Finding the Correct Excel Function

The first step to using an Excel function is finding the one you need! Even when you do know the one you need, you may not remember all the arguments it takes. You can find a function in the Insert Function dialog box in two ways:

• Search: Type one or more keywords or a phrase into the Search for a Function box. Then click the Go button.

If a match is made, the Or Select a Category drop-down list displays Recommended, and the Select a Function box displays a list of the functions that match your search.

If no match is made, the Or Select a Category drop-down list displays Most Recently Used functions, and the most recently used functions appear in the Select a Function dialog box.

• Browse: Click the Or Select a Category down arrow and from the drop-down list, select All, or select an actual function category. When an actual category is selected, the Select a Function box updates to just the relevant functions. You can look through the list to find the function you want.

Table 1 lists the categories in the Or Select a Category drop-down list. Finding the function you need is different from knowing which function you need. Excel is great at giving you the functions, but you do need to know what to ask for.

Table 1: Function Categories in the Insert Function Dialog Box