Arrays in Excel Formula

In this article, we will learn how to use arrays in excel formula.

What is an Array?
An array is a set of data elements. It is just a list or range of values e.g. {1,2,3} or {“Apples”, ”kiwi”, “lemon”}

Let’s understand Array usage using it an example.

We will use OR function operating arrays. As you know OR function in Excel runs logic_test. So arrays of values will result in arrays of result.

Use the formula

=OR (A2:A6 = "Apple")

A2:A6 array: {“apple”, “Banana”, “Peach”, “Melon”, “Orange”}
Resultant array: {True, False, False, False, False}
the OR function returns TRUE If any element in the resultant array is TRUE as shown below in the snapshot.

Now we will operate two arrays side by side

We need to find the maximum difference between the corresponding values e.g. B2-C2 = 50-29 = 21 & B4-C4 = 40-30 = 10

So use the formula

{=MAX(B2:B6-A2:A6)}

Use Ctrl + shift + Enter to get corresponding results so as to operate corresponding values.

Note: Do not enter the curly braces manually

Array{ 50-29 , 60-34 , 40-30 , 55-35 , 69-45}
Resultant array{ 21, 26, 10 , 20 , 24}
Result{ 26 }

Hope you understood how to use Arrays in Excel formula. Explore more articles on Excel function here. Please feel free to state your query or feedback for the above article.