The most effective and easy way to use the CHOOSE function in Excel

Are you looking for a way to search for a value within a range of data in Excel but you don't know how? In today's article, we will share with you what the CHOOSE function in Excel is and how it can be used to easily and effectively select values.

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What is the CHOOSE function? Syntax of CHOOSE function in Excel

What is the CHOOSE function? Syntax of CHOOSE function in Excel

The CHOOSE function is used to search for a value in a range of values in a table using the syntax “=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, value2…)”.

Where:

  • index_num: The position of the returned data.
  • Value1: The first value being returned.
  • Value2: The second value being returned.

Note:

  • “Index_num limit” is in the range from 1 to 2.
  • “Index_num must be an integer” or the result of a formula, but it must be an integer value.
  • If the value of index_num is not an integer, the function returns “#Value! error value”.

How to use the CHOOSE function in Excel

Using the CHOOSE function to search for words

Example: Use the CHOOSE function to retrieve the value of text in the following table.

Step 1: In the Excel calculation data table, enter the formula “=CHOOSE(1, B5, C5)” in the reference cell where you want to display the result.

Function notation:

  • CHOOSE: Command function.
  • 1: The position of the first data returned.
  • B5: The first value being returned.
  • C5: The second value being returned.
Enter the formula =CHOOSE(1, B5, C5)

Step 2: Finally, press the Enter key.

Press Enter to display the result

Using the CHOOSE function to search for numbers

Example: Use the CHOOSE function to retrieve the numerical value in the following table.

Step 1: In the Excel calculation data table, enter the formula “=CHOOSE(2, B5, C5)” in the reference cell where you want to display the result.

Function notation:

  • CHOOSE: Command function.
  • 1: The position of the first data returned.
  • B5: The first value being returned.
  • C5: The second value being returned.
Enter the formula =CHOOSE(2, B5, C5)

Step 2: Press the “Enter” key to display the result.

Press the Enter key to display the result

Combining the CHOOSE function with the WEEKDAY function

You can combine the CHOOSE function with the WEEKDAY function to determine the day of the week starting from that date.

Example: Based on the date to find the days of the week.

In the Excel calculation data table, you “enter the formula =CHOOSE(WEEKDAY(A2), “Sunday”, “Monday”, “Tuesday”, “Wednesday”, “Thursday”, “Friday”, “Saturday”) “.

Function modifiers:

  • A2 is the position of the cell containing the date.
  • The WEEKDAY function returns the week in the year of a date in the past.

Combining the CHOOSE function and the SUM function

You can combine the CHOOSE function with the SUM function to calculate the sum of values.

  Example: Use the CHOOSE function in combination with the SUM function to calculate the sum of values in the following table.

Step 1: In the Excel calculation data table, enter the formula “=SUM(CHOOSE(1, E4: E9, D4: D9))” in the reference cell where you want to display the result.

Function notation:

  • SUM, CHOOSE: These are command functions.
  • 1: The position of the first data returned.
  • E4: E9: The range of the first values returned.
  • D4: D9: The range of the second values returned.

Step 2: Press the “Enter” key.

Enter the formula =SUM(CHOOSE(1, E4: E9, D4: D9))

Some notes when using the CHOOSE function

Notes when using the CHOOSE function in Excel

When using the CHOOSE function, you also need to note some of the following points:

  • If index_num equals 1, then the CHOOSE function returns value1, if index_num equals 2, then CHOOSE returns value2, similarly, if index_num equals 3, then the CHOOSE function returns value3….
  • If index_num is less than 1 or greater than the last value in the list, the CHOOSE function returns the #VALUE! error value.
  • If index_num is a fraction, it will be truncated to the lowest integer before being used.
  • The arguments for the value of the CHOOSE function can be numbers, cell references, specific names, formulas, functions, or text. The value of value1 is required, while other values are optional.

Conclusion

Above is a detailed guide on how to use the CHOOSE function in Excel with easy-to-understand illustrated images. I hope this article has helped you understand how to use the CHOOSE function in Excel easily and effectively. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to share if you find it useful.

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Frequently asked questions

The CHOOSE function is a built-in Excel function that allows you to select a value from a list of choices based on a given index number. The syntax is CHOOSE(index_num, value1, value2, …). You provide the index number as the first argument, and then list out the corresponding values. Excel will return the value associated with the given index number.

The CHOOSE function is versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. For example, you can use it to create dynamic drop-down lists, perform calculations based on specific conditions, translate values, and more. By combining it with other functions like INDEX, MATCH, and INDIRECT, you can further enhance its capabilities and create powerful formulas.

Yes, the CHOOSE function can also work with text values. You can use it to translate text or perform text manipulations. For example, =CHOOSE(2, “Apple”, “Banana”, “Cherry”) will return “Banana” as the chosen text value.

If you encounter errors with the CHOOSE function, first check that the index number you provided is valid and within the range of the listed values. Also, ensure that the values you want to choose are not error values themselves. Additionally, be cautious when using the CHOOSE function with volatile functions like INDIRECT, as it can impact calculation performance.

Yes, depending on your specific use case, you can consider using functions like VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, IFS, or SWITCH as alternatives to the CHOOSE function. Each of these functions has its own advantages and use cases, so choosing the right function depends on the specific requirements of your data and formulas.

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