How to use the INFO function
What is the INFO function?
The INFO function returns information about the current operating environment, file path, number of active worksheets, Excel version etc.
INFO function Syntax
INFO(type_text)
INFO function Arguments
| type_text | Required. Text that determines what the INFO function returns. |
Here are the different options.
| type_text | What it returns |
| "directory" | Path of the current directory or folder. |
| "numfile" | Number of worksheets in the open workbook. |
| "origin" |
Returns the absolute cell reference of the top and leftmost cell visible in the window, based on the current scrolling position, as text prepended with "$A:". This value is intended for for Lotus 1-2-3 release 3.x compatibility. The actual value returned depends on the current reference style setting. Using D9 as an example, the return value would be:
|
| "osversion" | Current operating system version, as text. |
| "recalc" | Current recalculation mode; returns "Automatic" or "Manual". |
| "release" | Version of Microsoft Excel, as text. |
| "system" | Name of the operating environment: Macintosh = "mac" Windows = "pcdos" |
What is a path to a current folder or directory?
A path to a current folder or directory refers to the full location of that folder or directory on a computer's file system. It provides the filesystem with directions on how to navigate to that particular folder or directory from the root folder or drive.
Paths provide a hierarchical structure starting from the root folder
- Â C:\ on Windows
- / on Linux/macOS)
down through subdirectories to reach the target folder. Paths use forward slashes (/) on Linux/macOS or backslashes (\) on Windows to separate folder/directory names.
An absolute path specifies the full path from the root folder. For example: C:\Users\Laura\Pictures A relative path provides a partial path relative to the current working directory. For example: Documents\Reports
What is a worksheet?
A worksheet is a single page in an Excel workbook sometimes also called only sheet. You can see the different worksheets in your open workbook by examining the tabs located in the bottom of the worksheet. The tabs have names that you can rename but they also have a sheet number that represents the order or rank in the workbook. The first tab which is the bottom most left one is numbered 1, the next one is the second worksheet and so on.
The worksheet contains a cell grid where you can enter, organize, manipulate and analyze data. Excel allows worksheets within a workbook to have different visibility states: Visible worksheet: Worksheet is fully visible and interactive in the workbook, the tab is shown at the bottom. This state is default for new worksheets.
Hidden worksheet: Not visible but can be made visible using the Unhide command, the tab is hidden at the bottom of the worksheet which makes it impossible to select it. This state is useful for hiding data but keeping it accessible.
Very hidden worksheet: Not visible and not accessible via the Unhide command, the tab is hidden at the bottom. A worksheet can only be made "very hidden" using VBA or the Visual Basic Editor.
What is a cell reference?
A cell reference lets you "fetch" and use values in other cells in a formula.
There are two types of cell references:
- A1-style reference
- R1C1 reference
The A1-style reference is the default style in Excel, it names columns by letters from A to Z. After Z it starts over with AA, AB, and so on until XFD. Rows are numbered from 1 to 1048576, older Excel versions use less row numbers.
The R1C1-style uses row number and column number like: R1C1, R2C5 and R10C15. Rows are labeled R1, R2, R3 and so on, columns are labeled C1, C2, C3 etc.
The A1-style reference notation is the most common one, here are some examples:
A1 - single cell reference on the same worksheet
A1:D5 - reference to a cell range on the same worksheet
Budget!Z3 - a single cell reference to worksheet Budget
'Budget 2050'!A3 - a single cell reference to a worksheet containing a space character
There are two types of cell references:
- Relative cell references
- Absolute cell references
The examples above are all relative cell references, they change accordingly if a cell is copied and pasted to another cell which absolute cell references do not.
The $ dollar character lets you an absolute cell reference meaning you can lock a cell reference horizontally, vertically or both. Here is one example:
A$1 has a relative column reference but an absolute row reference, this means that the column letter may change if the cell is copied and pasted to cells in another column than A.
What is an OS version?
OS stands for operating system which is a system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and the software running on the computer.
An operating system (OS) version refers to the release number or edition of a particular operating system. It provides information about the features, improvements, and capability differences between variants of the same base operating system.
For example, a windows 11 operating system returns Windows (64-bit) NT 10.00
What is the recalculation mode?
The recalculation mode in Excel determines when formulas will be recalculated when changes are made to the worksheet. There are three main recalculation modes:
- Automatic: This is the default setting. Any change made to the worksheet will trigger a recalculation of all related formulas.
- Manual: Formulas will only be recalculated when the user requests it by pressing F9 or the "Calculate Now" button.
- Automatic Except for Data Tables: This recalculates all formulas automatically except for Data Tables.
You can check and change the recalculation setting by going to Formulas > Calculation Options.
What is Microsoft Excel version?
Excel version refers to the release number or edition of Microsoft Excel that is installed. Each version of Excel contains new features, capabilities and improvements over previous versions.
Versions of Excel Explained [Updated 2021]
What is the name of the operating system?
The operating system (OS) is the core software on a computer that manages the hardware and software resources and provides common services for applications. Some common operating system names include:
- Windows - Created by Microsoft, Windows is the most popular OS for personal computers. The most recent version is Windows 11.
- macOS - Created by Apple for their Macintosh computers.
- Linux - Open source OS based on the Linux kernel. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora are popular Linux distributions.
- Android - OS created by Google for Android mobile devices.
- iOS - Apple's proprietary OS that runs on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices.
- Chrome OS - OS from Google designed for Chromebook devices. Based on the Linux kernel and Google Chrome browser.
Excel returns
- "mac" for Macintosh
- "pcdos" for Windows
INFO function example
INFO function not working
Functions in 'Information' category
The INFO function function is one of many functions in the 'Information' category.
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