How to enter functions

Abstract

In this video, we’ll look at several ways to enter functions.

Let’s take a look.

Excel will show a drop-down list of possible functions below by matching the characters you’ve already typed.

As you pop in additional characters, Excel will shorten the list.

To navigate through the list of suggestions manually, use the up and down arrow keys.

Note that Excel will also display a brief description of each function to the right.

it’s possible for you to move this tip around if you like.

After you add the arguments you need, terminate the parentheses and press Enter.

Some functions require multiple arguments.

For example, theVLOOKUP functionaccepts four arguments, one of which is optional.

Arguments are separated by commas.

Another way to enter functions is to use the controls on the Formulas tab of the ribbon.

This is a good way to browse available functions in categories.

Once you insert a function this way, Excel will display the Function Arguments dialog box.

This window gives you help on each argument and will display the current value of the argument as well.

Press OK to enter the function.

it’s possible for you to also use the Insert Function button to enter a function.

This opens the Insert Function dialog box.

The shortcut for Insert Function is Shift + F3.