CHOOSE Function in Excel
The CHOOSE function returns a value from a list based on index number. Learn with practical examples and error solutions for Excel and Sheets.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], ...)Quick Answer
CHOOSE function CHOOSE function returns a specific value from a list based on its position number in Excel and Google Sheets. Syntax: `=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, value2, ...)`.
=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, value2, ...)- Saves 60% time compared to nested IFs
Practical Examples
Basic Day Selection
Convert weekday numbers to day names
Dynamic Column Selection
Retrieve values from different columns based on user selection
Grade Assignment System
Assign letter grades based on score ranges using CHOOSE with conditional logic
Random Value Selection
Select random items from a list for testing or simulations
Dynamic Range Reference
Switch between different data ranges for calculations
Multi-Criteria Status Labels
Create descriptive status messages based on multiple condition combinations
Fiscal Quarter Calculation
Determine fiscal quarter based on month with non-calendar fiscal year
Common Errors and Solutions
CHOOSE returns #VALUE! error
The index_num is less than 1, greater than the number of values provided, or is not a number. This is the most common CHOOSE error and occurs when the index falls outside the valid range.
1. Check that your index_num is within the valid range (1 to the number of values) 2. If using a formula for index_num, verify it returns a number 3. Use IFERROR to handle cases where the index might be invalid 4. Consider using MOD or other functions to keep the index within range
Always validate that your index calculation produces values within the expected range. For dynamic indices, add boundary checks or use formulas like MIN(MAX(index,1),numValues) to constrain the result.
Example:
CHOOSE with non-numeric index
The index_num argument contains text or a blank cell instead of a number. CHOOSE requires a numeric index and cannot interpret text values even if they represent numbers.
1. Ensure the index_num cell or formula returns a numeric value 2. Use VALUE() to convert text numbers to actual numbers 3. Check for hidden spaces or special characters in the index cell 4. If the source might be text, wrap it: CHOOSE(VALUE(A2), ...)
Format cells containing the index as 'Number' rather than 'Text'. When importing data that will be used as indices, ensure numeric conversion during the import process.
Example:
Formula shows #NAME? error
The formula syntax is incorrect, typically due to missing quotation marks around text values or typos in the function name. Each text value in CHOOSE must be enclosed in double quotes.
1. Verify the function name is spelled correctly as CHOOSE 2. Ensure all text values are enclosed in double quotes 3. Check that commas separate each argument properly 4. Look for mismatched or missing quotation marks
Use Excel's formula autocomplete feature by typing =CHO and selecting CHOOSE from the dropdown. This ensures correct spelling and helps you remember the syntax structure.
Example:
CHOOSE returns wrong value or unexpected output
The values in the CHOOSE list are in the wrong order, or decimal index numbers are being rounded. Excel rounds decimal indices to the nearest integer, which can cause unexpected selections.
1. Double-check the order of values matches your intended sequence 2. If using formulas that generate the index, verify they produce integer results 3. Use INT() or ROUND() to explicitly control how decimal indices are handled 4. Test with simple numeric indices (1, 2, 3) before using complex formulas
Document the expected order of values with comments. When using calculated indices, use INT() to force integer values and avoid confusion from Excel's automatic rounding.
Example:
Best Practices and Advanced Tips
Use CHOOSE for Clean Code
When you have 2-5 known options, CHOOSE creates much more readable formulas than nested IF statements. Instead of IF(A1=1,'X',IF(A1=2,'Y',IF(A1=3,'Z'))), use CHOOSE(A1,'X','Y','Z'). This reduces complexity and makes formulas easier to maintain and debug.
Combine with MATCH for Flexible Lookups
Pair CHOOSE with MATCH to create powerful lookup systems without needing structured tables. MATCH finds the position of a value, and CHOOSE returns the corresponding result. This is especially useful when your lookup criteria aren't in a neat table format.
Limit to 254 Values
Excel allows up to 254 values in CHOOSE (255 total arguments including the index). However, for better performance and readability, keep your value list under 10 items. If you need more options, consider using VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, or the newer XLOOKUP function instead.
Return Formulas, Not Just Values
CHOOSE can return formulas and range references, not just static values. Use this to create dynamic calculations that switch between different calculation methods. For example, CHOOSE(A1, B2+C2, B2*C2, B2-C2) performs different math operations based on the index.
Watch Out for Index Rounding
CHOOSE automatically rounds decimal indices to the nearest integer. If your index calculation produces 2.7, CHOOSE will round it to 3. Use INT() or ROUND() explicitly if you need precise control over how decimals are handled, especially in financial or scientific applications.
Create Rotating Lists with MOD
Combine CHOOSE with the MOD function to create cycling or rotating lists. This is perfect for assigning tasks to team members in rotation, creating repeating patterns, or implementing round-robin systems. The formula MOD(ROW()-1,3)+1 cycles through 1,2,3,1,2,3...
Test Edge Cases
Always test your CHOOSE formulas with edge values: index=1 (first value), index=max (last value), and values just outside the valid range. Wrap production formulas in IFERROR to gracefully handle unexpected inputs and provide user-friendly error messages.
Platform Compatibility
CHOOSE works identically in both Excel and Google Sheets with full compatibility across all versions. The function has been available since early Excel versions and supports the same syntax and limitations (254 values maximum) in both platforms, making it ideal for shared workbooks.
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Example Excel formula:
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