Array Function in Excel

Part 1: Introduction

💡 Definition: The ARRAY function in Microsoft Excel allows you to create an array of values or perform operations on arrays. An array is a collection of values arranged in rows and columns, similar to a table or a matrix.

🎯 Purpose: The ARRAY function is useful when you want to work with multiple values simultaneously and perform calculations or operations on them collectively. It helps simplify complex formulas and perform calculations efficiently.

📜 Syntax & Arguments:

syntax
ARRAY(formula, row_num, [column_num], [height], [width])

🔍 Explain the Arguments:

  • formula: The formula or function that you want to apply to the array.
  • row_num: The row number from which the array starts.
  • column_num: (optional) The column number from which the array starts. If omitted, it defaults to 1.
  • height: (optional) The height of the array. If omitted, it defaults to the number of rows in the range of the formula.
  • width: (optional) The width of the array. If omitted, it defaults to the number of columns in the range of the formula.

📤 Return value: The ARRAY function returns an array of values or the result of the formula applied to the array.

💬 Remarks:

  • The ARRAY function is a dynamic array function, which means it can spill the results over multiple cells if the array is more significant than a single cell.
  • The ARRAY function can perform various operations on arrays of values, such as calculations, filtering, sorting, and more.

Part 2: Examples

✨ Example 1: 

ABC
1246
281012
3141618

📝 Formula: In cell D1, enter =ARRAY(A1:C3 * 2)

Explanation: In this example, we have an array of values in cells A1:C3. By using the ARRAY function with the formula A1:C3 * 2, we multiply each value in the collection by 2. The result will spill over cells D1:F3, showing the modified array with each value doubled.

✨ Example 2: 

ABC
1357
291113
3151719

📝 Formula: In cell D1, enter =ARRAY(SUM(A1:C3))

Explanation: In this example, we have an array of values in cells A1:C3. Using the ARRAY function with the formulaSUM(A1:C3), we calculate the sum of all the values in the array. The result will spill over cells D1:F1, showing the sum of each column in the array.

 

✨ Example 3: 

AB
158
2712
396
4410

📝 Formula: In cell C1, enter =ARRAY(SUM(A1:A4, B1:B4))

Explanation: In this example, we have two sets of values in columns A and B. We want to create an array that combines the values from both groups and then calculate their sum using the SUM function within the ARRAY function. The result will spill over cells C1:C4, showing the sum of each corresponding pair of values.

✨ Example 4: 

AB
138
264
327
415

📝 Formula: In cell C1, enter =ARRAY(AVERAGE(A1:A4, B1:B4))

Explanation: In this example, we want to find the average of two sets of values in columns A and B. Using the AVERAGE function within the ARRAY function, we can calculate the average of each corresponding pair of steals. The result will spill over cells C1:C4, showing the average for each team.

✨ Example 5: 

ABC
1246
281012
3141618

📝 Formula: In cell D1, enter =ARRAY(SQRT(A1:C3))

Explanation: In this example, we want to calculate the square root of each value in the array of cells A1:C3. We can perform the honest root operation on each value using the SQRT function within the ARRAY function. The result will spill over cells D1:F3, showing the square root of each matter in the array.

✨ Example 6: 

ABC
1583
2746
39210
4415

📝 Formula: In cell D1, enter =ARRAY(MAX(A1:C4) - MIN(A1:C4))

Explanation: In this example, we want to calculate the range (difference between the maximum and minimum values) for each column in the array of cells A1:C4. Using the MAX and MIN functions within the ARRAY function, we can find the maximum and minimum values for each column and subtract them to get the range. The result will spill over cells D1:F1, showing the content for each column.

✨ Example 7: 

ABC
1357
291113
3151719

📝 Formula: In cell D1, enter =ARRAY(COUNTIF(A1:C3, ">10"))

Explanation: In this example, we want to count the number of values in the array of cells A1:C3 above 10. Using the COUNTIF function within the ARRAY function, we can apply the condition “>10” to each value in the array and count the occurrences. The result will spill over cells D1:F3, showing the count for each value in the array.

✨ Example 8: 

ABC
1246
281012
3141618

📝 Formula: In cell D1, enter =ARRAY(SUMPRODUCT(A1:C3, 2))

Explanation: In this example, we want to multiply each value in the array of cells A1:C3 by 2. Using the SUMPRODUCT function within the ARRAY function, we can multiply each value in the array by 2 and return the sum of the products. The result will spill over cells D1:F3, showing the multiplied values.

✨ Example 9: 

ABC
1357
291113
3151719

📝 Formula: In cell D1, enter =ARRAY(SUMIF(A1:C3, ">10", A1:C3))

Explanation: In this example, we want to sum the values in the array of cells A1:C3 greater than 10. Using the SUMIF function within the ARRAY function, we can apply the condition “>10” to each value in the array and sum the corresponding values. The result will spill over cells D1:F1, showing the sum for each column in the array.

By nesting the ARRAY function with other functions, you can perform advanced calculations and operations on arrays of values, allowing for more efficient data analysis and processing in Microsoft Excel.

Part 3: Tips and Tricks

1️⃣ The ARRAY function is a powerful tool for working with arrays of values and performing operations on them collectively.
2️⃣ Experiment with different formulas and functions within the ARRAY function to perform calculations, filtering, sorting, and more on arrays.
3️⃣ To ensure accurate results, provide your data is adequately organized in rows and columns, similar to a table structure using the ARRAY function.
4️⃣ Take advantage of the dynamic array functionality, where the results can spill over multiple cells, to visualize and analyze array data effectively.
5️⃣ Combine the ARRAY function with other Excel functions to create complex calculations and perform advanced data analysis.
6️⃣ Use the AutoFill handle to expand the ARRAY formula quickly to spill the results over the desired range.
7️⃣ Practice and explore different scenarios to become familiar with the capabilities and versatility of the ARRAY function.