Use the Choose Function in Excel to Quickly Return a Value from a List

The Choose Function is one of Excel's "hidden treasures." In my experience, most people are unaware of it. Once they discover how useful it is, they "rave" about it.

Rather than struggle with "nested IF() statements," you may be able to use the Choose function to lookup up values - up to 254 different values - in Excel 2007.

In Excel 2003, the limit is 29 different values - still a substantial amount!

[DannyRocksExcels]

@todaslasmujeres
Thank you. I am pleased that you enjoyed my video tutorial.

Danny Rocks
The Company Rocks

[DannyRocksExcels]

@jimbij007
There are 2 ways to bring up the Function Argument Dialog Box:
1 - At this point in writing your Formula =choose( use the Ctrl + A Keyboard Shortcut - this is my preferred method - just remember to type the = (equal sign), the Function Name (I recommend typing it in lower case) and the ( (Left Parenthesis) BEFORE using Ctrl + A

2) You can also bring up the Function Argument Dialog Box at that same point by clicking on the "fx" button in the Formula Bar

Check your spelling!

[DannyRocksExcels]

Thank you!

I am pleased that I could introduce you to a great alternative to "nesting" multiple =IF() Functions.

Danny Rocks
The Company Rocks

[DannyRocksExcels]

Thanks for adding your comment.

You are correct - There is no reason for the extra column when writing the complete formula.

However, my purpose for this tutorial was to demonstrate how the =CHOOSE() Function works. I have found that the high majority of veteran Excel users that I teach are unfamiliar with this useful function.

So, for this tutorial, I simply wanted to use the result of =MONTH() as a demonstration for =CHOOSE()

Danny Rocks
The Company Rocks

[jimbij]

Thanks for the quick response. Danny is there a way we can use the same option for values say 30, 40 and 50 instead of 1, 2, 3? Or is it like it fits only for options starting from 1 and so on?

[DannyRocksExcels]

@jimbij007
The =CHOOSE() function looks for a Cell that contains an "Index Number" between 1 and 254 (in Excel 2007 or Excel 2010) - (much smaller number in Excel 2003)

The 2nd argument is to either type in or point to a cell that contains the Value for Index Number of 1.

For example - Using 3 Values - "Good", "Better" and "Best" - in this order 1, 2, 3

=CHOOSE(A1, "Good", "Better", "Best") If A1 contains the Index Number 1, your result will be "Good." If A1 contains 3, result = Best

[DannyRocksExcels]

@MsWise88
Thank you for writing, I applaud you for taking the time to teach yourself to use Excel fucntions. Good luck in passing the examination.

Let me know if there ias a particular function that you would like to learn more about - I will try to create a video that explains how to use it.

Danny Rocks
The Company Rocks

[jimbij]

danny, how to bring up the function argument dialogue box. Its not coming up for me. thanks

[hamidmghazi]

What does it mean to make the cells absolute value ?

[JanZitniak]

I think is better to use VLOOKUP instead CHOOSE

[FormulaExcel]

Bad... :(
1:12 - Just use =TEXT(A2, "mmmm")
3:27 - Just use =INDEX(L1:L5, J2)