranked as 2, and
31 the 10 would be ranked as 4.
32
33 Value Rank
34 30 1 =RANK(B34,B34:B37)
35 20 2 =RANK(B35,B34:B37)
36 20 2 =RANK(B36,B34:B37)
37 10 4 =RANK(B37,B34:B37)
38
39 Syntax
40 =RANK(NumberToRank,ListOfNumbers,RankOrder)
41 The RankOrder can be 0 zero or 1.
42 Using 0 will rank larger numbers at the top. (This is optional, leaving it out has the same effect).
43 Using 1 will rank small numbers at the top.
44
45 Formatting
47
48 Example
Excel Function Dictionary RANK
A B C D E F G H I
49 The following table was used to record the times for athletes competing in a race.
50 The =RANK() function was then used to find their race positions based upon the finishing times.
51
52 Athlete Time Race Position
53 John 1:30 4 =RANK(C53,C53:C58,1)
54 Alan 1:45 6 =RANK(C54,C53:C58,1)
55 David 1:02 1 =RANK(C55,C53:C58,1)
56 Brian 1:36 5 =RANK(C56,C53:C58,1)
57 Sue 1:27 3 =RANK(C57,C53:C58,1)
58 Alex 1:03 2 =RANK(C58,C53:C58,1)
Excel Function Dictionary REPLACE
A B C D E F G H I
1 REPLACE
2
3 Start Characters New Modified

Original Text Position To Replace Character Text
4 ABCDEFGH 2 1 x AxCDEFGH =REPLACE(C4,D4,E4,F4)
5 ABCDEFGH 2 5 x AxGH =REPLACE(C5,D5,E5,F5)
6 ABCDEFGH 2 1 hello AhelloCDEFGH =REPLACE(C6,D6,E6,F6)
7 ABCDEFGH 2 5 hello AhelloGH =REPLACE(C7,D7,E7,F7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function replaces a portion of text with a new piece of text.
11 You need to specify where the replacement should start, how many characters to
12 remove and what the new replacement text should be.
13
14 Syntax
15 =REPLACE(OriginalText,StartPosition,NumberOfCharactersToReplace,NewText)
16
17 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary REPT
A B C D E F G H I
1 REPT
2
Text To Number Of Repeated
3
Repeat Repeats Text
4 A 3 AAA =REPT(C4,D4)
5 AB 3 ABABAB =REPT(C5,D5)
6 - 10 ---------- =REPT(C6,D6)
7 | 10 |||||||||| =REPT(C7,D7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function repeats a piece of text a specified number of times.
11 You need to specify the text to be repeated and how many times to repeat it.
12
13 Syntax
14 =REPT(TextToRepeat,Repetitions)
15 The maximum number of repetitions is 200.
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example 1
21 The following table was used to display a simple histogram of sales figures.
22 The =REPT() function uses the value of Sales, but this is divided by 100 to scale down the
23 number of repetitions to below the maximum of 200.
24
25 Month Sales
26 Jan £1,000 ||||||||||||||||||||
27 Feb £5,000 ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
28 Mar £3,000 ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
29 Apr £2,000 ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30 =REPT("||",D29/100)
31
32 Example 2
33 The =REPT() function has been used to make a digital display for the current time.
34 The time functions of =HOUR(), =MINUTE() and =SECOND() have been used in conjunction
35 with the =NOW() as the basis for the number of repeats.
36 To update the clock press the function key F9.
37
38 Clock
39 Hour ||||||||||||||||| 17
40 Minute ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 53
41 Second |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 54
42
43 =REPT("|",HOUR(NOW()))&" "&TEXT(HOUR(NOW()),"00")
44 =REPT("|",MINUTE(NOW()))&" "&TEXT(MINUTE(NOW()),"00")
45 =REPT("|",SECOND(NOW()))&" "&TEXT(SECOND(NOW()),"00")
Excel Function Dictionary RIGHT
A B C D E F G H I
1 RIGHT
2
Number Of
3 Original Characters Right
Text Required String
4 Alan Jones 1 s =RIGHT(C4,D4)
5 Alan Jones 2 es =RIGHT(C5,D5)
6 Alan Jones 3 nes =RIGHT(C6,D6)
7 Cardiff 6 ardiff =RIGHT(C7,D7)
8 ABC123 4 C123 =RIGHT(C8,D8)
9
11 This function displays a specified number of characters from the right hand side of a
12 piece of text.
13
14 Syntax
15 =RIGHT(OriginalText,NumberOfCharactersRequired)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used to extract the second name of a person from their full name.
22 The =FIND() function locates the position of the space between the first and second name.
23 The length of the second name is calculated by subtracting the position of the space from
24 the overall length of the full name.
25 The =RIGHT() function can then extract the second name.
26
27 Full Name Second Name
28 Alan Jones Jones =RIGHT(C28,LEN(C28)-FIND(" ",C28))
29 Bob Smith Smith =RIGHT(C29,LEN(C29)-FIND(" ",C29))
30 Carol Williams Williams =RIGHT(C30,LEN(C30)-FIND(" ",C30))
Excel Function Dictionary ROMAN
A B C D E F G H I
1 ROMAN
2
3 Number Roman
4 1 I =ROMAN(C4)
5 2 II =ROMAN(C5)
6 3 III =ROMAN(C6)
7 5 V =ROMAN(C7)
8 10 X =ROMAN(C8)
9 1998 MCMXCVIII =ROMAN(C9)
10 1998 MCMXCVIII =ROMAN(C10,0)
11 1998 MLMVLIII =ROMAN(C11,1)
12 1998 MXMVIII =ROMAN(C12,2)
13 1998 MVMIII =ROMAN(C13,3)
14 1998 MVMIII =ROMAN(C14,4)
15 1998 MLMVLIII =ROMAN(C15,TRUE)
16 1998 MCMXCVIII =ROMAN(C16,FALSE)
17
19 This function produces a number shown as Roman numerals in various formats.
20
21 Syntax
22 =ROMAN(NormalNumber,RomanNumberFormat)
23 The RomanNumberFormat can be any of the following.
24 0 is Classic. This is used if no format is specified.
25 1 is more Concise.
26 2 is even more Concise.
27 3 is even more Concise still.
28 4 is Simplified.
29 TRUE is Classic
30 FALSE is Simplified
31
32 Formatting
34
35 Note
36 There is no function to do the opposite calculation of Roman to normal.
Excel Function Dictionary ROUND
A B C D E F G H I
1 ROUND
2
3 Places To Rounded
Number Round Number
4 1.47589 0 1 =ROUND(C4,D4)
5 1.47589 1 1.5 =ROUND(C5,D5)
6 1.47589 2 1.48 =ROUND(C6,D6)
7 13643.47589 -1 13640 =ROUND(C7,D7)
8 13643.47589 -2 13600 =ROUND(C8,D8)
9 13643.47589 -3 14000 =ROUND(C9,D9)
10
12 This function rounds a number to a specified amount od decimal places.
13 If 0 is used the number is rounded to the nearest whole number.
14 If a negative amount of rounding is used the figures to the left of the decimal point are rounded.
15
16 Syntax
17 =ROUND(NumberToRound,DecimalPlacesToUse)
18
19 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary ROUNDDOWN
A B C D E F G H I J
1 ROUNDDOWN
2
3 Places To Rounded
Number Round Down
4 1.47589 0 1 =ROUNDDOWN(C4,D4)
5 1.47589 1 1.4 =ROUNDDOWN(C5,D5)
6 1.47589 2 1.47 =ROUNDDOWN(C6,D6)
7 13643.48 -1 13640 =ROUNDDOWN(C7,D7)
8 13643.48 -2 13600 =ROUNDDOWN(C8,D8)
9 13643.48 -3 13000 =ROUNDDOWN(C9,D9)
10
12 This function rounds a number down to a specified amount of decimal places.
13 If 0 is used the number is rounded down to the nearest whole number.
15
16 Syntax
17 =ROUNDDOWN(NumberToRound,DecimalPlacesToUse)
18
19 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary ROUNDUP
A B C D E F G H I J
1 ROUNDUP
2
3 Places To Rounded
Number Round Up
4 1.47589 0 2 =ROUNDUP(C4,D4)
5 1.47589 1 1.5 =ROUNDUP(C5,D5)
6 1.47589 2 1.48 =ROUNDUP(C6,D6)
7 13643.48 -1 13650 =ROUNDUP(C7,D7)
8 13643.48 -2 13700 =ROUNDUP(C8,D8)
9 13643.48 -3 14000 =ROUNDUP(C9,D9)
10
12 This function rounds a number up to a specified amount of decimal places.
13 If 0 is used the number is rounded up to the nearest whole number.
15
16 Syntax
17 =ROUNDUPNumberToRound,DecimalPlacesToUse)
18
19 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary SECOND
A B C D E F G H
1 SECOND
2
3 Number Second
4 02/Feb/20 17:53:54 54 =SECOND(C4)
5 12:00:00 PM 0 =SECOND(C5)
6 0.50 0 =SECOND(C6)
7 0.51 24 =SECOND(C7)
8 1.51 24 =SECOND(C8)
9
10 What Does It Do?
11 The function will show the second of the minute based upon a time or a number.
12 Only the fraction part of the number is used as it is this which relates to time of day.
13
14 Syntax
15 =SECOND(Number)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used by a telephone compnay to calculate the cost of a call.
22 The telephone company only deals in seconds which are a multiple of 5.
23 The seconds in a call are rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5 before the bill is calculated.
24 The Duration of the call is entered.
25 The =MINUTES() function calculates the total number of minutes.
26 The =SECOND() function calculates the total number of seconds.
27 The =CEILING() function rounds the seconds up to the nearest muliple of 5.
28 The Cost of the call is then calculated.
29
30 Cost Per Second : £0.01
31
32 Billed Duration
33 Duration Minutes Seconds Cost
34 0:01:08 1 10 £0.70
35 0:02:03 2 5 £1.25
36 0:01:47 1 50 £1.10
37 =CEILING(SECOND(C36),5)
Excel Function Dictionary SIGN
A B C D E F G H I J
1 SIGN
2
Positive or
3
Value Negative
4 10 1 =SIGN(C4)
5 20 1 =SIGN(C5)
6 0 0 =SIGN(C6)
7 -10 -1 =SIGN(C7)
8 -20 -1 =SIGN(C8)
9
11 This function tests a value to determine whether it is positive or negative.
12 If the value is positive the result is 1.
13 If the value is negative the result is -1.
14 If the value is zero 0 the result is 0.
15
16 Syntax
17 =SIGN(CellToTest)
18 The CellToTest can be a cell or a calculation.
19
20 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary SLN
A B C D E F G H I
1 SLN
2
3 Cost £12,000
4 Salvage £2,000
5 Life 4
6 Straight Line Depreciation £2,500 =SLN(F3,F4,F5)
7
8
9 Purchase Value Of A New Car £20,000
10 Second Hand Value £8,000
11 Number Of Years Ownership 6
12 Annual Straight Line Depreciation £2,000 =SLN(F9,F10,F11)
13
15 This function calculates the Straight Line Depreciation of an item.
16 (Also known as Fixed Instalment method).
17 The Straight Line Depreciation is how much the value of an item reduced during a specific
18 period of time. The result is a uniform depreciation value.
19
20 An example would be if you bought a new car for £20,000, then kept it for 6 years.
21 At the end of your ownership you sell the car for £8,000.
22 The difference between the original and the trade in price is £20,000 - £8,000 which is £12,000.
23 Because you owned the car for 6 years, the SLN is calculated as £12,000 / 6 which is £2,000.
24
25 Syntax
26 =SLN(OriginalCost,SellingPrice,LengthOfOwnership)
27 The LengthOfOwnership can be any time period, days, months or years.
28 However, the SLN which is calculated will, be for that time, specifying 2 years ownership
29 as 24 months will give an SLN per month.
30
31 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary SMALL
A B C D E F G H I J
1 SMALL
2
3 Values Lowest Value 100 =SMALL(C4:C8,1)
4 120 2nd Lowest Value 120 =SMALL(C4:C8,2)
5 800 3rd Lowest Value 120 =SMALL(C4:C8,3)
6 100 4th Lowest Value 250 =SMALL(C4:C8,4)
7 120 5th Lowest Value 800 =SMALL(C4:C8,5)
8 250
9
11 This function examines a list of values and picks the value at a user specified position
12 in the list.
13
14 Syntax
15 =SMALL(ListOfNumbersToExamine,PositionToPickFrom)
16
17 Formatting
19
20 Example
21 The following table was used to calculate the bottom 3 sales figures between Jan, Feb and Mar.
22
23 Sales Jan Feb Mar
24 North £5,000 £6,000 £4,500
25 South £5,800 £7,000 £3,000
26 East £3,500 £2,000 £10,000
27 West £12,000 £4,000 £6,000
28
29 Lowest Value £2,000 =SMALL(D24:F27,1)
30 2nd Lowest Value £3,000 =SMALL(D24:F27,2)
31 3rd Lowest Value £3,500 =SMALL(D24:F27,3)
32
33 Note
34 Another way to find the Highest and Lowest values would have been to use
35 the =MAX() and =MIN() functions.
36
37 Highest £12,000 =MAX(D24:F27)
38 Lowest £2,000 =MIN(D24:F27)
Excel Function Dictionary SOUTH
A B C D E F G H I J
1 Southern data.
3
4 Jan Feb Mar Total
5 Alan 100 200 300 600
6 Bob 400 500 600 1500
7 Carol 700 800 900 2400
8 Total 1200 1500 1800 4500
Excel Function Dictionary STDEV
1 STDEV
2
3 Values Values Values
4 10 10 10
5 10 10 11
6 9 11 9
7 10 10 12
8
9 0.5 0.5 1.2909944
10 =STDEV(C4:C7) =STDEV(E4:E7) =STDEV(G4:G7)
11
13 This function calculates the sample population standard deviation of a list of values.
14 A sample population is used when the list of values represents a sample of a population.
15
16 Syntax
17 =STDEV(Range1,Range2,Range3 through to Range30)
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example
23 The table below was used by a company interested in buying a new machine
24 to pack washing powder.
25 Three machines were short listed and allow to run for a day.
26 At the end of the day four boxes of soap powder were picked at random from the production
27 of each machine.
28 The boxes were weighed and the =STDEV() function used as these boxes only represented
29 a sample of the complete days production.
30 The machine with the smallest deviation was the most consistent.
31
32 Soap Powder Box Filling Machine Test Results
33 Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Variance
34 Machine 1 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.5 0.0816 =STDEV(D34:G34)
35 Machine 2 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.5 0.0500 =STDEV(D35:G35)
36 Machine 3 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 0.1291 =STDEV(D36:G36)
37
38 The smallest deviation is : 0.0500 =MIN(H34:H36)
39
40 The machine with the smallest deviation is : Machine 2
41 =INDEX(C34:C36,MATCH(MIN(H34:H36),H34:H36,0))
42
43 Explanation of formula:
44 This finds the lowest value. =MIN(H34:H36)
45 This finds the position of the lowest value. =MATCH(MIN(H34:H36),H34:H36,0)
46 This looks down the Machine column to =INDEX(C34:C36,MATCH(MIN(H34:H36),H34:H36,0))
47 find the machine name.
Excel Function Dictionary STDEVP
1 STDEVP
2
4 10 10 10
5 10 10 11
6 9 11 9
7 10 10 12
8
9 0.433013 0.433013 1.118034
10 =STDEVP(C4:C7) =STDEVP(E4:E7) =STDEVP(G4:G7)
11
13 This function calculates the standard deviation of a list of values.
14 The result is calculated on the basis that the values represent the entire population.
15
16 Syntax
17 =STDEVP(Range1,Range2,Range3 through to Range30)
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example
25 A trial run of just four boxes per machine were produced.
26 The boxes were weighed and the =STDEVP() function used as these boxes
27 represented the entire test run.
28 The machine with the smallest variance was the most consistent. ????????????????????
29
32 Machine 1 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.5 0.0707 =STDEVP(D32:G32)
35
36 The smallest variance is : 0.0433 =MIN(H32:H34)
37
38 The machine with the smallest variance is : Machine 2
40
42 This finds the lowest value. =(MIN(H32:H34)
46
Excel Function Dictionary SUBSTITUTE
A B C D E F G H
1 SUBSTITUTE
2
Old Text New Text
3
Original Text To Remove To Insert Updated Text
4 ABCDEF CD hello ABhelloEF =SUBSTITUTE(B4,C4,D4)
5 ABCDABCD CD hello ABhelloABhello =SUBSTITUTE(B5,C5,D5)
6 Northern Region Region Area Northern Area =SUBSTITUTE(B6,C6,D6)
7 Sand and Cement and & S& & Cement =SUBSTITUTE(B7,C7,D7)
8
Old Text New Text Instance To
9
Original Text To Remove To Insert Be Replaced Updated Text
10 ABCABCABC ABC hello 3 ABCABChello
11 Sand and Cement and & 2 Sand & Cement
12 =SUBSTITUTE(B10,C10,D10,E10)
13 =SUBSTITUTE(B11,C11,D11,E11)
14
16 This function replaces a specified piece of text with a different piece of text.
17 It can either replace all occurrences of the text, or a specific instance.
18 The function is case sensitive.
19
20 Syntax
21 =SUBSTITUTE(OriginalText,TextToRemove,TextToInsert,InstanceToUse)
22 The InstanceToUse is optional, if it is omitted all instances will be substituted.
23
24 Formatting
26
27 Note
28 To cope with upper or lower case in the substitution you can use other text functions
29 such as =UPPER(), =LOWER() or =PROPER() to ensure that the substitution will take place.
30
31 Table 1 shows how differing text cases alter the result of the substitution.
32
33 Table 1
Old Text New Text
34
35 Northern Region Region Area Northern Area
36 Northern region Region Area Northern region
37 Northern Region region Area Northern Region
38 Northern Region Region area Northern area
39 Northern Region region area Northern Region
40 =SUBSTITUTE(B39,C39,D39)
41
42 Table 2 shows how the =PROPER() function has been used to take account of the mixed cases.
43
44 Table 2
Old Text New Text
45
46 Northern Region Region Area Northern Area
47 Northern region Region Area Northern Area
48 Northern Region region Area Northern Area
49 Northern Region Region area Northern Area
50 Northern Region region area Northern Area
Excel Function Dictionary SUBSTITUTE
A B C D E F G H
51 =SUBSTITUTE(PROPER(B50),PROPER(C50),PROPER(D50))
Excel Function Dictionary SUM
A B C D E F G H I J
1 SUM
2
3 Horizontal
4 100 200 300 600 =SUM(C4:E4)
5
6 Vertical
7 100
8 200
9 300
10 600 =SUM(C7:C9)
11
12 Single Cells
13 100 300 600 =SUM(C13,D14,E13)
14 200
15
16 Multiple Ranges
17 100 400
18 200 500
19 3000 600
20 4800 =SUM(C17:C19,E17:E19)
21
22 Functions
23 100 400
24 200 500
25 300 600
26 800 =SUM(AVERAGE(C23:C25),MAX(E23:E25))
27
29 This function creates a total from a list of numbers.
30 It can be used either horizontally or vertically.
31 The numbers can be in single cells, ranges are from other functions.
32
33 Syntax
34 =SUM(Range1,Range2,Range3... through to Range30).
35
36 Formatting
38
39
40
41 Note
42 Many people use the =SUM() function incorrectly.
43
44 This example shows how the SUM has been combined with plus + symbols.
45 The formula is actually doing more work than needed.
46 It should have been entered as either =C48+C49+C50 or =SUM(C48:C50).
47
48 100
49 200
50 300
51 600 =SUM(C48+C49+C50) Wrong!
52 =SUM(C48:C50) Correct
53 =C48+C49+C50 Correct
Excel Function Dictionary SUM_as_Running_Total
A B C D E F G H I J
1 SUM (Running Total)
2
3
4 Using =SUM() For A Running Total
5
Running
6
Month Sales Total
7 Jan 10 10 =SUM($D$7:D7)
8 Feb 50 60 =SUM($D$7:D8)
9 Mar 30 90 =SUM($D$7:D9)
10 Apr 20 110 =SUM($D$7:D10)
11 May 110 =SUM($D$7:D11)
12 Jun 110 =SUM($D$7:D12)
13 Jul 110 =SUM($D$7:D13)
14 Aug 110 =SUM($D$7:D14)
15 Sep 110 =SUM($D$7:D15)
16 Oct 110 =SUM($D$7:D16)
17 Nov 110 =SUM($D$7:D17)
18 Dec 110 =SUM($D$7:D18)
19
20 Type the formula =SUM($D$7:D7) in cell E7 and then copy down the table.
21 It works because the first reference uses dollar symbols $ to keep $D$7 static
22 as the formula is copied down. Each occurrence of the =SUM() then adds all
23 the numbers from the first cell down.
24
25 The function can be tidied up to show 0 zero when there is no adjacent value
26 by using the =IF() function.
27
Running
28
Month Sales Total
29 Jan 10 10 =SUM(IF(D7,$D$7:D7,0))
30 Feb 50 60 =SUM(IF(D8,$D$7:D8,0))
31 Mar 30 90 =SUM(IF(D9,$D$7:D9,0))
32 Apr 20 110 =SUM(IF(D10,$D$7:D10,0))
33 May 0 =SUM(IF(D11,$D$7:D11,0))
34 Jun 0 =SUM(IF(D12,$D$7:D12,0))
35 Jul 0 The =SUM() only takes place when
36 Aug 0 there is data in column D.
37 Sep 0 Otherwise the value 0 zero is entered.
38 Oct 0
39 Nov 0
40 Dec 0
Excel Function Dictionary SUM_with_OFFSET
A B C D E F G H I J
1 SUM and the =OFFSET function
2
3 Sometimes it is necessary to base a calculation on a set of cells in different locations.
4 An example would be when a total is required from certain months of the year, such as
5 the last 3 months in relation to the current date.
6
7 One solution would be to retype the calculation each time new data is entered, but this
8 would be time consuming and open to human error.
9
10 A better way is to indicate the start and end point of the range to be calculated by
11 using the =OFFSET() function.
12
13 The =OFFSET() picks out a cell a certain number of cells away from another cell.
14 By giving the =OFFSET() the address of the first cell in the range which needs to
15 be totalled, we can then indicate how far away the end cell should be and the =OFFSET()
16 will give us the address of cell which will be the end of the range to be totalled.
17
18 The =OFFSET() needs to know three things;
19 1. A cell address to use as the fixed point from where it should base the offset.
20 2. How many rows it should look up or down from the starting point.
21 3. How many columns it should look left or right from the starting point.
22
23 Total Jan Feb Mar Apr May
24 10 10 400 500 600 700
25 =SUM(E24:OFFSET(E24,0,0))
26 This example uses E24 as the starting point and offsets no rows or columns which
27 results in the range being summed as E24:E24.
28
29 410 10 400 500 600 700
30 =SUM(E29:OFFSET(E29,0,1))
31 This example uses E29 as the starting point and offsets 1 col to pick out
32 cell F29 resulting in a the range E29:F29 being summed.
33
34 910 10 400 500 600 700
35 =SUM(E34:OFFSET(E34,0,2))
36 This example uses E34 as the starting point and offsets 2 cols to pick out
37 cell G34 resulting in a the range E34:G34 being summed.
38
39 Using =OFFSET() Twice In A Formula
40
41 The following examples use =OFFSET() to pick both the start and end of the range
42 which needs to be totalled.
43
44 Total Jan Feb Mar Apr May
45 400 10 400 500 600 700
46 =SUM(OFFSET(E45,0,1):OFFSET(E45,0,1))
47 The cell E45 has been used as the starting point for both offsets and each has
48 been offset by just 1 column. The result is that just cell F45 is used as the
49 range F45:F45 for the sum function to calculate.
50
51 900 10 400 500 600 700
53 The cell E51 has been used as the starting point of both offsets, the first offset is
54 offset by 1 column, the second by 2 columns. The result is the range F51:G51 which
Excel Function Dictionary SUM_with_OFFSET
A B C D E F G H I J
55 is then totalled.
56
57 1500 10 400 500 600 700
59 The cell E57 has been used as the starting point for both offsets, the first offset is
60 offset by 1 column, the second by 3 columns. The result is the range F57:H57 which
61 is then totalled.
62
63
64 Example
65
66 The following table shows five months of data.
67 To calculate the total of a specific group of months the =OFFSET() function has been used.
68 The Start and End dates entered in cells F71 and F72 are used as the offset to produce
69 a range which can be totalled.
70
71 Type in the Start month. Feb-98
72 Type in the End month. Mar-98
73
74 Total Jan-98 Feb-98 Mar-98 Apr-98 May-98
75 900 10 400 500 600 700
76
77 1020 15 20 1000 2000 3000
78
79 13 5 3 10 800 900
80 =SUM(OFFSET(D79,0,MONTH(F71)):OFFSET(D79,0,MONTH(F72)))
81
82 Explanation
83 The following formula represent a breakdown of what the =OFFSET function does.
84 The formula displayed below are only dummies, but they will update as you enter
85 dates into cells F71 and F72.
86
87 Formula 1 =SUM( OFFSET(D79,0,MONTH(F71)) : OFFSET(D79,0,MONTH(F72)) )
88 This is the actual formula entered by the user.
89
90 Formula 2 =SUM( OFFSET(D79,0,MONTH(2)) : OFFSET(D79,0,MONTH(3)) )
91 This shows how the =MONTH function calculates the month number.
92 In this example the values of the months are 2 and 3 for Feb and Mar.
93 These values are the 'offsets' relative to cell D79.
94
95 Formula 3 =SUM( OFFSET(D79,0,2) : OFFSET(D79,0,3) )
96 This shows where the month numbers are used in the =OFFSET function.
97
98 Formula 4 =SUM( F79:G79 )
99 This shows how the =OFFSET eventually equates to cell addresses
100 to be used as a range for the =SUM function.
Excel Function Dictionary SUMIF
A B C D E F G H I J
1 SUMIF
2
3 Item Date Cost
4 Brakes 1-Jan-98 80
5 Tyres 10-May-98 25
6 Brakes 1-Feb-98 80
7 Service 1-Mar-98 150
8 Service 5-Jan-98 300
9 Window 1-Jun-98 50
10 Tyres 1-Apr-98 200
11 Tyres 1-Mar-98 100
12 Clutch 1-May-98 250
13
14 Total cost of all Brakes bought. 160 =SUMIF(C4:C12,"Brakes",E4:E12)
15 Total cost of all Tyres bought. 325 =SUMIF(C4:C12,"Tyres",E4:E12)
16 Total of items costing £100 or above. 1000 =SUMIF(E4:E12,">=100")
17
18 Total of item typed in following cell. service 450 =SUMIF(C4:C12,E18,E4:E12)
19
20
22 This function adds the value of items which match criteria set by the user.
23
24 Syntax
25 =SUMIF(RangeOfThingsToBeExamined,CriteriaToBeMatched,RangeOfValuesToTotal)
26
27 =SUMIF(C4:C12,"Brakes",E4:E12) This examines the names of products in C4:C12.
28 It then identifies the entries for Brakes.
29 It then totals the respective figures in E4:E12
30
31 =SUMIF(E4:E12,">=100") This examines the values in E4:E12.
32 If the value is >=100 the value is added to the total.
33
34 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary SUMPRODUCT
A B C D E F G H I
1 SUMPRODUCT
2
3 Item Sold price
4 Tyres 5 100
5 Filters 2 10
6 Bulbs 3 2
7
8 Total Sales Value : 526 =SUMPRODUCT(D4:D6,E4:E6)
9
11 This function uses at least two columns of values.
12 The values in the first column are multipled with the corresponding value in the second column.
13 The total of all the values is the result of the calculation.
14
15 Syntax
16 =SUMPRODUCT(Range1, Range, Range3 through to Range30)
17
18 Formatting
20
21 Example
22 The following table was used by a drinks merchant to keep track of stock.
23 The merchant needed to know the total purchase value of the stock, and the potential
24 value of the stock when it is sold, takinging into account the markup percentage.
25
26 The =SUMPRODUCT() function is used to multiply the Cases In Stock with the Case Price to
27 calculate what the merchant spent in buying the stock.
28
29 The =SUMPRODUCT() function is used to multiply the Cases In Stock with
30 the Bottles In Case and the Bottle Setting Price, to calculate the potential value of the
31 stock if it is all sold.
32
33
Cases In Case Bottles Bottle Bottle Selling
34
Product Stock Price In Case Cost Markup Price
35 Red Wine 10 £120 10 £12.00 25% £15.00
36 White Wine 8 £130 10 £13.00 25% £16.25
37 Champagne 5 £200 6 £33.33 80% £60.00
38 Beer 50 £24 12 £2.00 20% £2.40
39 Lager 100 £30 12 £2.50 25% £3.13
40 =D39/E39 =F39+F39*G39
41
42
43 Total Value Of Stock : £7,440 =SUMPRODUCT(C35:C39,D35:D39)
44 Total Selling Price Of Stock : £9,790 =SUMPRODUCT(C35:C39,E35:E39,H35:H39)
45
46 Profit : £2,350 =E44-E43
Excel Function Dictionary SYD
A B C D E F G H I
1 SYD
2
3 Purchase Value Of A New Car £20,000
4 Second Hand Value £8,000
5 Number Of Years Ownership 6
6
7 Deprecation in year 1 £3,429 =SYD(F3,F4,F5,1)
12 Deprecation in year 6 £571 =SYD(F3,F4,F5,6)
13
14 Total Depreciation : £12,000 =SUM(F7:F12)
15
17 This function calculates the depreciation of an item throughout its life, using the sum of the
18 years digits.
19 The depreciation is greatest in the earlier part of the items life.
20
21 What is the Sum Of The Years Digits ?
22 The sum of the years digits adds together the each of the years of the life.
23 A life of 3 years has a sum of 1+2+3 equalling 6.
24 Each of the years is then calculated as a percentage of the sum of the years.
25 Year 3 is 50% of 6, year 2 is 33% of 6, year 1 is 17% 6.
26 The total depreciation of the item is then allocated on the basis of these percentages.
27 A depreciation of £9000 is allocated as 50% being £4500, 33% being £3000, 17% being £1500.
28
29 £9,000
30 1 17% £1,500
31 2 33% £3,000
32 3 50% £4,500
33
34 As the greater part of the depreciation is allocated to the earliest years the values are
35 inverted, year 1 is $4500, year 2 is £3000 and year 1 is £1500.
36
37 Example 1
38
39 Purchase Price Of A Car : £10,000
40 Salvage Value : £1,000
41 Expected Life in Years : 3
42 As % Of Total Depreciation
43 Depreciation in Year 1 : £4,500 ===> 0.5
46 =SYD(E39,E40,E41,3)
47
48 1. Add together the digits of the Life to get the SumOfTheYearsDigits, 1+2+3=6.
49 2. Subtract the Salvage from the Purchase Price to get Total Deprectation, £10000-£1000=£9000.
50 3. Divide the Total Deprectation by the SumOfTheYearsDigits, £9000/6=£1500.
51 4. Invert the year digits, 1,2,3 becomes 3,2,1.
52 5. Multiply 3,2,1 by £1500 to get £4500, £3000, £1500, these values are the depreciation
53 values for each of the three years in the life of the item.
54
Excel Function Dictionary SYD
A B C D E F G H I
55 Example 2
56 The same example using 4 years.
57
60 Expected Life in Years : 4
61 As % Of Total Depriciation
62 Depreciation in Year 1 : £3,600 0.4
65 Depreciation in Year 4 : £900 0.1
66 Total Depreciation : £9,000 100%
67
68 Example 3
69 This example will adjust itself to accommodate any number of years between 1 and 10.
70
73 Expected Life in Years (1 to 10) : 7
74 As % Of Total Depriciation
75 Year 1 £2,250 25%
76 Year 2 £1,929 21%
77 Year 3 £1,607 18%
78 Year 4 £1,286 14%
79 Year 5 £964 11%
80 Year 6 £643 7%
81 Year 7 £321 4%
82 Year
83 Year
84 Year
85 £9,000 100%
86
87 Syntax
88 =SYD(OriginalCost,SalvageValue,Life,PeriodToCalculate)
89
90 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary T
A B C D E F G H I J
1 T
2
4 Hello Hello =T(D4)
5 10 =T(D5)
6 1-Jan-98 =T(D6)
7 =T(D7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function examines an entry to determine whether it is text or not.
11 If the value is text, then the text is the result of the function
12 If the value is not text, the result is a blank.
13 The function is not specifically needed by Excel, but is included for compatibility with
14 other spreadsheet programs.
15
16 Syntax
17 =T(CellToTest)
18
19 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary TEXT
A B C D E F G H I J
1 TEXT
2
Original Converte
3
Number d To Text
4 10 10.00 =TEXT(C4,"0.00")
5 10 £10.00 =TEXT(C5,"£0.00")
6 10 10 =TEXT(C6,"0")
7 10 £10 =TEXT(C7,"£0")
8 10.25 10.3 =TEXT(C8,"0.0")
9 10.25 £10.3 =TEXT(C9,"£0.0")
10
12 This function converts a number to a piece of text.
13 The formatting for the text needs to be specified in the function.
14
15 Syntax
16 =TEXT(NumberToConvert,FormatForConversion)
17
18 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary TIME
A B C D E F G H I
1 TIME
2
3 Hour Minute Second Time
4 14 30 59 14:30:59 =TIME(C4,D4,E4)
5 14 30 59 2:30:59 PM =TIME(C5,D5,E5)
6 14 30 59 0.60485 =TIME(C6,D6,E6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function will convert three separate numbers to an actual time.
10
11 Syntax
12 =TIME(Hour,Minute,Second)
13
14 Formatting
15 The result will be shown as a time which can be formatted either as 12 or 24 hour style.
16 If a normal number format is applied a decimal fraction is shown which represents the
17 time as a fraction of the day.
Excel Function Dictionary TIMEVALUE
A B C D E F G H
1 TIMEVALUE
2
3 Text Time
4 14:30:59 0.604849537 =TIMEVALUE(C4)
5 14:30:59 14:30:59 =TIMEVALUE(C5)
6 14:30:59 2:30:59 PM =TIMEVALUE(C6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function will show an actual time based on a piece of text which looks
10 like a time. It is useful when data is imported from other applications, such as
11 from mainframe computers, which convert all values to text.
12
13 Syntax
14 =TIMEVALUE(Text)
15
16 Formatting
17 The result will be shown as a number representing the time a fraction of the day.
18 Formatting can be applied for either the 12 or 24 hour clock system.
Excel Function Dictionary TODAY
A B C D E F G H
1 TODAY
2
3 Today Is
4 2-Feb-20 =TODAY()
5
6 What Does It Do?
7 Use this to show the current date.
8
9 Syntax
10 =TODAY()
11
12 Formatting
13 The result will normally be displayed using the DD-MMM-YY format.
14
15 Example
16 The following example shows how the Today function is used to calculate the number
17 of days since a particular day.
18
19 Date Days Since
20 1-Jan-97 8432 =TODAY()-C20
21 10-Aug-97 8211 =TODAY()-C21
22
23
24 Note that the result is actually the number of days before todays date. To calculate
25 a result which includes the current date an extra 1 will need to be added.
26
27 Date Days Since
28 1-Jan-97 8433 =TODAY()-C28+1
29 10-Aug-97 8212 =TODAY()-C29+1
30
31
32 Example
33 The following example shows the number of days from today until the year 2000.
34
35 Year 2000 Days Until
36 01-Jan-2000 -7337 =C36-TODAY()
Excel Function Dictionary TRANSPOSE
A B C D E F G H I J
1 TRANSPOSE
2
3 Jan Feb
4 Alan 10 30
5 Bob 40 50
6 Carol 70 80
7 Total 120 160
8
9 Alan Bob Carol Total
10 Jan 10 40 70 120
11 Feb 30 50 80 160
12
13 {=TRANSPOSE(C3:E7)}
14
15
16 As an array formula in all these cells
17
19 This function copies data from a range, and places in it in a new range, turning it so
20 that the data originally in columns is now in rows, and the data originally in rows
21 is in columns.
22 The transpose range must be the same size as the original range.
23 The function needs to be entered as an array formula.
24 To enter an array formula you must first highlight all the cells where the formula is required.
25 Next type the formula, such as =TRANSPOSE(A1:A5).
26 Finally press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to confirm it.
27 If changes need to be made to the formula, the entire array has to be highlighted, the edits
28 can then be made and the Ctrl+Shift+Enter used to confirm it.
29
30 Syntax
31 =TRANSPOSE(Range)
32
33 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary TREND
A B C D E F G H I J
1 TREND WHAT IS CONST b ?
2
3 Historical Data Predicted Values
4 Month Sales Month Sales
5 1 £1,000 7 £4,940 {=TREND(C8:C13,B8:B13,E8:E13)}
6 2 £2,000 8 £5,551 {=TREND(C5:C10,B5:B10,E5:E10)}
7 3 £2,500 9 £6,163 {=TREND(C5:C10,B5:B10,E5:E10)}
8 4 £3,500 10 £6,774 {=TREND(C5:C10,B5:B10,E5:E10)}
9 5 £3,800 11 £7,386 {=TREND(C5:C10,B5:B10,E5:E10)}
10 6 £4,000 12 £7,997 {=TREND(C5:C10,B5:B10,E5:E10)}
11
13 This function predicts values based upon three sets of related values.
14 The prediction is based upon the Linear Trend of the original values.
15 The function is an array function and must be entered using Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
16
17 Syntax
18 =TREND(KnownYs,KnownXs,RequiredXs,Constant)
19 The KnownYs is the range of values, such as Sales Figures.
20 The KnownXs is the intervals used when collecting the data, such as Months.
21 The RequiredXs is the range for which you want to make the prediction, such as Months.
22
23
24 Formatting
26
27 Example
28 The following tables were used by a company to predict when they would start to
29 make a profit.
30 Their bank manager had told the company that unless they could show a profit by the
31 end of the next year, the bank would no longer provide an overdraft facility.
32 To prove to the bank that, based upon the past years performance, the company would
33 start to make a profit at the end of the next year, the =TREND() function was used.
34 The historical data for the past year was entered, months 1 to 12.
35 The months to predict were entered, 13 to 24.
36 The =TREND() function shows that it will be month 22 before the company make a profit.
37
38
39 Historical Data Predicted Values
40 Month Profit Month Profit
41 1 -£5,000 13 -£2,226 {=TREND(C41:C52,B41:B52,E41:E52)}
42 2 -£4,800 14 -£1,968 The
43 3 -£4,600 15 -£1,709 same
44 4 -£4,750 16 -£1,451 function
45 5 -£4,800 17 -£1,193 used
46 6 -£4,500 18 -£935 in
47 7 -£4,000 19 -£676 all
48 8 -£3,800 20 -£418 cells
49 9 -£3,300 21 -£160 as
50 10 -£2,000 22 £98 an
51 11 -£2,500 23 £356 array
52 12 -£2,800 24 £615 formula
53
54 How To Enter An Array Formula
Excel Function Dictionary TREND
A B C D E F G H I J
55 Select all the cells where the array is required, such as F41 to F52.
56 Type the formula such as =TREND(C41:C52,B41:B52,E41:E52), but do not press Enter.
57 Hold the Ctrl+Shift keys down.
58 Press Enter to enter the formula as an array.
Excel Function Dictionary TRIM
A B C D E F G H I
1 TRIM
2
3 Original Text Trimmed Text
4 ABCD ABCD =TRIM(C4)
5 A B C D ABC D =TRIM(C5)
6 Alan Jones Alan Jones =TRIM(C6)
7 ABCD ABCD =TRIM(C7)
8
9 What Does It Do ?
10 This function removes unwanted spaces from a piece of text.
11 The spaces before and after the text will be removed completely.
12 Multiple spaces within the text will be trimmed to a single space
13
14 Syntax
15 =TRIM(TextToTrim)
16
17 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary TRUNC
A B C D E F G H I J
1 TRUNC
2
Precision
3 For Truncated
Number Truncation Number
4 1.47589 0 1 =TRUNC(C4,D4)
5 1.47589 1 1.4 =TRUNC(C5,D5)
6 1.47589 2 1.47 =TRUNC(C6,D6)
7 -1.47589 1 -1.4 =TRUNC(C7,D7)
8 -1.47589 2 -1.47 =TRUNC(C8,D8)
9 13643.48 -1 13640 =TRUNC(C9,D9)
10 13643.48 -2 13600 =TRUNC(C10,D10)
11 13643.48 -3 13000 =TRUNC(C11,D11)
12
14 This function removes the decimal part of a number, it does not actually round the number.
15
16 Syntax
17 =TRUNC(NumberToTuncate,Precision)
18
19 Formatting
Excel Function Dictionary UPPER
A B C D E F G H
1 UPPER
2
3 Original Text Upper Case
4 alan jones ALAN JONES =UPPER(C4)
5 bob smith BOB SMITH =UPPER(C5)
6 carOl wiLLiamS CAROL WILLIAMS =UPPER(C6)
7 cardiff CARDIFF =UPPER(C7)
8 abc123 ABC123 =UPPER(C8)
9
11 This function converts all characters in a piece of text to upper case.
12
13 Syntax
14 =UPPER(TextToConvert)
15
16 Formatting
18
19 Example
20 See the example for FREQUENCY.
Excel Function Dictionary VALUE
A B C D E F G H
1 VALUE
2
3 Text Containing A Number Value
4 Annual turnover was £5000 Err:502 =VALUE(MID(C4,SEARCH("£",C4),99))
5
6 There was a 2% increase in sales. #VALUE!
8 A 100% increase was achieved. #VALUE!
9 Only a 2% increase in sales. #VALUE!
10 Approx 50% increase in sales. #VALUE!
11 There was a 100% increase in sales. #VALUE! * See explanation below.
12 =VALUE(MID(SUBSTITUTE(C11," "," "),SEARCH("???%",SUBSTITUTE(C11," "," ")),4))
13
14 The winning time was 1:30 seconds. #VALUE! =VALUE(MID(C14,SEARCH("??:??",C14),5))
18
20 This function converts a piece of text which resembles a number into an actual value.
21 If the number in the middle of a long piece of text it will have to be extracted using other
22 text functions such as =SEARCH(), =MID(), =FIND(), =SUBSTITUTE, =LEFT() or =RIGHT().
23
24 Syntax
25 =VALUE(TextToConvert)
26
27 Formatting
29 The result will be shown as a value, based upon the original text.
30 If the £ sign is included in the text it will be ignored.
31 If the % sign is included in the text, the result will be a decimal fraction which can then
32 be formatted as a percentage.
33 If the original text format appears as a time hh:mm the result will be a time.
34 The same will be true for other recognised formats.
35
36
37 Explanation of formula shown above.
38 To extract the values from the following text is complicated!
39 The actual percentage value is of variable length, it can be either one, two or three digits long.
40 The only way to identify the value is the fact it always ends with the % sign.
41 There is no way to identify the beginning of the value, other than it is preceded by a space.
42 The main problem is calculating the length of the value to extract.
43 If the extraction assumes the maximum length of three digits and the % sign, errors will occur
44 when the percentage is only one digit long, as alphabetic characters will be included.
45 To get around the problem the =SUBSTITUTE() function was used to increase the size of the
46 spaces in the text.
47 Now when the extraction takes place any unnecessary characters will be spaces which are
48 ignored by the =VALUE() function.
49
53
54 =VALUE(MID(SUBSTITUTE(C52," "," "),SEARCH("???%",SUBSTITUTE(C52," "," ")),4))
Excel Function Dictionary VAR
1 VAR
2
4 10 10 10
5 10 10 11
6 9 11 9
7 10 10 12
8
9 0.25 0.25 1.6666667
10 =VAR(C4:C7) =VAR(E4:E7) =VAR(G4:G7)
11
13 This function calculates the sample population variance of a list of values.
14 A sample population is used when the list of values represents a sample of a population.
15
16 Syntax
17 =VAR(Range1,Range2,Range3 through to Range30)
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example
25 Three machines were short listed and allow to run for a day.
26 At the end of the day four boxes of soap powder were picked at random from the production
27 of each machine.
28 The boxes were weighed and the =VAR() function used as these boxes only represented
29 a sample of the complete days production.
30 The machine with the smallest variance was the most consistent.
31
34 Machine 1 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.5 0.0067 =VAR(D34:G34)
35 Machine 2 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.5 0.0025 =VAR(D35:G35)
36 Machine 3 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 0.0167 =VAR(D36:G36)
37
39
42
44 This finds the lowest value. =MIN(H34:H36)
Excel Function Dictionary VARP
1 VARP
2
4 10 10 10
5 10 10 11
6 9 11 9
7 10 10 12
8
9 0.1875 0.1875 1.25
10 =VARP(C4:C7) =VARP(E4:E7) =VARP(G4:G7)
11
13 This function calculates the variance of a list of values.
14 The variance is calculated on the basis that the values represent the entire population.
15
16 Syntax
17 =VARP(Range1,Range2,Range3 through to Range30)
18
19 Formatting
21
22 Example
25 A trial run a just four boxes per machine were produced.
26 The boxes were weighed and the =VARP() function used as these boxes
27 represented the entire test run.
28 The machine with the smallest variance was the most consistent.
29
32 Machine 1 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.5 0.0050 =VARP(D32:G32)
33 Machine 2 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.5 0.0019 =VARP(D33:G33)
34 Machine 3 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 0.0125 =VARP(D34:G34)
35
37
40
42 This finds the lowest value. =(MIN(H32:H34)
Excel Function Dictionary VLOOKUP
A B C D E F G H I J
1 VLOOKUP
2
3 The column numbers are not needed.
4 they are part of the illustration.
5 col 1 col 2 col 3 col 4 col 5 col 6
6 Jan 10 20 30 40 50
7 Feb 80 90 100 110 120
8 Mar 97 69 45 51 77
9
10
11 Type a month to look for : Feb
12 Which column needs to be picked out : 4
13
15 =VLOOKUP(G11,C6:H8,G12,FALSE)
16
18 This function scans down the row headings at the side of a table to find a specified item.
19 When the item is found, it then scans across to pick a cell entry.
20
21 Syntax
22 =VLOOKUP(ItemToFind,RangeToLookIn,ColumnToPickFrom,SortedOrUnsorted)
23 The ItemToFind is a single item specified by the user.
24 The RangeToLookIn is the range of data with the row headings at the left hand side.
25 The ColumnToPickFrom is how far across the table the function should look to pick from.
26 The Sorted/Unsorted is whether the column headings are sorted. TRUE for yes, FALSE for no.
27
28 Formatting
30
31 Example 1
32 This table is used to find a value based on a specified name and month.
33 The =VLOOKUP() is used to scan down to find the name.
34 The problem arises when we need to scan across to find the month column.
35 To solve the problem the =MATCH() function is used.
36
37 The =MATCH() looks through the list of names to find the month we require. It then calculates
38 the position of the month in the list. Unfortunately, because the list of months is not as wide
39 as the lookup range, the =MATCH() number is 1 less than we require, so and extra 1 is
40 added to compensate.
41
42 The =VLOOKUP() now uses this =MATCH() number to look across the columns and
43 picks out the correct cell entry.
44
45 The =VLOOKUP() uses FALSE at the end of the function to indicate to Excel that the
46 row headings are not sorted.
47
48
49 Jan Feb Mar
50 Bob 10 80 97
51 Eric 20 90 69
52 Alan 30 100 45
53 Carol 40 110 51
54 David 50 120 77
A B C D E F G H I J
55
56 Type a name to look for : eric
57 Type a month to look for : mar
58
60 =VLOOKUP(F56,C50:F54,MATCH(F57,D49:F49,0)+1,FALSE)
61
62 Example 2
63 This example shows how the =VLOOKUP() is used to pick the cost of a spare part for
64 different makes of cars.
65 The =VLOOKUP() scans down row headings in column F for the spare part entered in column C.
66 When the make is found, the =VLOOKUP() then scans across to find the price, using the
67 result of the =MATCH() function to find the position of the make of car.
68
69 The functions use the absolute ranges indicated by the dollar symbol . This ensures that
70 when the formula is copied to more cells, the ranges for =VLOOKUP() and =MATCH() do
71 not change.
72
73 Maker Spare Cost Lookup Table
74 Vauxhall Ignition £50 Vauxhall Ford VW
75 VW GearBox £600 GearBox 500 450 600
76 Ford Engine £1,200 Engine 1000 1200 800
77 VW Steering £275 Steering 250 350 275
78 Ford Ignition £70 Ignition 50 70 45
79 Ford CYHead £290 CYHead 300 290 310
80 Vauxhall GearBox £500
81 Ford Engine £1,200
82 =VLOOKUP(C81,F75:I79,MATCH(B81,G74:I74,0)+1,FALSE)
83
84
85 Example 3
86 In the following example a builders merchant is offering discount on large orders.
87 The Unit Cost Table holds the cost of 1 unit of Brick, Wood and Glass.
88 The Discount Table holds the various discounts for different quantities of each product.
89 The Orders Table is used to enter the orders and calculate the Total.
90
91 All the calculations take place in the Orders Table.
92 The name of the Item is typed in column C of the Orders Table.
93
94 The Unit Cost of the item is then looked up in the Unit Cost Table.
95 The FALSE option has been used at the end of the function to indicate that the product
96 names down the side of the Unit Cost Table are not sorted.
97 Using the FALSE option forces the function to search for an exact match. If a match is
98 not found, the function will produce an error.
99 =VLOOKUP(C126,C114:D116,2,FALSE)
100
101 The discount is then looked up in the Discount Table
102 If the Quantity Ordered matches a value at the side of the Discount Table the =VLOOKUP will
103 look across to find the correct discount.
104 The TRUE option has been used at the end of the function to indicate that the values
105 down the side of the Discount Table are sorted.
106 Using TRUE will allow the function to make an approximate match. If the Quantity Ordered does
107 not match a value at the side of the Discount Table, the next lowest value is used.
108 Trying to match an order of 125 will drop down to 100, and the discount from
A B C D E F G H I J
109 the 100 row is used.
110 =VLOOKUP(D126,F114:I116,MATCH(C126,G113:I113,0)+1,TRUE)
111
112 Discount Table
113 Unit Cost Table Brick Wood Glass
114 Brick £2 1 0% 0% 0%
115 Wood £1 100 6% 3% 12%
116 Glass £3 300 8% 5% 15%
117
118
119 Orders Table
120 Item Units Unit Cost Discount Total
121 Brick 100 £2 6% £188
122 Wood 200 £1 3% £194
123 Glass 150 £3 12% £396
124 Brick 225 £2 6% £423
125 Wood 50 £1 0% £50
126 Glass 500 £3 15% £1,275
127
128 Formula for :
129 Unit Cost =VLOOKUP(C126,C114:D116,2,FALSE)
130 Discount =VLOOKUP(D126,F114:I116,MATCH(C126,G113:I113,0)+1,TRUE)
131 Total =(D126*E126)-(D126*E126*F126)
Excel Function Dictionary WEEKDAY
A B C D E F G H
1 WEEKDAY
2
3 Date Weekday
4 Thu 01-Jan-98 5 =WEEKDAY(C4)
5 Thu 01-Jan-98 5 =WEEKDAY(C5)
6 Thu 01-Jan-98 5 =WEEKDAY(C6,1)
9
10 What Does It Do?
11 This function shows the day of the week from a date.
12
13 Syntax
14 =WEEKDAY(Date,Type)
15 Type : This is used to indicate the week day numbering system.
16 1 : will set Sunday as 1 through to Saturday as 7
17 2 : will set Monday as 1 through to Sunday as 7.
18 3 : will set Monday as 0 through to Sunday as 6.
19 If no number is specified, Excel will use 1.
20
21 Formatting
22 The result will be shown as a normal number.
23 To show the result as the name of the day, use Format, Cells, Custom and set
24 the Type to ddd or dddd.
25
26 Example
27 The following table was used by a hotel which rented a function room.
28 The hotel charged different rates depending upon which day of the week the booking was for.
29 The Booking Date is entered.
30 The Actual Day is calculated.
31 The Booking Cost is picked from a list of rates using the =LOOKUP() function.
32
33 Booking Date Actual Day Booking Cost
34 7-Jan-98 Wednesday £ 30.00
35 =LOOKUP(WEEKDAY(C34),C39:D45)
36
37 Booking Rates
38 Day Of Week Cost
39 1 £50
40 2 £25
41 3 £25
42 4 £30
43 5 £40
44 6 £50
45 7 £100
Excel Function Dictionary WORKDAY
A B C D E F G H
1 WORKDAY
2
3 StartDate Days Result
4 1-Jan-98 28 35836 =WORKDAY(D4,E4)
5 1-Jan-98 28 10-Feb-98 =WORKDAY(D5,E5)
6
7 What Does It Do?
8 Use this function to calculate a past or future date based on a starting date and a
9 specified number of days. The function excludes weekends and holidays and can
10 therefore be used to calculate delivery dates or invoice dates.
11
12 Syntax
13 =WORKDAY(StartDate,Days,Holidays)
14
15 Formatting
16 The result will normally be shown as a number which can be formatted to a
17 normal date by using Format,Cells,Number,Date.
18
19 Example
20 The following example shows how the function can be used to calculate delivery dates
21 based upon an initial Order Date and estimated Delivery Days.
22
23 Order Date Delivery Days Delivery Date
24 Mon 02-Feb-98 2 Wed 04-Feb-98
25 Tue 15-Dec-98 28 Tue 26-Jan-99
26 =WORKDAY(D25,E25,D28:D32)
27 Holidays
28 Bank Holiday Fri 01-May-98
29 Xmas Fri 25-Dec-98
30 New Year Wed 01-Jan-97
31 New Year Thu 01-Jan-98
32 New Year Fri 01-Jan-99
Excel Function Dictionary YEAR
A B C D E F G H I J
1 YEAR
2
3 Date Year
4 ### 1998 =YEAR(C4)
5
6 What Does It Do?
7 This function extracts the year number from a date.
8
9 Syntax
10 =YEAR(Date)
11
12 Formatting
13 The result is shown as a number.
Excel Function Dictionary YEARFRAC
A B C D E F G H
1 YEARFRAC
2
3 Start Date End Date Fraction
4 1-Jan-98 1-Apr-98 0.25 =YEARFRAC(C4,D4)
5 1-Jan-98 31-Dec-98 1 =YEARFRAC(C5,D5)
6 1-Jan-98 1-Apr-98 25% =YEARFRAC(C6,D6)
7
8 What Does It Do?
9 This function calculates the difference between two dates and expresses the result
10 as a decimal fraction.
11
12 Syntax
13 =YEARFRAC(StartDate,EndData,Basis)
14 Basis : Defines the calendar system to be used in the function.
15 0 : or omitted USA style 30 days per month divided by 360.
16 1 : 29 or 30 or 31 days per month divided by 365.
17 2 : 29 or 30 or 31 days per month divided by 360.
18 3 : 29 or 30 0r 31 days per month divided by 365.
19 4 : European 29 or 30 or 31 days divided by 360.
20
21 Formatting
22 The result will be shown as a decimal fraction, but can be formatted as a percent.
23
24 Example
25 The following table was used by a company which hired people on short term contracts
26 for a part of the year.
27 The Pro Rata Salary which represents the annual salary is entered.
28 The Start and End dates of the contract are entered.
29 The =YEARFRAC() function is used to calculate Actual Salary for the portion of the year.
30
31 Start End Pro Rata Salary Actual Salary
32 1-Jan-98 31-Dec-98 £12,000 £12,000 =YEARFRAC(B32,C32+1,4)*D32
33 1-Jan-98 31-Mar-98 £12,000 £3,000 =YEARFRAC(B33,C33+1,4)*D33
34 1-Jan-98 30-Jun-98 £12,000 £6,000 =YEARFRAC(B34,C34+1,4)*D34
35
36 Note
37 The extra 1 has been added to the End date to compensate for the fact that the =YEARFRAC()
38 function calculates from the Start date up to, but not including, the End date.
Excel Function Dictionary Project Dates
A B C D E F G H I
1 Project Dates House Building
2
3 Target Delivery Tue 27-Jan-98 Target Budget £ 12,000
4
Days
5
Job Stage Start Date Required End Date Daily Cost Total
6 Survey Mon 05-Jan-98 5 Fri 09-Jan-98 £ 200 £ 1,000
7 Foundation Mon 12-Jan-98 4 Thu 15-Jan-98 £ 1,000 £ 4,000
8 Walls Fri 16-Jan-98 3 Tue 20-Jan-98 £ 800 £ 2,400
9 Roof Wed 21-Jan-98 6 Wed 28-Jan-98 £ 400 £ 2,400
10 Electrics Thu 29-Jan-98 4 Tue 03-Feb-98 £ 300 £ 1,200
11
12 Actual Delivery Tue 03-Feb-98 Total Cost £ 11,000
13
14 Against Target 5 days behind Budget % 92%
15
16 Total Days 22

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Excel

What Is In The Dictionary ?

North Text headings are shown in grey.

=SUM(C13:C15) The formula used in the calulations is shown as blue text.

What Do The Buttons Do ?

1. Click on the function name, then

Analysis ToolPak indicates the

Click this button to sort alphabetically.

Using Different Monitor Settings

The colours are best suited to monitors capable of 256 colours.

Age Calculation Sample Sample Using DATEDIF()

INT Mathematical Built-in Rounds a number down to the nearest integer

9 The type of entry in the cell. v =CELL("type",D3)

13 Formatted for braces ( ) on positive values. 0 =CELL("parentheses",D3)

4 Air Cond Advertising

3 Start Characters New Modified

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