Excel - CHOOSE Function



CHOOSE Function

The Excel CHOOSE function retrieves a value from the given list at the specific index position. It is categorized under the Lookup and Reference functions. In business modeling, various complex scenarios can be resolved by merging the CHOOSE function with other functions like INDEX, MATCH and SUM. For example, the project manager can monitor the several projects through this function by selecting the budget costing, project pending tasks, initial time and many more.

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 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the CHOOSE function is as follows −

=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], ...)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the CHOOSE function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Index_num A formula, cell reference, or numeric value must lie between 1 and 254. Required
Value1

The range of value arguments is from 1 to 254.

Value1, Value2 … can be numeric values, cell references, defined names, formulas, functions, or text string.

Required
Value2, ... Optional

Points to Remember

  • If the value of index_num is 1, then the CHOOSE Function returns the first value in the input array; if its value is 2, the CHOOSE will retrieve the next value, value2, and so on.
  • If index_num is smaller than or larger than the number of the last value in the Excel array, then the CHOOSE function will retrieve the #VALUE! error.
  • If index_num is fractional, it would be truncated to the lowest integer.
  • If the cell range or array constant is specified in the second argument Value1, then the CHOOSE function will retrieve the #VALUE! error.

Examples of CHOOSE Function

Practice the following examples to learn the use of the CHOOSE function in Excel.

Example 1: What does the CHOOSE Function do in Excel?

In this example, we will extract the numeric or text value at the specific index value from the Excel array defined in the CHOOSE function.

Solution

Step 1 − Assume the sample dataset where the INDEX values are written in the A column. You must apply the CHOOSE function in the B column.

Step 2 − After that, place the cursor on the B2 cell and write the =CHOOSE(A2,"Apple","Orange","Plum").

What does the CHOOSE Function do in Excel1

After that, press the Enter tab.

What does the CHOOSE Function do in Excel2

Therefore, the CHOOSE function will retrieve the text value "Apple" in the first position of the input array.

Step 3 − Furthermore, select cell B2, drag the + sign at the bottom right side of this cell, and drop it into the B4 cell to evaluate the CHOOSE function in these cells.

What does the CHOOSE Function do in Excel3

Step 4 − Afterward, write the formula =CHOOSE(A5,50,100, 150,200, 250,300, 350, 400,500) in the B5 cell.

What does the CHOOSE Function do in Excel4

Then, hit the Enter tab to evaluate the CHOOSE function. The resulting value is 150, at index value 3 in the array.

What does the CHOOSE Function do in Excel5

Step 5 − Moreover, select the B5 cell and press the "Ctrl + C" shortcut keys to copy the formula. Then, select the B6 and B7 cells and press the "Ctrl+V" to paste this formula.

What does the CHOOSE Function do in Excel6

Example 2: How to use the CHOOSE Function with the INDEX and MATCH Functions in Microsoft Excel?

In this example, the CHOOSE function act as an outer function and INDEX, MATCH functions are used inside this function to search the field values depending on the multiple conditions.

Solution

Step 1 − Consider the sample dataset comprises of two columns named "Index Value" and "Sales Executive".

Use CHOOSE Function with INDEX and MATCH Functions1

Step 2 − After that, enter the formula =CHOOSE(A3,INDEX(B2:B9,MATCH(4,A2:A9,0)), INDEX(B2:B9,MATCH(5,A2:A9,0)), INDEX(B2:B9,MATCH(6,A2:A9,0))) in the B11 cell.

Use CHOOSE Function with INDEX and MATCH Functions2

Explanation

  • In this formula, MATCH(4,A2:A9,0) searches for the value 4 in the selected range A2:A9 and returns the number 4 as it exists in the A5.
  • The INDEX(B2:B9,4) will retrieve the text value "Atharva" which is at the fourth position.
  • Similarly, the MATCH(5,A2:A9,0) and MATCH(6,A2:A9,0) search for the numbers 5 and 6 in the cell range A2:A9.
  • INDEX(B2:B9,5) and INDEX(B2:B9,6) will returns the text values at their relative position 5 and 6.
Use CHOOSE Function with INDEX and MATCH Functions3

Download Practice Sheet

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

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