What are arrays in excel

An array in Excel is a structure that holds a collection of values. Arrays can be mapped perfectly to ranges in a spreadsheet, which is why they are so important in Excel. An array can be thought of as a row of values, a column of values, or a combination of rows and columns with values. All cell references like A1:A5 and C1:F5 have underlying arrays, though the array structure is invisible in most contexts.

Example

In the example above, the three ranges map to arrays in a «row by column» scheme like this:

B5:D5 // 1 row x 3 columns
B8:B10 // 3 rows x 1 column
B13:D14  // 2 rows x 3 columns

If we display the values in these ranges as arrays, we have:

B5:D5={"red","green","blue"}
B8:B10={"red";"green";"blue"} 
B13:D14={10,20,30;40,50,60}

Notice arrays must represent a rectangular structure.

Array syntax

All arrays in Excel are wrapped in curly brackets {} and the delimiters between array elements indicate rows and/or columns.  In the US version of Excel, a comma (,) separates columns and a semicolon (;) separates rows. For example, both arrays below contain numbers 1-3, but one is horizontal and one is vertical:

{1,2,3} // columns (horizontal)
{1;2;3} // rows (vertical)

Text values in an array appear in double quotes («») like this:

{"a","b","c"}

To «see» the array associated with a range, start a formula with an equal sign (=) and select the range. Then use the F9 key to inspect the underlying array. You can also use the ARRAYTOTEXT function to show how columns and rows are represented. Set format to 1 (strict) to see the complete array.

Delimiters in other languages

In other language versions of Excel, the delimiters for rows and column can vary. For example, the Spanish version of Excel uses a backslash () for columns and a semicolon (;) for rows:

{123} // columns
{1;2;3} // rows

Arrays in formulas

Since arrays map directly to ranges, all formulas work with arrays in some way, though it isn’t always obvious. A simple example is a formula that uses the SUM function to sum the range A1:A5, which contains 10,15,20,25,30. Inside SUM, the range resolves to an array of values. SUM then sums all values in the array and returns a single result of 100:

=SUM(A1:A5)
=SUM({10;15;20;25;30})
=100

Note: you can use the F9 key to «see» arrays in your Excel formulas. See this video for a demo on using F9 to debug.

Array formulas

Array formulas involve an operation that delivers an array of results. For example, here is a simple array formula that returns the total count of characters in the range A1:A5:

=SUM(LEN(A1:A5))

Inside the LEN function, A1:A5 is expanded to an array of values. The LEN function then generates a character count for each value and returns an array of 5 results. The SUM function then returns the sum of all items in the array.  

Dynamic arrays

With the introduction of Dynamic Array formulas in Excel, arrays have become more important, since it is easier than ever to write formulas that work with multiple results at the same time. 

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Содержание

  1. What is an array?
  2. Transcript
  3. Working with Excel array formula examples
  4. Types of Excel functions
  5. Array formulas syntax
  6. Working functions with Excel array
  7. Array
  8. Related terminology
  9. Example
  10. Array syntax
  11. Delimiters in other languages
  12. Arrays in formulas
  13. Array formulas
  14. Dynamic arrays
  15. Excel worksheet arrays and vectors
  16. 0. Arrays
  17. 1. Arrays — concepts
  18. Dimension
  19. Name Manager curly braces «<>«
  20. Function Arguments curly braces «<>«
  21. Formula F2 F9 curly braces «<>«
  22. 2. Arrays — element wise operators
  23. Example — Excel Online #1

What is an array?

Transcript

In this video, we’ll answer the question «what is an array?»

The term «array» comes from programming, but you’ll hear it come up often in the context of more advanced Excel formulas.

What does it really mean?

An array is a structure or container that holds a collection of items.

For example, this array contains 3 items, the numbers 10, 20, and 30:

And this array contains three text strings:

Note that arrays in Excel are always enclosed in curly braces.

The reason arrays come up so often in Excel formulas is that arrays can be mapped directly to ranges.

Arrays can be vertical, horizontal, or two-dimensional.

Vertical arrays have items separated with semicolons.

Horizontal arrays use commas.

Two-dimensional arrays use both commas and semicolons.

In this worksheet, we can represent the values in the range B6:B10 in an array like this:

Notice there are 5 cells in the range, and 5 items in the array.

The range D8:F8 can be represented in an array like this:

the range H5:I7 corresponds to a 2D array like this:

You can inspect arrays in a formula by using the F9 key. For example, if I start a formula with:

I can then use the F9 key to see the array that corresponds to this range.

In fact, if I copy this array to the clipboard, then start another formula and then paste, you can see that Excel understands how to map the items in the array to individual cells.

If I change a value manually, the corresponding cell updates.

Arrays like this — where all values are hardcoded — are called «array constants».

Array constants are useful in many formulas, and we’ll see more examples later on in the course.

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Working with Excel array formula examples

The array of Excel functions allows you to solve complex tasks in automatically at the same time. We cannot complete the same tasks through the usual functions.

In fact, this is a group of functions that simultaneously process a group of data and immediately produce a result. Let’s consider in detail work with arrays of functions in Excel.

Types of Excel functions

Array is a data grouped together. In this case, the group is an array of functions in Excel. Any table that we compose and fill in Excel can be called an array. Example:

Depending on the location of the elements, the arrays are distinguished:

  • One-dimensional (data is in ONE line or in ONE column);
  • Two-dimensional (SEVERAL lines and columns, matrix).

One-dimensional arrays are:

  • Horizontal (data in a row);
  • Vertical (data in a column).

Note. Two-dimensional Excel arrays can take several sheets at once (these are hundreds and thousands of data).

Array formula allows you to process data from this array. It can return one value or result in an array (set) of values.

With the help of array formulas it is real to:

  • Count the number of characters in a certain range;
  • Summarize only those numbers that correspond to the given condition;
  • Summarize all n values in a certain range.

When we use array formulas, Excel takes into account the range of values not as individual cells, but as a single data block.

Array formulas syntax

We use the formula of an array with a range of cells and with a separate cell. In the first case, we find the subtotals for the «To pay» «» column. In the second — the total amount of utility payments.

  1. We select the range E3: E8.
  2. Enter the following formula in the formula row: = C3: C8 * D3: D8.
  3. Press the keys simultaneously: Ctrl + Shift + Enter. The subtotals are calculated:

The formula after pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter was in curly brackets. It was automatically inserted into each cell of the selected range.

If you try to change the data in any cell in the «To pay» column, nothing happens. The formula in the array protects range values from changes. A corresponding entry appears on the screen:

Consider other examples of using the functions of an Excel array — calculate the total amount of utility payments using a single formula.

  1. Select the cell E9 (opposite the «Total»).
  2. We introduce a formula of the form:
  3. Press the key combination: Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Result:

The formula of the array in this case replaced two simple formulas. This is a shortened version, which contains all the necessary information for solving a complex problem.

Arguments for a function are one-dimensional arrays. The formula looks at each of them individually, performs user-defined operations, and generates a single result.

Consider the syntax:

Working functions with Excel array

Let’s guess that it is planned to increase utility payments in 10% the next month. If we introduce the usual formula for the total is =SUM((C3:C8*D3:D8)+10%), then we are unlikely to get the expected result. We need each argument to increase in 10%. For the program to understand this, we use the function as an array.

  1. Let’s have a look how the «И» «AND» operator works in the array function. We need to find out how much we pay for the water, hot and cold. Function: The total is 86.46$.
  2. The Sort functions in the array formula. Sort the amounts to be paid in ascending order. For the sorted data list, create a range. Let’s select it (F3:F7). In the formula bar, we enter Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  3. The transported matrix. There is a special Excel function for working with two-dimensional arrays. The «ТРАНСП» function returns several values at once. It converts a horizontal matrix to a vertical matrix and vice versa. Select the range of cells where the number of rows equals to the number of columns in the table with the original data. And the number of columns equals to the number of rows in the source array. Select range A9:F10. We introduce the formula: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. This results in an «inverted» data set.
  4. Search for the average without taking into account zeros. If we use the standard «AVERAGE» function, we get «0» as a result. And it will be correct. Therefore, we insert an additional condition into the formula:

0,A1:A8))’ >

A common mistake when working with arrays of functions is NOT to press the code combination «Ctrl + Shift + Enter» (never forget this key combination). This is the most important thing to remember when processing large amounts of information. Correctly entered function performs the most complicated tasks.

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Array

An array in Excel is a structure that holds a collection of values. Arrays can be mapped perfectly to ranges in a spreadsheet, which is why they are so important in Excel. An array can be thought of as a row of values, a column of values, or a combination of rows and columns with values. All cell references like A1:A5 and C1:F5 have underlying arrays, though the array structure is invisible in most contexts.

Example

In the example above, the three ranges map to arrays in a «row by column» scheme like this:

If we display the values in these ranges as arrays, we have:

Notice arrays must represent a rectangular structure.

Array syntax

All arrays in Excel are wrapped in curly brackets <> and the delimiters between array elements indicate rows and/or columns. In the US version of Excel, a comma (,) separates columns and a semicolon (;) separates rows. For example, both arrays below contain numbers 1-3, but one is horizontal and one is vertical:

Text values in an array appear in double quotes («») like this:

To «see» the array associated with a range, start a formula with an equal sign (=) and select the range. Then use the F9 key to inspect the underlying array. You can also use the ARRAYTOTEXT function to show how columns and rows are represented. Set format to 1 (strict) to see the complete array.

Delimiters in other languages

In other language versions of Excel, the delimiters for rows and column can vary. For example, the Spanish version of Excel uses a backslash () for columns and a semicolon (;) for rows:

Arrays in formulas

Since arrays map directly to ranges, all formulas work with arrays in some way, though it isn’t always obvious. A simple example is a formula that uses the SUM function to sum the range A1:A5, which contains 10,15,20,25,30. Inside SUM, the range resolves to an array of values. SUM then sums all values in the array and returns a single result of 100:

Note: you can use the F9 key to «see» arrays in your Excel formulas. See this video for a demo on using F9 to debug.

Array formulas

Array formulas involve an operation that delivers an array of results. For example, here is a simple array formula that returns the total count of characters in the range A1:A5:

Inside the LEN function, A1:A5 is expanded to an array of values. The LEN function then generates a character count for each value and returns an array of 5 results. The SUM function then returns the sum of all items in the array.

Dynamic arrays

With the introduction of Dynamic Array formulas in Excel, arrays have become more important, since it is easier than ever to write formulas that work with multiple results at the same time.

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Excel worksheet arrays and vectors

This material about arrays and vectors involves three concepts:

  1. Excel structures able to hold data, most commonly, the array of cells on a worksheet (by reference, name or constant)
  2. mathematical element wise array operations, and
  3. matrix based linear algebra array operations

0. Arrays

An array can be described as a group of items that can be acted on either individually or collectively. An array’s orientation is classified by its dimension (such as column orientation, or row orientation, discussed further in section 1). In Excel the concept is best illustrated by example, see figure 1 (worksheet: WS arrays) where «a group of items» means a contiguous range, In particular, an array can be a:

  • Scalar — a single cell
  • Column array (column vector) — range B2:B7 shaded green
  • Row array (row vector) — range B9:E9 shaded blue
  • Multi dimensional array — range B11:D14 shaded grey

The expressions «scalar», «row vector» and «column vector» are common to the MatLab (matrix laboratory) application software.

Fig 1: Column, Row and MultiDimensional array — CollArr (6R x 1C), RowArr (1R x 4C), and MDArr (4R x 3C) 12 elements

1. Arrays — concepts

Dimension

The size of an array is described by the number of rows and number of columns. By convention the dimension is always rows first and columns second, in the spirit of R1C1 reference style, and the ordering of row and column arguments in functions such as INDEX and OFFSET.

Excel uses [mR x nR] during selection resizing operations (m and n are common to MatLab). MatLab uses m x n notation, with m being the number of rows (first dimension) and n being the number of columns (second dimension). Thus [2R x 3C] is a 2 row by 3 column array.

An array is contiguous, meaning rectangular / square, and a worksheet array can be referenced by the top left cell and bottom right cell with the range operator, see B11:DF14 in figure 1. Some functions return an array (eg. the TRANSPOSE and MMULT functions).

Dimensions (from figure 1):

  • Scalar: dimension 1 x 1 (not shown in figure)
  • Column vector: named ColArr , dimension 6 x 1, number of elements 6
  • Row vector: named RowArr , dimension 1 x 4, number of elements 4
  • MultiDimensional array: a two dimensional array named MDArr , dimension 4 x 3, number of elements 12

In mathematics, the arrays in figure 1 can presented in the form:

$$text=begin r1 \ r2 \ r3 \ r4 \ r5 \ r6 end, qquad text=begin c1 & c2 & c3 & c4 end qquad text=begin r1c1 & r1c2 & r1c3 \ r2c1 & r2c2 & r2c3 \ r3c1 & r3c2 & r3c3 \ r4c1 & r4c2 & r4c3 end$$

where [ ] represents the array.

Name Manager curly braces «<>«

In Excel there are two representations of arrays:

  1. the worksheet depiction in figure 1, and
  2. computer memory depictions such as the Value and Refers To field of the Name Manager (figure 2)

Fig 2: Name Manager — with details of Row, Column, and MultiDimensional arrays (1), and an array constant (2)

The three arrays from figure 1 are stored arrays link and are labeled in figure 2

  • Excel arrays use opening «<» and closing «>» curly braces
  • Arrays are constructed on a row by row basis
  • Individual elements are separated by a comma «,»
  • End of row is marked by a semi-colon «;» except for the last row
  • These formats do not apply to a scalar

In Excel array notation:

  1. Name: ColArr ; Value:
  2. Name: RowArr ; Value:
  3. Name: MDArr ; Value:

«Refers To» field

The array ArrConst , labeled in figure 2 is a named array constant. It has 2 x 2 dimension and is used in the Named Array Const worksheet in figure 3.

Fig 3: Named Array constant — named ArrConst with dimension 2 x 2

In Excel array notation, the named array constant has:

  1. Name: ArrConst ;
  2. Value: <. >curly braces with a horizontal ellipses;
  3. Refers To:

To enter the array, select a 2 x 2 range, type =ArrConst in the Formula Bar, then press Control + Shift + Enter to complete the formula.

A named array constant

  • can contain numbers, text, logical values (TRUE and FALSE) and error values (like #N/A!)
  • all text must be in double quotes «»
  • cannot contain other arrays, formulas, or functions
  • percentages must be decimal or text (0.10 or «10%»)

Function Arguments curly braces «<>«

Array values are displayed in the Function Arguments dialog box to the right of the argument name (figure 4). A maximum of 36 characters are shown.

Fig 4: Function Arguments — with details of Column vector CollArr from figure 2, demonstrated with the COUNTA function

Formula F2 F9 curly braces «<>«

You can check the values in an array (or reference) with the F2 F9 sequence. In figure 5, the cell F2 has the formula =COUNTA(ColArr) . To check the values in the array

  1. switch to Edit mode by pressing F2
  2. select the reference ColArr in the Formula Bar
  3. press F9 to debug part of a formula. The result is displayed in the figure
  4. this technique is limited by the formula maximum of 8,192 characters (2 ^ 13)

Fig 5: Formula with an array argument — the Column vector ColArr, in Edit mode (F2) Select F9 to debug part of a formula ie. view the array

2. Arrays — element wise operators

Operations on an array, as described in section 2, requires an array formula which has several distinct features compared to a conventional formula in Excel.

  • An array formula is completed by pressing the CONTROL + SHIFT + ENTER key sequence often referred to by the abbreviation CSE formula
  • There two distinct types of operations involving arrays
    1. Element by element, and
    2. Matrix (based on linear algebra)
  • Only element by element is covered in this module
  • (Generally) Each array must have the same magnitude and direction. In other words, the name dimension (excluding 1 x 1 scalar arrays)
  • You cannot edit or delete part of an array. You must select the current array — use the Ctrl + / shortcut, or Home > Editing > Find & Select > GoTo Special > Current array

Example — Excel Online #1

From the «element wise» worksheet in figure 6. The example uses two row vectors each of dimension (1 x 3). The range names of the arrays and values are: x = [1,2,3] , and y = [4,5,6] , and they appear in rows 4 and 5 of figure 6

WS1: the element wise worksheet demonstrates:

  1. Addition
  2. Subtraction
  3. Multiplication
  4. Division
  5. Scalar addition
  6. Scalar subtraction
  7. Scalar multiplication
  8. Scalar division
  9. Scalar exponentiation
  10. Scalar logical

Fig 6: Excel Online #1 — WS1: element by element array operations (1 to 4), and element by scalar constant (5 to 10), WS2: — Units x Price to Sales example. WS3: — 100 records no IF filter WS4: NPV using the VisiCalc handbook numbers and the xlf Carrot Washer example

WS2: The U x P >> Sales worksheet demonstrates a small data base of Unit number and Price data, the user is required to:

  1. Calculate Total Sales using normal cell formulae and the SUM function
  2. Calculate Total Sales using CSE formulae for sales then SUM
  3. Calculate Total Sales using CSE formulae in the final cell
  4. Repeat step 3 using the Excel SUMPRODUCT function

Each vector is 6 x 1.

WS3: The 100 records no IF filter worksheet uses the 100 records data base to demonstrate vector logical CSE formulas. Required:

  1. Sum product A, B and C for Salesperson = «Wong»
  2. Sum product A, B and C for Salesperson = «Wong» AND Month = «September»
  3. Sum product A for Salesperson = «Wong» AND Product A >= 10 AND Product A

Each field column uses the label as vector name. For example, the Invoice No field has vector name Invoice_No

The CSE formulas are (in Ready mode):

WS4: The NPV as CSE worksheet uses using the VisiCalc handbook numbers, and the xlf Carrot Washer example.

The technique is a direct interpretation of the NPV equation — $$begin NPV=sum_^ frac <(1+k)^t>end$$ where the initial cash flow at time zero and future cash flows at time (t) are denoted (C_t) over (n) periods. (k) is the periodic discount rate.

Using equation 1, the application is:

Fig 7: Formula with an array argument — the Column vector ColArr, in Edit mode (F2) Select F9 to debug part of a formula ie. view the array

The CSE formulas for the NPV estimates are:

  1. VisiCalc =SUM(Cashflows / (1 + Disc) ^ <0;1;2;3;4;5>) returns 35,898.32, where <0;1;2;3;4;5>is an array constant (column orientation 6 by 1)
  2. carrot washer =SUM(Cashflows2 / (1 + Disc2) ^ (ROW(1:6) — 1)) returns 17,427.61
  • Development platform: Excel 2016 (64 bit) Office 365 ProPlus on Windows 10
  • Related material:Add a series of relative offset names to the Name Manager
  • O’Connor I, (2015) Convert lower triangle table to full matrix. Includes discussion of array / matrix dimension and element indexing
  • O’Connor I, (2017) Excel functions with array arguments. Includes array (CSE) and enter formulas
  • O’Connor I, (2015) Vector to array constant. Includes VBA code for text based vector
  • Revised: Saturday 25th of February 2023 — 10:12 AM, [Australian Eastern Time (AET)]

Copyright © 2011 – 2023 ♦ Dr Ian O’Connor, CPA. | Privacy policy

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An array formula is a formula that can perform multiple calculations on one or more items in an array. You can think of an array as a row or column of values, or a combination of rows and columns of values. Array formulas can return either multiple results, or a single result.

Beginning with the September 2018 update for Microsoft 365, any formula that can return multiple results will automatically spill them either down, or across into neighboring cells. This change in behavior is also accompanied by several new dynamic array functions. Dynamic array formulas, whether they’re using existing functions or the dynamic array functions, only need to be input into a single cell, then confirmed by pressing Enter. Earlier, legacy array formulas require first selecting the entire output range, then confirming the formula with Ctrl+Shift+Enter. They’re commonly referred to as CSE formulas.

You can use array formulas to perform complex tasks, such as:

  • Quickly create sample datasets.

  • Count the number of characters contained in a range of cells.

  • Sum only numbers that meet certain conditions, such as the lowest values in a range, or numbers that fall between an upper and lower boundary.

  • Sum every Nth value in a range of values.

The following examples show you how to create multi-cell and single-cell array formulas. Where possible, we’ve included examples with some of the dynamic array functions, as well as existing array formulas entered as both dynamic and legacy arrays.

Download our examples

Download an example workbook with all the array formula examples in this article.

This exercise shows you how to use multi-cell and single-cell array formulas to calculate a set of sales figures. The first set of steps uses a multi-cell formula to calculate a set of subtotals. The second set uses a single-cell formula to calculate a grand total.

  • Multi-cell array formula

    Multi-cell array function in cell H10 =F10:F19*G10:G19 to calculate number of cars sold by unit price

  • Here we’re calculating Total Sales of coupes and sedans for each salesperson by entering =F10:F19*G10:G19 in cell H10.

    When you press Enter, you’ll see the results spill down to cells H10:H19. Notice that the spill range is highlighted with a border when you select any cell within the spill range. You might also notice that the formulas in cells H10:H19 are grayed out. They’re just there for reference, so if you want to adjust the formula, you’ll need to select cell H10, where the master formula lives.

  • Single-cell array formula

    Single-cell array formula to calculate a grand total with =SUM(F10:F19*G10:G19)

    In cell H20 of the example workbook, type or copy and paste =SUM(F10:F19*G10:G19), and then press Enter.

    In this case, Excel multiplies the values in the array (the cell range F10 through G19), and then uses the SUM function to add the totals together. The result is a grand total of $1,590,000 in sales.

    This example shows how powerful this type of formula can be. For example, suppose you have 1,000 rows of data. You can sum part or all of that data by creating an array formula in a single cell instead of dragging the formula down through the 1,000 rows. Also, notice that the single-cell formula in cell H20 is completely independent of the multi-cell formula (the formula in cells H10 through H19). This is another advantage of using array formulas — flexibility. You could change the other formulas in column H without affecting the formula in H20. It can also be good practice to have independent totals like this, as it helps validate the accuracy of your results.

  • Dynamic array formulas also offer these advantages:

    • Consistency    If you click any of the cells from H10 downward, you see the same formula. That consistency can help ensure greater accuracy.

    • Safety    You can’t overwrite a component of a multi-cell array formula. For example, click cell H11 and press Delete. Excel won’t change the array’s output. To change it, you need to select the top-left cell in the array, or cell H10.

    • Smaller file sizes    You can often use a single array formula instead of several intermediate formulas. For example, the car sales example uses one array formula to calculate the results in column E. If you had used standard formulas such as =F10*G10, F11*G11, F12*G12, etc., you would have used 11 different formulas to calculate the same results. That’s not a big deal, but what if you had thousands of rows to total? Then it can make a big difference.

    • Efficiency    Array functions can be an efficient way to build complex formulas. The array formula =SUM(F10:F19*G10:G19) is the same as this: =SUM(F10*G10,F11*G11,F12*G12,F13*G13,F14*G14,F15*G15,F16*G16,F17*G17,F18*G18,F19*G19).

    • Spilling    Dynamic array formulas will automatically spill into the output range. If your source data is in an Excel table, then your dynamic array formulas will automatically resize as you add or remove data.

    • #SPILL! error    Dynamic arrays introduced the #SPILL! error, which indicates that the intended spill range is blocked for some reason. When you resolve the blockage, the formula will automatically spill.

Array constants are a component of array formulas. You create array constants by entering a list of items and then manually surrounding the list with braces ({ }), like this:

={1,2,3,4,5} or ={«January»,»February»,»March»}

If you separate the items by using commas, you create a horizontal array (a row). If you separate the items by using semicolons, you create a vertical array (a column). To create a two-dimensional array, you delimit the items in each row with commas, and delimit each row with semicolons.

The following procedures will give you some practice in creating horizontal, vertical, and two-dimensional constants. We’ll show examples using the SEQUENCE function to automatically generate array constants, as well as manually entered array constants.

  • Create a horizontal constant

    Use the workbook from the previous examples, or create a new workbook. Select any empty cell and enter =SEQUENCE(1,5). The SEQUENCE function builds a 1 row by 5 column array the same as ={1,2,3,4,5}. The following result is displayed:

    Create a horizontal array constant with =SEQUENCE(1,5) or ={1,2,3,4,5}

  • Create a vertical constant

    Select any blank cell with room beneath it, and enter =SEQUENCE(5), or ={1;2;3;4;5}. The following result is displayed:

    Create a vertical array constant with =SEQUENCE(5), or ={1;2;3;4;5}

  • Create a two-dimensional constant

    Select any blank cell with room to the right and beneath it, and enter =SEQUENCE(3,4). You see the following result:

    Create a 3 row by 4 column array constant with =SEQUENCE(3,4)

    You can also enter: or ={1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}, but you’ll want to pay attention to where you put semi-colons versus commas.

    As you can see, the SEQUENCE option offers significant advantages over manually entering your array constant values. Primarily, it saves you time, but it can also help reduce errors from manual entry. It’s also easier to read, especially as the semi-colons can be hard to distinguish from the comma separators.

Here’s an example that uses array constants as part of a bigger formula. In the sample workbook, go to the Constant in a formula worksheet, or create a new worksheet.

In cell D9, we entered =SEQUENCE(1,5,3,1), but you could also enter 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in cells A9:H9. There’s nothing special about that particular number selection, we just chose something other than 1-5 for differentiation.

In cell E11, enter =SUM(D9:H9*SEQUENCE(1,5)), or =SUM(D9:H9*{1,2,3,4,5}). The formulas return 85.

Use array constants in formulas. In this example, we used =SUM(D9:H(*SEQUENCE(1,5))

The SEQUENCE function builds the equivalent of the array constant {1,2,3,4,5}. Because Excel performs operations on expressions enclosed in parentheses first, the next two elements that come into play are the cell values in D9:H9, and the multiplication operator (*). At this point, the formula multiplies the values in the stored array by the corresponding values in the constant. It’s the equivalent of:

=SUM(D9*1,E9*2,F9*3,G9*4,H9*5), or =SUM(3*1,4*2,5*3,6*4,7*5)

Finally, the SUM function adds the values, and returns 85.

To avoid using the stored array and keep the operation entirely in memory, you can replace it with another array constant:

=SUM(SEQUENCE(1,5,3,1)*SEQUENCE(1,5)), or =SUM({3,4,5,6,7}*{1,2,3,4,5})

Elements that you can use in array constants

  • Array constants can contain numbers, text, logical values (such as TRUE and FALSE), and error values such as #N/A. You can use numbers in integer, decimal, and scientific formats. If you include text, you need to surround it with quotation marks («text”).

  • Array constants can’t contain additional arrays, formulas, or functions. In other words, they can contain only text or numbers that are separated by commas or semicolons. Excel displays a warning message when you enter a formula such as {1,2,A1:D4} or {1,2,SUM(Q2:Z8)}. Also, numeric values can’t contain percent signs, dollar signs, commas, or parentheses.

One of the best ways to use array constants is to name them. Named constants can be much easier to use, and they can hide some of the complexity of your array formulas from others. To name an array constant and use it in a formula, do the following:

Go to Formulas > Defined Names > Define Name. In the Name box, type Quarter1. In the Refers to box, enter the following constant (remember to type the braces manually):

={«January»,»February»,»March»}

The dialog box should now look like this:

Add a named array constant from Formulas > Defined Names > Name Manager > New

Click OK, then select any row with three blank cells, and enter =Quarter1.

The following result is displayed:

Use a named array constant in a formula, like =Quarter1, where Quarter1 has been defined as ={"January","February","March"}

If you want the results to spill vertically instead of horizontally, you can use =TRANSPOSE(Quarter1).

If you want to display a list of 12 months, like you might use when building a financial statement, you can base one off the current year with the SEQUENCE function. The neat thing about this function is that even though only the month is displaying, there is a valid date behind it that you can use in other calculations. You’ll find these examples on the Named array constant and Quick sample dataset worksheets in the example workbook.

=TEXT(DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),SEQUENCE(1,12),1),»mmm»)

Use a combination of the TEXT, DATE, YEAR, TODAY, and SEQUENCE functions to build a dynamic list of 12 months

This uses the DATE function to create a date based on the current year, SEQUENCE creates an array constant from 1 to 12 for January through December, then the TEXT function converts the display format to «mmm» (Jan, Feb, Mar, etc.). If you wanted to display the full month name, such as January, you’d use «mmmm».

When you use a named constant as an array formula, remember to enter the equal sign, as in =Quarter1, not just Quarter1. If you don’t, Excel interprets the array as a string of text and your formula won’t work as expected. Finally, keep in mind that you can use combinations of functions, text and numbers. It all depends on how creative you want to get.

The following examples demonstrate a few of the ways in which you can put array constants to use in array formulas. Some of the examples use the TRANSPOSE function to convert rows to columns and vice versa.

  • Multiple each item in an array

    Enter =SEQUENCE(1,12)*2, or ={1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}*2

    You can also divide with (/), add with (+), and subtract with (—).

  • Square the items in an array

    Enter =SEQUENCE(1,12)^2, or ={1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}^2

  • Find the square root of squared items in an array

    Enter =SQRT(SEQUENCE(1,12)^2), or =SQRT({1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}^2)

  • Transpose a one-dimensional row

    Enter =TRANSPOSE(SEQUENCE(1,5)), or =TRANSPOSE({1,2,3,4,5})

    Even though you entered a horizontal array constant, the TRANSPOSE function converts the array constant into a column.

  • Transpose a one-dimensional column

    Enter =TRANSPOSE(SEQUENCE(5,1)), or =TRANSPOSE({1;2;3;4;5})

    Even though you entered a vertical array constant, the TRANSPOSE function converts the constant into a row.

  • Transpose a two-dimensional constant

    Enter =TRANSPOSE(SEQUENCE(3,4)), or =TRANSPOSE({1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12})

    The TRANSPOSE function converts each row into a series of columns.

This section provides examples of basic array formulas.

  • Create an array from existing values

    The following example explains how to use array formulas to create a new array from an existing array.

    Enter =SEQUENCE(3,6,10,10), or ={10,20,30,40,50,60;70,80,90,100,110,120;130,140,150,160,170,180}

    Be sure to type { (opening brace) before you type 10, and } (closing brace) after you type 180, because you’re creating an array of numbers.

    Next, enter =D9#, or =D9:I11 in a blank cell. A 3 x 6 array of cells appears with the same values you see in D9:D11. The # sign is called the spilled range operator, and it’s Excel’s way of referencing the entire array range instead of having to type it out.

    Use the spilled range operator (#) to reference an existing array

  • Create an array constant from existing values

    You can take the results of a spilled array formula and convert that into its component parts. Select cell D9, then press F2 to switch to edit mode. Next, press F9 to convert the cell references to values, which Excel then converts into an array constant. When you press Enter, the formula, =D9#, should now be ={10,20,30;40,50,60;70,80,90}.

  • Count characters in a range of cells

    The following example shows you how to count the number of characters in a range of cells. This includes spaces.

    Count the total number of characters in a range, and other arrays for working with text strings

    =SUM(LEN(C9:C13))

    In this case, the LEN function returns the length of each text string in each of the cells in the range. The SUM function then adds those values together and displays the result (66). If you wanted to get average number of characters, you could use:

    =AVERAGE(LEN(C9:C13))

  • Contents of longest cell in range C9:C13

    =INDEX(C9:C13,MATCH(MAX(LEN(C9:C13)),LEN(C9:C13),0),1)

    This formula works only when a data range contains a single column of cells.

    Let’s take a closer look at the formula, starting from the inner elements and working outward. The LEN function returns the length of each of the items in the cell range D2:D6. The MAX function calculates the largest value among those items, which corresponds to the longest text string, which is in cell D3.

    Here’s where things get a little complex. The MATCH function calculates the offset (the relative position) of the cell that contains the longest text string. To do that, it requires three arguments: a lookup value, a lookup array, and a match type. The MATCH function searches the lookup array for the specified lookup value. In this case, the lookup value is the longest text string:

    MAX(LEN(C9:C13)

    and that string resides in this array:

    LEN(C9:C13)

    The match type argument in this case is 0. The match type can be a 1, 0, or -1 value.

    • 1 — returns the largest value that is less than or equal to the lookup val

    • 0 — returns the first value exactly equal to the lookup value

    • -1 — returns the smallest value that is greater than or equal to the specified lookup value

    • If you omit a match type, Excel assumes 1.

    Finally, the INDEX function takes these arguments: an array, and a row and column number within that array. The cell range C9:C13 provides the array, the MATCH function provides the cell address, and the final argument (1) specifies that the value comes from the first column in the array.

    If you wanted to get the contents of the smallest text string, you would replace MAX in the above example with MIN.

  • Find the n smallest values in a range

    This example shows how to find the three smallest values in a range of cells, where an array of sample data in cells B9:B18has been created with: =INT(RANDARRAY(10,1)*100). Note that RANDARRAY is a volatile function, so you’ll get a new set of random numbers each time Excel calculates.

    Excel array formula to find the Nth smallest value: =SMALL(B9#,SEQUENCE(D9))

    Enter =SMALL(B9#,SEQUENCE(D9), =SMALL(B9:B18,{1;2;3})

    This formula uses an array constant to evaluate the SMALL function three times and return the smallest 3 members in the array that’s contained in cells B9:B18, where 3 is a variable value in cell D9. To find more values, you can increase the value in the SEQUENCE function, or add more arguments to the constant. You can also use additional functions with this formula, such as SUM or AVERAGE. For example:

    =SUM(SMALL(B9#,SEQUENCE(D9))

    =AVERAGE(SMALL(B9#,SEQUENCE(D9))

  • Find the n largest values in a range

    To find the largest values in a range, you can replace the SMALL function with the LARGE function. In addition, the following example uses the ROW and INDIRECT functions.

    Enter =LARGE(B9#,ROW(INDIRECT(«1:3»))), or =LARGE(B9:B18,ROW(INDIRECT(«1:3»)))

    At this point, it may help to know a bit about the ROW and INDIRECT functions. You can use the ROW function to create an array of consecutive integers. For example, select an empty and enter:

    =ROW(1:10)

    The formula creates a column of 10 consecutive integers. To see a potential problem, insert a row above the range that contains the array formula (that is, above row 1). Excel adjusts the row references, and the formula now generates integers from 2 to 11. To fix that problem, you add the INDIRECT function to the formula:

    =ROW(INDIRECT(«1:10»))

    The INDIRECT function uses text strings as its arguments (which is why the range 1:10 is surrounded by quotation marks). Excel does not adjust text values when you insert rows or otherwise move the array formula. As a result, the ROW function always generates the array of integers that you want. You could just as easily use SEQUENCE:

    =SEQUENCE(10)

    Let’s examine the formula that you used earlier — =LARGE(B9#,ROW(INDIRECT(«1:3»))) — starting from the inner parentheses and working outward: The INDIRECT function returns a set of text values, in this case the values 1 through 3. The ROW function in turn generates a three-cell column array. The LARGE function uses the values in the cell range B9:B18, and it is evaluated three times, once for each reference returned by the ROW function. If you want to find more values, you add a greater cell range to the INDIRECT function. Finally, as with the SMALL examples, you can use this formula with other functions, such as SUM and AVERAGE.

  • Sum a range that contains error values

    The SUM function in Excel does not work when you try to sum a range that contains an error value, such as #VALUE! or #N/A. This example shows you how to sum the values in a range named Data that contains errors:

    Use arrays to deal with errors. For example, =SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),"",Data) will sum the range named Data even if it includes errors, like #VALUE! or #NA!.

  • =SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),»»,Data))

    The formula creates a new array that contains the original values minus any error values. Starting from the inner functions and working outward, the ISERROR function searches the cell range (Data) for errors. The IF function returns a specific value if a condition you specify evaluates to TRUE and another value if it evaluates to FALSE. In this case, it returns empty strings («») for all error values because they evaluate to TRUE, and it returns the remaining values from the range (Data) because they evaluate to FALSE, meaning that they don’t contain error values. The SUM function then calculates the total for the filtered array.

  • Count the number of error values in a range

    This example is like the previous formula, but it returns the number of error values in a range named Data instead of filtering them out:

    =SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),1,0))

    This formula creates an array that contains the value 1 for the cells that contain errors and the value 0 for the cells that don’t contain errors. You can simplify the formula and achieve the same result by removing the third argument for the IF function, like this:

    =SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),1))

    If you don’t specify the argument, the IF function returns FALSE if a cell does not contain an error value. You can simplify the formula even more:

    =SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data)*1))

    This version works because TRUE*1=1 and FALSE*1=0.

You might need to sum values based on conditions.

You can use arrays to calculate based on certain conditions. =SUM(IF(Sales>0,Sales)) will sum all values greater than 0 in a range called Sales.

For example, this array formula sums just the positive integers in a range named Sales, which represents cells E9:E24 in the example above:

=SUM(IF(Sales>0,Sales))

The IF function creates an array of positive and false values. The SUM function essentially ignores the false values because 0+0=0. The cell range that you use in this formula can consist of any number of rows and columns.

You can also sum values that meet more than one condition. For example, this array formula calculates values greater than 0 AND less than 2500:

=SUM((Sales>0)*(Sales<2500)*(Sales))

Keep in mind that this formula returns an error if the range contains one or more non-numeric cells.

You can also create array formulas that use a type of OR condition. For example, you can sum values that are greater than 0 OR less than 2500:

=SUM(IF((Sales>0)+(Sales<2500),Sales))

You can’t use the AND and OR functions in array formulas directly because those functions return a single result, either TRUE or FALSE, and array functions require arrays of results. You can work around the problem by using the logic shown in the previous formula. In other words, you perform math operations, such as addition or multiplication on values that meet the OR or AND condition.

This example shows you how to remove zeros from a range when you need to average the values in that range. The formula uses a data range named Sales:

=AVERAGE(IF(Sales<>0,Sales))

The IF function creates an array of values that do not equal 0 and then passes those values to the AVERAGE function.

This array formula compares the values in two ranges of cells named MyData and YourData and returns the number of differences between the two. If the contents of the two ranges are identical, the formula returns 0. To use this formula, the cell ranges need to be the same size and of the same dimension. For example, if MyData is a range of 3 rows by 5 columns, YourData must also be 3 rows by 5 columns:

=SUM(IF(MyData=YourData,0,1))

The formula creates a new array of the same size as the ranges that you are comparing. The IF function fills the array with the value 0 and the value 1 (0 for mismatches and 1 for identical cells). The SUM function then returns the sum of the values in the array.

You can simplify the formula like this:

=SUM(1*(MyData<>YourData))

Like the formula that counts error values in a range, this formula works because TRUE*1=1, and FALSE*1=0.

This array formula returns the row number of the maximum value in a single-column range named Data:

=MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),ROW(Data),»»))

The IF function creates a new array that corresponds to the range named Data. If a corresponding cell contains the maximum value in the range, the array contains the row number. Otherwise, the array contains an empty string («»). The MIN function uses the new array as its second argument and returns the smallest value, which corresponds to the row number of the maximum value in Data. If the range named Data contains identical maximum values, the formula returns the row of the first value.

If you want to return the actual cell address of a maximum value, use this formula:

=ADDRESS(MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),ROW(Data),»»)),COLUMN(Data))

You’ll find similar examples in the sample workbook on the Differences between datasets worksheet.

This exercise shows you how to use multi-cell and single-cell array formulas to calculate a set of sales figures. The first set of steps uses a multi-cell formula to calculate a set of subtotals. The second set uses a single-cell formula to calculate a grand total.

  • Multi-cell array formula

Copy the entire table below and paste it into cell A1 in a blank worksheet.

Sales 
Person

Car 
Type

Number 
Sold

Unit 
Price

Total 
Sales

Barnhill

Sedan

5

33000

Coupe

4

37000

Ingle

Sedan

6

24000

Coupe

8

21000

Jordan

Sedan

3

29000

Coupe

1

31000

Pica

Sedan

9

24000

Coupe

5

37000

Sanchez

Sedan

6

33000

Coupe

8

31000

Formula (Grand Total)

Grand Total

‘=SUM(C2:C11*D2:D11)

=SUM(C2:C11*D2:D11)

  1. To see Total Sales of coupes and sedans for each salesperson, select cells E2:E11, enter the formula =C2:C11*D2:D11, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

  2. To see the Grand Total of all sales, select cell F11, enter the formula =SUM(C2:C11*D2:D11), and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

When you press Ctrl+Shift+Enter, Excel surrounds the formula with braces ({ }) and inserts an instance of the formula in each cell of the selected range. This happens very quickly, so what you see in column E is the total sales amount for each car type for each salesperson. If you select E2, then select E3, E4, and so on, you’ll see that the same formula is shown: {=C2:C11*D2:D11}. 

The totals in column E are calculated by an array formula

  • Create a single-cell array formula

In cell D13 of the workbook, type the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


=SUM(C2:C11*D2:D11)

In this case, Excel multiplies the values in the array (the cell range C2 through D11) and then uses the SUM function to add the totals together. The result is a grand total of $1,590,000 in sales. This example shows how powerful this type of formula can be. For example, suppose you have 1,000 rows of data. You can sum part or all of that data by creating an array formula in a single cell instead of dragging the formula down through the 1,000 rows.

Also, notice that the single-cell formula in cell D13 is completely independent of the multi-cell formula (the formula in cells E2 through E11). This is another advantage of using array formulas — flexibility. You could change the formulas in column E or delete that column altogether, without affecting the formula in D13.

Array formulas also offer these advantages:

  • Consistency    If you click any of the cells from E2 downward, you see the same formula. That consistency can help ensure greater accuracy.

  • Safety    You cannot overwrite a component of a multi-cell array formula. For example, click cell E3 and press Delete. You have to either select the entire range of cells (E2 through E11) and change the formula for the entire array, or leave the array as is. As an added safety measure, you have to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to confirm any change to the formula.

  • Smaller file sizes    You can often use a single array formula instead of several intermediate formulas. For example, the workbook uses one array formula to calculate the results in column E. If you had used standard formulas (such as =C2*D2, C3*D3, C4*D4…), you would have used 11 different formulas to calculate the same results.

In general, array formulas use standard formula syntax. They all begin with an equal (=) sign, and you can use most of the built-in Excel functions in your array formulas. The key difference is that when using an array formula, you press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to enter your formula. When you do this, Excel surrounds your array formula with braces — if you type the braces manually, your formula will be converted to a text string, and it won’t work.

Array functions can be an efficient way to build complex formulas. The array formula =SUM(C2:C11*D2:D11) is the same as this: =SUM(C2*D2,C3*D3,C4*D4,C5*D5,C6*D6,C7*D7,C8*D8,C9*D9,C10*D10,C11*D11).

Important: Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter whenever you need to enter an array formula. This applies to both single-cell and multi-cell formulas.

Whenever you work with multi-cell formulas, also remember:

  • Select the range of cells to hold your results before you enter the formula. You did this when you created the multi-cell array formula when you selected cells E2 through E11.

  • You can’t change the contents of an individual cell in an array formula. To try this, select cell E3 in the workbook and press Delete. Excel displays a message that tells you that you can’t change part of an array.

  • You can move or delete an entire array formula, but you can’t move or delete part of it. In other words, to shrink an array formula, you first delete the existing formula and then start over.

  • To delete an array formula, select the entire formula range (for example, E2:E11), then press Delete.

  • You can’t insert blank cells into, or delete cells from a multi-cell array formula.

At times, you may need to expand an array formula. Select the first cell in existing array range, and continue until you’ve selected the entire range that you want to extend the formula to. Press F2 to edit the formula,  then press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER to confirm the formula once you’ve adjusted the formula range. The key is to select the entire range, starting with the top-left cell in the array. The top-left cell is the one that gets edited.

Array formulas are great, but they can have some disadvantages:

  • You may occasionally forget to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. It can happen to even the most experienced Excel users. Remember to press this key combination whenever you enter or edit an array formula.

  • Other users of your workbook might not understand your formulas. In practice, array formulas are generally not explained in a worksheet. Therefore, if other people need to modify your workbooks, you should either avoid array formulas or make sure those people know about any array formulas and understand how to change them, if they need to.

  • Depending on the processing speed and memory of your computer, large array formulas can slow down calculations.

Array constants are a component of array formulas. You create array constants by entering a list of items and then manually surrounding the list with braces ({ }), like this:

={1,2,3,4,5}

By now, you know you need to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter when you create array formulas. Because array constants are a component of array formulas, you surround the constants with braces by manually typing them. You then use Ctrl+Shift+Enter to enter the entire formula.

If you separate the items by using commas, you create a horizontal array (a row). If you separate the items by using semicolons, you create a vertical array (a column). To create a two-dimensional array, you delimit the items in each row by using commas and delimit each row by using semicolons.

Here’s an array in a single row: {1,2,3,4}. Here’s an array in a single column: {1;2;3;4}. And here’s an array of two rows and four columns: {1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8}. In the two row array, the first row is 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the second row is 5, 6, 7, and 8. A single semicolon separates the two rows, between 4 and 5.

As with array formulas, you can use array constants with most of the built-in functions that Excel provides. The following sections explain how to create each kind of constant and how to use these constants with functions in Excel.

The following procedures will give you some practice in creating horizontal, vertical, and two-dimensional constants.

Create a horizontal constant

  1. In a blank worksheet, select cells A1 through E1.

  2. In the formula bar, enter the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    ={1,2,3,4,5}

    In this case, you should type the opening and closing braces ({ }), and Excel will add the second set for you.

    The following result is displayed.

    Horizontal array constant in formula

Create a vertical constant

  1. In your workbook, select a column of five cells.

  2. In the formula bar, enter the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    ={1;2;3;4;5}

    The following result is displayed.

    Vertical array constant in array formula

Create a two-dimensional constant

  1. In your workbook, select a block of cells four columns wide by three rows high.

  2. In the formula bar, enter the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    ={1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}

    You see the following result:

    Two-dimensional array constant in array formula

Use constants in formulas

Here is a simple example that uses constants:

  1. In the sample workbook, create a new worksheet.

  2. In cell A1, type 3, and then type 4 in B1, 5 in C1, 6 in D1, and 7 in E1.

  3. In cell A3, type the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    =SUM(A1:E1*{1,2,3,4,5})

    Notice that Excel surrounds the constant with another set of braces, because you entered it as an array formula.

    Array formula with array constant

    The value 85 appears in cell A3.

The next section explains how the formula works.

The formula you just used contains several parts.

Syntax of array formula with array constant

1. Function

2. Stored array

3. Operator

4. Array constant

The last element inside the parentheses is the array constant: {1,2,3,4,5}. Remember that Excel does not surround array constants with braces; you actually type them. Also remember that after you add a constant to an array formula, you press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to enter the formula.

Because Excel performs operations on expressions enclosed in parentheses first, the next two elements that come into play are the values stored in the workbook (A1:E1) and the operator. At this point, the formula multiplies the values in the stored array by the corresponding values in the constant. It’s the equivalent of:

=SUM(A1*1,B1*2,C1*3,D1*4,E1*5)

Finally, the SUM function adds the values, and the sum 85 appears in cell A3.

To avoid using the stored array and to just keep the operation entirely in memory, replace the stored array with another array constant:

=SUM({3,4,5,6,7}*{1,2,3,4,5})

To try this, copy the function, select a blank cell in your workbook, paste the formula into the formula bar, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. You’ll see the same result as you did in the earlier exercise that used the array formula:

=SUM(A1:E1*{1,2,3,4,5})

Array constants can contain numbers, text, logical values (such as TRUE and FALSE), and error values ( such as #N/A). You can use numbers in the integer, decimal, and scientific formats. If you include text, you need to surround the text with quotation marks («).

Array constants can’t contain additional arrays, formulas, or functions. In other words, they can contain only text or numbers that are separated by commas or semicolons. Excel displays a warning message when you enter a formula such as {1,2,A1:D4} or {1,2,SUM(Q2:Z8)}. Also, numeric values can’t contain percent signs, dollar signs, commas, or parentheses.

One of the best way to use array constants is to name them. Named constants can be much easier to use, and they can hide some of the complexity of your array formulas from others. To name an array constant and use it in a formula, do the following:

  1. On the Formulas tab, in the Defined Names group, click Define Name.
    The Define Name dialog box appears.

  2. In the Name box, type Quarter1.

  3. In the Refers to box, enter the following constant (remember to type the braces manually):


    ={«January»,»February»,»March»}

    The contents of the dialog box now looks like this:

    Edit Name dialog box with formula

  4. Click OK, and then select a row of three blank cells.

  5. Type the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.


    =Quarter1

    The following result is displayed.

    Named array entered as formula

When you use a named constant as an array formula, remember to enter the equal sign. If you don’t, Excel interprets the array as a string of text and your formula won’t work as expected. Finally, keep in mind that you can use combinations of text and numbers.

Look for the following problems when your array constants don’t work:

  • Some elements might not be separated with the proper character. If you omit a comma or semicolon, or if you put one in the wrong place, the array constant might not be created correctly, or you might see a warning message.

  • You might have selected a range of cells that doesn’t match the number of elements in your constant. For example, if you select a column of six cells for use with a five-cell constant, the #N/A error value appears in the empty cell. Conversely, if you select too few cells, Excel omits the values that don’t have a corresponding cell.

The following examples demonstrate a few of the ways in which you can put array constants to use in array formulas. Some of the examples use the TRANSPOSE function to convert rows to columns and vice versa.

Multiply each item in an array

  1. Create a new worksheet, and then select a block of empty cells four columns wide by three rows high.

  2. Type the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    ={1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}*2

Square the items in an array

  1. Select a block of empty cells four columns wide by three rows high.

  2. Type the following array formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    ={1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}*{1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}

    Alternatively, enter this array formula, which uses the caret operator (^):


    ={1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12}^2

Transpose a one-dimensional row

  1. Select a column of five blank cells.

  2. Type the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    =TRANSPOSE({1,2,3,4,5})

    Even though you entered a horizontal array constant, the TRANSPOSE function converts the array constant into a column.

Transpose a one-dimensional column

  1. Select a row of five blank cells.

  2. Enter the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    =TRANSPOSE({1;2;3;4;5})

Even though you entered a vertical array constant, the TRANSPOSE function converts the constant into a row.

Transpose a two-dimensional constant

  1. Select a block of cells three columns wide by four rows high.

  2. Enter the following constant, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    =TRANSPOSE({1,2,3,4;5,6,7,8;9,10,11,12})

    The TRANSPOSE function converts each row into a series of columns.

This section provides examples of basic array formulas.

Create arrays and array constants from existing values

The following example explains how to use array formulas to create links between ranges of cells in different worksheets. It also shows you how to create an array constant from the same set of values.

Create an array from existing values

  1. On a worksheet in Excel, select cells C8:E10, and enter this formula:


    ={10,20,30;40,50,60;70,80,90}

    Be sure to type { (opening brace) before you type 10, and } (closing brace) after you type 90, because you’re creating an array of numbers.

  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter, which enters this array of numbers in the cell range C8:E10 by using an array formula. On your worksheet, C8 through E10 should look like this:

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    70

    80

    90

  3. Select the cell range C1 through E3.

  4. Enter the following formula in the formula bar, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    =C8:E10

    A 3×3 array of cells appears in cells C1 through E3 with the same values you see in C8 through E10.

Create an array constant from existing values

  1. With cells C1:C3 selected, press F2 to switch to edit mode. 

  2. Press F9 to convert the cell references to values. Excel converts the values into an array constant. The formula should now be ={10,20,30;40,50,60;70,80,90}.

  3. Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to enter the array constant as an array formula.

Count characters in a range of cells

The following example shows you how to count the number of characters, including spaces, in a range of cells.

  1. Copy this entire table and paste into a worksheet in cell A1.

    Data

    This is a

    bunch of cells that

    come together

    to form a

    single sentence.

    Total characters in A2:A6

    =SUM(LEN(A2:A6))

    Contents of longest cell (A3)

    =INDEX(A2:A6,MATCH(MAX(LEN(A2:A6)),LEN(A2:A6),0),1)

  2. Select cell A8, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to see the total number of characters in cells A2:A6 (66).

  3. Select cell A10, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to see the contents of the longest of cells A2:A6 (cell A3).

The following formula is used in cell A8 counts the total number of characters (66) in cells A2 through A6.


=SUM(LEN(A2:A6))

In this case, the LEN function returns the length of each text string in each of the cells in the range. The SUM function then adds those values together and displays the result (66).

Find the n smallest values in a range

This example shows how to find the three smallest values in a range of cells.

  1. Enter some random numbers in cells A1:A11.

  2. Select cells C1 through C3. This set of cells will hold the results returned by the array formula.

  3. Enter the following formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    =SMALL(A1:A11,{1;2;3})

This formula uses an array constant to evaluate the SMALL function three times and return the smallest (1), second smallest (2), and third smallest (3) members in the array that is contained in cells A1:A10 To find more values, you add more arguments to the constant. You can also use additional functions with this formula, such as SUM or AVERAGE. For example:

=SUM(SMALL(A1:A10,{1,2,3})

=AVERAGE(SMALL(A1:A10,{1,2,3})

Find the n largest values in a range

To find the largest values in a range, you can replace the SMALL function with the LARGE function. In addition, the following example uses the ROW and INDIRECT functions.

  1. Select cells D1 through D3.

  2. In the formula bar, enter this formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


    =LARGE(A1:A10,ROW(INDIRECT(«1:3»)))

At this point, it may help to know a bit about the ROW and INDIRECT functions. You can use the ROW function to create an array of consecutive integers. For example, select an empty column of 10 cells in your practice workbook, enter this array formula, and then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


=ROW(1:10)

The formula creates a column of 10 consecutive integers. To see a potential problem, insert a row above the range that contains the array formula (that is, above row 1). Excel adjusts the row references, and the formula generates integers from 2 to 11. To fix that problem, you add the INDIRECT function to the formula:

=ROW(INDIRECT(«1:10»))

The INDIRECT function uses text strings as its arguments (which is why the range 1:10 is surrounded by double quotation marks). Excel does not adjust text values when you insert rows or otherwise move the array formula. As a result, the ROW function always generates the array of integers that you want.

Let’s take a look at the formula that you used earlier — =LARGE(A5:A14,ROW(INDIRECT(«1:3»))) — starting from the inner parentheses and working outward: The INDIRECT function returns a set of text values, in this case the values 1 through 3. The ROW function in turn generates a three-cell columnar array. The LARGE function uses the values in the cell range A5:A14, and it is evaluated three times, once for each reference returned by the ROW function. The values 3200, 2700, and 2000 are returned to the three-cell columnar array. If you want to find more values, you add a greater cell range to the INDIRECT function.

As with earlier examples, you can use this formula with other functions, such as SUM and AVERAGE.

Find the longest text string in a range of cells

Go back to the earlier text string example, enter the following formula in an empty cell, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter:


=INDEX(A2:A6,MATCH(MAX(LEN(A2:A6)),LEN(A2:A6),0),1)

The text «bunch of cells that» appears.

Let’s take a closer look at the formula, starting from the inner elements and working outward. The LEN function returns the length of each of the items in the cell range A2:A6. The MAX function calculates the largest value among those items, which corresponds to the longest text string, which is in cell A3.

Here’s where things get a little complex. The MATCH function calculates the offset (the relative position) of the cell that contains the longest text string. To do that, it requires three arguments: a lookup value, a lookup array, and a match type. The MATCH function searches the lookup array for the specified lookup value. In this case, the lookup value is the longest text string:

(MAX(LEN(A2:A6))

and that string resides in this array:

LEN(A2:A6)

The match type argument is 0. The match type can consist of a 1, 0, or -1 value. If you specify 1, MATCH returns the largest value that is less than or equal to the lookup value. If you specify 0, MATCH returns the first value exactly equal to the lookup value. If you specify -1, MATCH finds the smallest value that is greater than or equal to the specified lookup value. If you omit a match type, Excel assumes 1.

Finally, the INDEX function takes these arguments: an array, and a row and column number within that array. The cell range A2:A6 provides the array, the MATCH function provides the cell address, and the final argument (1) specifies that the value comes from the first column in the array.

This section provides examples of advanced array formulas.

Sum a range that contains error values

The SUM function in Excel does not work when you try to sum a range that contains an error value, such as #N/A. This example shows you how to sum the values in a range named Data that contains errors.

=SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),»»,Data))

The formula creates a new array that contains the original values minus any error values. Starting from the inner functions and working outward, the ISERROR function searches the cell range (Data) for errors. The IF function returns a specific value if a condition you specify evaluates to TRUE and another value if it evaluates to FALSE. In this case, it returns empty strings («») for all error values because they evaluate to TRUE, and it returns the remaining values from the range (Data) because they evaluate to FALSE, meaning that they don’t contain error values. The SUM function then calculates the total for the filtered array.

Count the number of error values in a range

This example is similar to the previous formula, but it returns the number of error values in a range named Data instead of filtering them out:

=SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),1,0))

This formula creates an array that contains the value 1 for the cells that contain errors and the value 0 for the cells that don’t contain errors. You can simplify the formula and achieve the same result by removing the third argument for the IF function, like this:

=SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data),1))

If you don’t specify the argument, the IF function returns FALSE if a cell does not contain an error value. You can simplify the formula even more:

=SUM(IF(ISERROR(Data)*1))

This version works because TRUE*1=1 and FALSE*1=0.

Sum values based on conditions

You might need to sum values based on conditions. For example, this array formula sums just the positive integers in a range named Sales:

=SUM(IF(Sales>0,Sales))

The IF function creates an array of positive values and false values. The SUM function essentially ignores the false values because 0+0=0. The cell range that you use in this formula can consist of any number of rows and columns.

You can also sum values that meet more than one condition. For example, this array formula calculates values greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5:

=SUM((Sales>0)*(Sales<=5)*(Sales))

Keep in mind that this formula returns an error if the range contains one or more non-numeric cells.

You can also create array formulas that use a type of OR condition. For example, you can sum values that are less than 5 and greater than 15:

=SUM(IF((Sales<5)+(Sales>15),Sales))

The IF function finds all values smaller than 5 and greater than 15 and then passes those values to the SUM function.

You can’t use the AND and OR functions in array formulas directly because those functions return a single result, either TRUE or FALSE, and array functions require arrays of results. You can work around the problem by using the logic shown in the previous formula. In other words, you perform math operations, such as addition or multiplication, on values that meet the OR or AND condition.

Compute an average that excludes zeros

This example shows you how to remove zeros from a range when you need to average the values in that range. The formula uses a data range named Sales:

=AVERAGE(IF(Sales<>0,Sales))

The IF function creates an array of values that do not equal 0 and then passes those values to the AVERAGE function.

Count the number of differences between two ranges of cells

This array formula compares the values in two ranges of cells named MyData and YourData and returns the number of differences between the two. If the contents of the two ranges are identical, the formula returns 0. To use this formula, the cell ranges need to be the same size and of the same dimension (for example, if MyData is a range of 3 rows by 5 columns, YourData must also be 3 rows by 5 columns):

=SUM(IF(MyData=YourData,0,1))

The formula creates a new array of the same size as the ranges that you are comparing. The IF function fills the array with the value 0 and the value 1 (0 for mismatches and 1 for identical cells). The SUM function then returns the sum of the values in the array.

You can simplify the formula like this:

=SUM(1*(MyData<>YourData))

Like the formula that counts error values in a range, this formula works because TRUE*1=1, and FALSE*1=0.

Find the location of the maximum value in a range

This array formula returns the row number of the maximum value in a single-column range named Data:

=MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),ROW(Data),»»))

The IF function creates a new array that corresponds to the range named Data. If a corresponding cell contains the maximum value in the range, the array contains the row number. Otherwise, the array contains an empty string («»). The MIN function uses the new array as its second argument and returns the smallest value, which corresponds to the row number of the maximum value in Data. If the range named Data contains identical maximum values, the formula returns the row of the first value.

If you want to return the actual cell address of a maximum value, use this formula:

=ADDRESS(MIN(IF(Data=MAX(Data),ROW(Data),»»)),COLUMN(Data))

Acknowledgement

Parts of this article were based on a series of Excel Power User columns written by Colin Wilcox, and adapted from chapters 14 and 15 of Excel 2002 Formulas, a book written by John Walkenbach, a former Excel MVP.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

See Also

Dynamic arrays and spilled array behavior

Dynamic array formulas vs. legacy CSE array formulas

FILTER function

RANDARRAY function

SEQUENCE function

SORT function

SORTBY function

UNIQUE function

#SPILL! errors in Excel

Implicit intersection operator: @

Overview of formulas

Источник

Содержание

  • Операции с массивами
    • Создание формулы
    • Изменение содержимого массива
  • Функции массивов
    • Оператор СУММ
    • Оператор ТРАНСП
    • Оператор МОБР
  • Вопросы и ответы

Массив в программе Microsoft Excel

Во время работы с таблицами Excel довольно часто приходится оперировать с целыми диапазонами данных. При этом некоторые задачи подразумевают, что вся группа ячеек должна быть преобразована буквально в один клик. В Экселе имеются инструменты, которые позволяют проводить подобные операции. Давайте выясним, как можно управлять массивами данных в этой программе.

Операции с массивами

Массив – это группа данных, которая расположена на листе в смежных ячейках. По большому счету, любую таблицу можно считать массивом, но не каждый из них является таблицей, так как он может являться просто диапазоном. По своей сущности такие области могут быть одномерными или двумерными (матрицы). В первом случае все данные располагаются только в одном столбце или строке.

Одномерный массив в Microsoft Excel

Во втором — в нескольких одновременно.

Двумерный массив в Microsoft Excel

Кроме того, среди одномерных массивов выделяют горизонтальный и вертикальный тип, в зависимости от того, что они собой представляют – строку или столбец.

Горизонатльные и вертикальные одномерные массивы в Microsoft Excel

Нужно отметить, что алгоритм работы с подобными диапазонами несколько отличается от более привычных операций с одиночными ячейками, хотя и общего между ними тоже много. Давайте рассмотрим нюансы подобных операций.

Создание формулы

Формула массива – это выражение, с помощью которого производится обработка диапазона с целью получения итогового результата, отображаемого цельным массивом или в одной ячейке. Например, для того, чтобы умножить один диапазон на второй применяют формулу по следующему шаблону:

=адрес_массива1*адрес_массива2

Над диапазонами данных можно также выполнять операции сложения, вычитания, деления и другие арифметические действия.

Координаты массива имеют вид адресов первой её ячейки и последней, разделенные двоеточием. Если диапазон двумерный, то первая и последняя ячейки расположены по диагонали друг от друга. Например, адрес одномерного массива может быть таким: A2:A7.

Адрес одномерного массива в Microsoft Excel

А пример адреса двумерного диапазона выглядит следующим образом: A2:D7.

Lumpics.ru

Адрес двумерного массива в Microsoft Excel

  1. Чтобы рассчитать подобную формулу, нужно выделить на листе область, в которую будет выводиться результат, и ввести в строку формул выражение для вычисления.

    2. Введение формулы массива в Microsoft Excel

  2. После ввода следует нажать не на кнопку Enter, как обычно, а набрать комбинацию клавиш Ctrl+Shift+Enter. После этого выражение в строке формул будет автоматически взято в фигурные скобки, а ячейки на листе будут заполнены данными, полученными в результате вычисления, в пределах всего выделенного диапазона.

Результат вычислений формулы массива в Microsoft Excel

Изменение содержимого массива

Если вы в дальнейшем попытаетесь удалить содержимое или изменить любую из ячеек, которая расположена в диапазоне, куда выводится результат, то ваше действие окончится неудачей. Также ничего не выйдет, если вы сделаете попытку отредактировать данные в строке функций. При этом появится информационное сообщение, в котором будет говориться, что нельзя изменять часть массива. Данное сообщение появится даже в том случае, если у вас не было цели производить какие-либо изменения, а вы просто случайно дважды щелкнули мышью по ячейке диапазона.

Нельзя изменять часть массива в Microsoft Excel

Если вы закроете, это сообщение, нажав на кнопку «OK», а потом попытаетесь переместить курсор с помощью мышки, или просто нажмете кнопку «Enter», то информационное сообщение появится опять. Не получится также закрыть окно программы или сохранить документ. Все время будет появляться это назойливое сообщение, которое блокирует любые действия. А выход из ситуации есть и он довольно прост

  1. Закройте информационное окно, нажав на кнопку «OK».

    2. Закрытие информационного окна в Microsoft Excel

  2. Затем нажмете на кнопку «Отмена», которая расположена в группе значков слева от строки формул, и представляет собой пиктограмму в виде крестика. Также можно нажать на кнопку Esc на клавиатуре. После любой из этих операций произойдет отмена действия, и вы сможете работать с листом так, как и прежде.

Отмена действия в Microsoft Excel

Но что делать, если действительно нужно удалить или изменить формулу массива? В этом случае следует выполнить нижеуказанные действия.

  1. Для изменения формулы выделите курсором, зажав левую кнопку мыши, весь диапазон на листе, куда выводится результат. Это очень важно, так как если вы выделите только одну ячейку массива, то ничего не получится. Затем в строке формул проведите необходимую корректировку.

    2. Внесение изменений в формулу массива в Microsoft Excel

  2. После того, как изменения внесены, набираем комбинацию Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Формула будет изменена.

Изменения в формулу массива внесены в Microsoft Excel

  1. Для удаления формулы массива нужно точно так же, как и в предыдущем случае, выделить курсором весь диапазон ячеек, в котором она находится. Затем нажать на кнопку Delete на клавиатуре.

    2. Удаление формулы массива в Microsoft Excel

  2. После этого формула будет удалена со всей области. Теперь в неё можно будет вводить любые данные.

Формула массива удалена в Microsoft Excel

Функции массивов

Наиболее удобно в качестве формул использовать уже готовые встроенные функции Excel. Доступ к ним можно получить через Мастер функций, нажав кнопку «Вставить функцию» слева от строки формул. Или же во вкладке «Формулы» на ленте можно выбрать одну из категорий, в которой находится интересующий вас оператор.

Переход к функциям в Microsoft Excel

После того, как пользователь в Мастере функций или на ленте инструментов выберет наименование конкретного оператора, откроется окно аргументов функции, куда можно вводить исходные данные для расчета.

Правила ввода и редактирования функций, если они выводят результат сразу в несколько ячеек, те же самые, что и для обычных формул массива. То есть, после ввода значения обязательно нужно установить курсор в строку формул и набрать сочетание клавиш Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Урок: Мастер функций в Excel

Оператор СУММ

Одной из наиболее востребованных функций в Экселе является СУММ. Её можно применять, как для суммирования содержимого отдельных ячеек, так и для нахождения суммы целых массивов. Синтаксис этого оператора для массивов выглядит следующим образом:

=СУММ(массив1;массив2;…)

Функция СУММ в Microsoft Excel

Данный оператор выводит результат в одну ячейку, а поэтому для того, чтобы произвести подсчет, после внесения вводных данных достаточно нажать кнопку «OK» в окне аргументов функции или клавишу Enter, если ввод выполнялся вручную.

Урок: Как посчитать сумму в Экселе

Оператор ТРАНСП

Функция ТРАНСП является типичным оператором массивов. Она позволяет переворачивать таблицы или матрицы, то есть, менять строки и столбцы местами. При этом она использует исключительно вывод результата в диапазон ячеек, поэтому после введения данного оператора обязательно нужно применять сочетание Ctrl+Shift+Enter. Также нужно отметить, что перед введением самого выражения нужно выделить на листе область, у которой количество ячеек в столбце будет равно числу ячеек в строке исходной таблицы (матрицы) и, наоборот, количество ячеек в строке должно равняться их числу в столбце исходника. Синтаксис оператора следующий:

=ТРАНСП(массив)

Функция ТРАНСП в Microsoft Excel

Урок: Транспонирование матриц в Excel

Урок: Как перевернуть таблицу в Экселе

Оператор МОБР

Функция МОБР позволяет производить вычисление обратной матрицы. Все правила ввода значений у этого оператора точно такие же, как и у предыдущего. Но важно знать, что вычисление обратной матрицы возможно исключительно в том случае, если она содержит равное количество строк и столбцов, и если её определитель не равен нулю. Если применять данную функцию к области с разным количеством строк и столбцов, то вместо корректного результата на выходе отобразится значение «#ЗНАЧ!». Синтаксис у этой формулы такой:

=МОБР(массив)

Функция МОБР в Microsoft Excel

Для того чтобы рассчитать определитель, применяется функция со следующим синтаксисом:

=МОПРЕД(массив)

Функция МОПРЕД в Microsoft Excel

Урок: Обратная матрица в Excel

Как видим, операции с диапазонами помогают сэкономить время при вычислениях, а также свободное пространство листа, ведь не нужно дополнительно суммировать данные, которые объединены в диапазон, для последующей работы с ними. Все это выполняется «на лету». А для преобразования таблиц и матриц только функции массивов и подходят, так как обычные формулы не в силах справиться с подобными задачами. Но в то же время нужно учесть, что к подобным выражениям применяются дополнительные правила ввода и редактирования.

Источник

The array of Excel functions allows you to solve complex tasks in automatically at the same time. We cannot complete the same tasks through the usual functions.

In fact, this is a group of functions that simultaneously process a group of data and immediately produce a result. Let’s consider in detail work with arrays of functions in Excel.



Types of Excel functions

Array is a data grouped together. In this case, the group is an array of functions in Excel. Any table that we compose and fill in Excel can be called an array. Example:

Example.

Depending on the location of the elements, the arrays are distinguished:

  • One-dimensional (data is in ONE line or in ONE column);
  • Two-dimensional (SEVERAL lines and columns, matrix).

One-dimensional arrays are:

  • Horizontal (data in a row);
  • Vertical (data in a column).

Note. Two-dimensional Excel arrays can take several sheets at once (these are hundreds and thousands of data).

Two-dimensional Excel arrays.

Array formula allows you to process data from this array. It can return one value or result in an array (set) of values.

With the help of array formulas it is real to:

  • Count the number of characters in a certain range;
  • Summarize only those numbers that correspond to the given condition;
  • Summarize all n values in a certain range.

When we use array formulas, Excel takes into account the range of values not as individual cells, but as a single data block.



Array formulas syntax

We use the formula of an array with a range of cells and with a separate cell. In the first case, we find the subtotals for the «To pay» «» column. In the second — the total amount of utility payments.

  1. We select the range E3: E8.
  2. Enter the following formula in the formula row: = C3: C8 * D3: D8.

    3. following formula.

  3. Press the keys simultaneously: Ctrl + Shift + Enter. The subtotals are calculated:

subtotals.

The formula after pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter was in curly brackets. It was automatically inserted into each cell of the selected range.

If you try to change the data in any cell in the «To pay» column, nothing happens. The formula in the array protects range values from changes. A corresponding entry appears on the screen:

To pay.

Consider other examples of using the functions of an Excel array — calculate the total amount of utility payments using a single formula.

  1. Select the cell E9 (opposite the «Total»).
  2. We introduce a formula of the form:
  3. Press the key combination: Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Result:

introduce a formula.

The formula of the array in this case replaced two simple formulas. This is a shortened version, which contains all the necessary information for solving a complex problem.

Arguments for a function are one-dimensional arrays. The formula looks at each of them individually, performs user-defined operations, and generates a single result.

Consider the syntax:

Consider the syntax.

Working functions with Excel array

Let’s guess that it is planned to increase utility payments in 10% the next month. If we introduce the usual formula for the total is =SUM((C3:C8*D3:D8)+10%), then we are unlikely to get the expected result. We need each argument to increase in 10%. For the program to understand this, we use the function as an array.

    understand this.

  1. Let’s have a look how the «И» «AND» operator works in the array function. We need to find out how much we pay for the water, hot and cold. Function:

    The total is 86.46$.

    2. the water price.

  2. The Sort functions in the array formula. Sort the amounts to be paid in ascending order. For the sorted data list, create a range. Let’s select it (F3:F7). In the formula bar, we enter

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

    3. Sort functions in the array.

  3. The transported matrix. There is a special Excel function for working with two-dimensional arrays. The «ТРАНСП» function returns several values at once. It converts a horizontal matrix to a vertical matrix and vice versa. Select the range of cells where the number of rows equals to the number of columns in the table with the original data. And the number of columns equals to the number of rows in the source array. Select range A9:F10. We introduce the formula:

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. This results in an «inverted» data set.

    4. inverted.

  4. Search for the average without taking into account zeros. If we use the standard «AVERAGE» function, we get «0» as a result. And it will be correct. Therefore, we insert an additional condition into the formula:

We get:

working with arrays.

A common mistake when working with arrays of functions is NOT to press the code combination «Ctrl + Shift + Enter» (never forget this key combination). This is the most important thing to remember when processing large amounts of information. Correctly entered function performs the most complicated tasks.

Download array formula examples

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