Excel CHOOSE Function: The Smart Way to Select from a List

When working in Excel, you might need to select specific values from a list. The CHOOSE function (called ELEMAN in Turkish Excel versions) is a simple yet powerful tool for this purpose. It allows you to select a value based on its position in a predefined list.

What Is the CHOOSE Function?

The CHOOSE function returns a value from a list based on its position. For example, if you want to get the 3rd product from a list of names, this function is ideal.

Syntax:

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

index_num: The position of the value you want to retrieve (from 1 to 254).

• value1, value2, …: The values to choose from.

Practical Examples

1. Simple Text Selection

=CHOOSE(2, "Apple", "Banana", "Orange")

This returns "Banana", the second item in the list.

2. Choosing a Color

=CHOOSE(1, "Red", "Green", "Blue")

This returns "Red", the first value.

3. Selecting a Day of the Week

=CHOOSE(5, "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday", "Sunday")

This returns "Friday", the fifth item in the list.

Things to Keep in Mind

• If index_num is larger than the number of values, Excel returns a #VALUE! error.
• If index_num is a decimal, it is rounded down to the nearest whole number.
• A maximum of 254 values can be entered.

When Should You Use the CHOOSE Function?

• To select from a fixed list of values
• To return a result dynamically based on input
• For working with categories, labels, days, colors, and more

Conclusion

The CHOOSE function is an excellent tool for selecting items from a predefined list. It simplifies formulas and improves the flexibility of your data handling in Excel.

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