Excel - INFO Function



INFO Function

The Excel INFO function retrieves information about the current operating environment. This function gives seven types of information, such as the current path of the directory, the Operating system name and its version, the Excel version, the recalculation mode, the number of the active worksheet, and the Microsoft Excel number. This function was not built in the earlier version before Excel 2007.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel for iPad
  • Excel for iPhone
  • Excel for Android tablets
  • Excel for Android phones
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the INFO function is as follows −

=INFO(type_text)

Arguments

Argument Description Required/ Optional
Type_text

A text that indicates the information's type to be extracted.

The values for Type_text and the associative return Information are written in the table below.

Required
Type_text Information Returned
"directory" It indicates the folder or current directory.
"numfile" It specifies the number of active worksheets in all Workbooks opened in the workbook.
"origin" It retrieves the absolute cell reference of the top and leftmost cell visible in the window, depending on the current scrolling position, as cell reference added with "$A:". The setting of the current Reference Style determines the actual value returned.
"osversion" It displays the text indicating the current OS version.
"recalc" It specifies the current recalculation mode. This type can retrieve one mode either "Automatic" or "Manual".
"release" It indicates the Microsoft Excel number.
"system" It indicates the name of the operating system: E.g. Windows = "pcdos"

Points to Remember

  • If the type_text value is "memavail", "memused", or "totmem", the INFO function will retrieve a #N/A error.
  • These type_text values extract the memory information in Excel's older version and are not supported in the later version.
  • If the type_text value contains values other than the information type, then the INFO function retrieves a #VALUE! Error value.

Example of INFO Function

Practice the following example to learn the use of the INFO function in Excel.

How to get the Crucial Details of the System using INFO Function

Solution

Step 1 − Assume the sample dataset consists of the columns "System Information" and "Function Usage". Select the C2 cell and enter the formula =INFO("DIRECTORY").

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function1

Therefore, the INFO function retrieves the path of the current folder.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function2

Step 2 − After that, calculate the number of active worksheets by entering the formula =INFO("NUMFILE") in the C3 cell and pressing the Enter tab.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function3

Therefore, the number of files are 82.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function4

Step 3 − Moreover, you can write the formula =INFO("ORIGIN") in the C4 cell.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function5

Then, hit the Enter tab to obtain the resulting value.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function6

Step 4 − Double-click on the C5 cell and write the formula =INFO("OSVERSION").

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function7

Therefore, the INFO function retrieves the Windows (64-bit) NT 10.00 in the C5 cell.

Step 5 − You may enter the formula =INFO("RECALC") in the C6 cell.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function8

After pressing the Enter tab, the INFO function will retrieve Automatic, which represents the recalculation mode.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function9

Step 6 − Afterward, move to the next cell C7, type the formula =INFO("RELEASE")

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function10

Hence, the resulting value is 16.0, indicating the Excel 365 version number.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function11

Step 7 − Moreover, you can enter this formula =INFO("SYSTEM") in the C8 cell.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function12

And then, hit the Enter tab.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function13

Step 8 − If you supplied the standard text instead of the information type, you will get a #VALUE error.

Write the formula =INFO("Some text") in the C9 cell and hit the Enter tab.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function14

Step 9 − Furthermore, write the formula =INFO("memavail") in the C12 cell and press the Enter tab.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function15

Then, press the Enter tab, which will give you the result of the #N/A error.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function16

Step 10 − Similarly, you write the expression =INFO("memused") in the C12 cell as this text_type is not used in the latest version.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function17

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function18

Therefore, the INFO function returns the #N/A error once you press the Enter tab.

Step 11 − Moreover, write the formula =INFO("totmem") in the C13 cell and press the Enter tab.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function19

The "totmem" information type is not included in the later version of the Excel, so the result value is #N/A.

Crucial Details of System using INFO Function20

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the INFO function.

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