Author: Oscar Cronquist Article last updated on March 29, 2018

The CHOOSE function allows you to retrieve a value based on a number, cell range C3:C4 in the picture above shows you a formula that has values "hard-coded" into the formula.

Cell C5 has a formula that shows a value from row 8 using cell references.

Note, you can't use a cell range containing multiple values. You need to type each cell separated by a comma.

There is an exception to this demonstrated later in this article.

Excel function syntax

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

Arguments

Index_num - Determines which value is chosen. This argument is required, you can use a number between 1 and 254.

value1, value2, value3, ... - Up to 254 values Index_num can pick from. The first value is required the remaining values are optional.

Example

The picture above displays a formula that allows you to select a cell range and then a SUM function adds all numbers in the selected cell range.

Formula in cell C3 selects cell range C8:C10 and adds the numbers 300 + 400 + 500 = 1200 is shown in cell C3.

Tip!

Use function key F9 to quickly create hard-coded values from a specific cell range, then use the values in the CHOOSE function.

  1. Double-click on an empty cell
  2. Type = (equal sign)
  3. Select a cell range with your mouse or type a cell range
  4. Press F9 to convert values in cell range to "constants" or hard-coded values
  5. Delete the curly brackets { }
  6. Use the values in your CHOOSE function

Download Excel *.xlsx file

CHOOSE function.xlsx

Excel Function Reference

This extensive function reference list provides detailed information including syntax, arguments, return values, and examples for many of the functions used in Excel formulas. Click on headers to sort table.