{"id":356898,"date":"2021-10-22T18:00:12","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T15:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel\/"},"modified":"2021-10-22T18:00:12","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T15:00:12","slug":"how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel\/","title":{"rendered":"#How to Find the Function You Need in Microsoft Excel"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac1451897033\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac1451897033\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel\/#Access_the_Insert_Function_Tool\" >Access the Insert Function Tool<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel\/#How_to_Find_a_Function_in_Excel\" >How to Find a Function in Excel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel\/#Use_a_Function_You_Find\" >Use a Function You Find<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel\/#Try_Formula_AutoComplete\" >Try Formula AutoComplete<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>&#8220;#How to Find the Function You Need in Microsoft Excel&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"type:primaryImage alignnone size-full wp-image-757715\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/microsoft_excel_hero_1200x675.jpg?width=398&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 400w, https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/microsoft_excel_hero_1200x675.jpg?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 400w, 1200w\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/microsoft_excel_hero_1200x675.jpg?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Microsoft Excel logo on a green background\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When you write a new formula in Microsoft Excel, half the battle is finding the correct function to use. Luckily, Excel provides a way for you to quickly locate the function you need for your situation.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Access_the_Insert_Function_Tool\"><\/span>Access the Insert Function Tool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Open your spreadsheet in Excel and select a cell. If you plan to insert the function once you find it, selecting the cell gives you a head start. You can then open the Insert Function feature one of two ways.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Click the Insert Function icon (fx) on the left side of the formula bar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761851\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FormulaBarInsertFunction-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Click Insert Function next to the Formula Bar\" width=\"545\" height=\"54\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Go to the Formulas tab and click \u201cInsert Function\u201d on the left side of the ribbon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761852\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FormulasInsertFunction-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Click Insert Function on the Formulas tab\" width=\"650\" height=\"153\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Find_a_Function_in_Excel\"><\/span>How to Find a Function in Excel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When the Insert Function window opens, you\u2019ll see a search option along with a drop-down box. This gives you two easy methods for finding the function you want.<\/p>\n<p>To use the search, enter a keyword or phrase into the Search for a Function box at the top of the window and click \u201cGo.\u201d For example, if you\u2019re looking for a function that will help you with time and date-related calculations, trying searching for \u201ctime.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/SearchForFunction-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Search for a function\" width=\"629\" height=\"475\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The drop-down list will also help you quickly find a useful function. Click it, next to the words \u201cOr Select a Category,\u201d and pick a category. You\u2019ll see common options like Financial, Logical, Text, and more. By selecting a category you\u2019ll see all available functions within it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761854\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FunctionCategories-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Choose a function category\" width=\"629\" height=\"475\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Use Logical Functions in Excel: IF, AND, OR, XOR, NOT<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One other category to make note of is Most Recently Used. As the name implies, you\u2019ll find those functions you\u2019ve used lately here. This can be helpful if you used a function say, last week, but can\u2019t remember what it was. Check this category and the function might pop out at you.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761858\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RecentlyUsed-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Most Recently Used functions\" width=\"629\" height=\"475\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In most cases, whether you search or select a category, this simply narrows down the choices for you. So the next step in finding the function you need is checking out the de<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">script<\/a>ions. Click a function in the list and you\u2019ll see its description and syntax at the bottom of the window.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761857\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FunctionDescription-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Function description and syntax\" width=\"629\" height=\"475\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>For example, you might need a quartile function. You can see that Excel offers a few different options. By selecting each and viewing their descriptions, you should be able to see the correct one for you.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761860\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/QuartileFunction-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Quartile function description\" width=\"629\" height=\"475\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>If once you narrow down the function choices and view the descriptions, you\u2019re still unsure if it\u2019s the right function for you, you can get additional help. Select the function in the list and click \u201cHelp on This Function\u201d on the lower-left corner of the window.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761859\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/HelpOnFunction-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Click Help on This Function\" width=\"629\" height=\"475\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This takes you to the Microsoft Support website for the function which provides additional information and example uses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Get Help in Windows 10<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_a_Function_You_Find\"><\/span>Use a Function You Find<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you locate the function you want to use, be sure you have the cell selected where you want to insert it. Then, either double-click the function in the list or select it and click \u201cOK.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll then see the Function Arguments tool open for you to set up the formula using the function.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Defining and Creating a Formula<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the top, enter the data set, number, array, or whatever the function calls for.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761862\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FunctionArguments-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Enter the arguments\" width=\"650\" height=\"257\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>At the bottom, you\u2019ll notice that brief description of the function once more, but you\u2019ll also see additional details and the result of the final formula.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761861\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FunctionArgumentsDetails-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"View the function and formula details\" width=\"650\" height=\"257\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at a simple example. Here, we selected the SUM function. In the Function Arguments window, we entered the cell range in the Number1 box. You can see to the right of the box, the values in those cells and you can view the result of the formula in two spots in the window.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761865\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/SUMFunctionArguments-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Sum function arguments\" width=\"650\" height=\"324\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When you finish adding all details for the formula, click \u201cOK\u201d and the formula will pop into your cell with its results.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>How to Calculate the Sum of Cells in Excel<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Try_Formula_AutoComplete\"><\/span>Try Formula AutoComplete<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One other way to find a function in Excel is by using Formula AutoComplete. This is useful if you know the function you want but aren\u2019t sure of the variation you need.<\/p>\n<p>When you type an equal sign (=) into a cell and start entering the first letters of a function, you\u2019ll see a drop-down list of matches. You can click each option in the list to see its description display next to it. Then to use the function, double-click it and you\u2019ll see the arguments it needs.<\/p>\n<p>For example, we know we need a COUNT function, but aren\u2019t sure which one. We enter <code>=COUNT<\/code> and see a drop-down list of options. The description for COUNTIF lets us know this is the one we need.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761864\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FormulaAutoComplete-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Use Formula AutoComplete\" width=\"650\" height=\"161\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>We double-click \u201cCOUNTIF\u201d in the list and then see the arguments needed for the formula. This allows us to simply enter what\u2019s asked for and complete the formula.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-761863\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FormulaAutoCompleteArguments-ExcelFindFunction.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Formula arguments\" width=\"245\" height=\"117\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Working with functions and formulas in Excel can be a little intimidating if you don\u2019t do it often. But with helpful features like these, finding and using the function you need can be a lot easier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\n setTimeout(function(){\n  !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n  {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n  n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\n  if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\n  n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n  t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n  s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s) } (window, document,'script',\n  'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n   fbq('init', '335401813750447');\n   fbq('track', 'PageView');\n  },3000);\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/761846\/how-to-find-the-function-you-need-in-microsoft-excel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;#How to Find the Function You Need in Microsoft Excel&#8221; When you write a new formula in Microsoft Excel, half the battle is finding the correct function to use. Luckily, Excel provides a way for you to quickly locate the function you need for your situation. Access the Insert Function Tool Open your spreadsheet in&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":356899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/microsoft_excel_hero_1200x675.jpg?height=200p&trim=2,2,2,2","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-356898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/356898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=356898"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/356898\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/356899"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=356898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=356898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=356898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}