TAKE Function in Excel
The TAKE function extracts a specified number of rows or columns from an array. Master TAKE with practical examples for data extraction and analysis.
Excel
Google SheetsExcel=TAKE(array, rows, [columns])Quick Answer
TAKE function TAKE function extracts a specified number of rows or columns from an array. Use `=TAKE(array, rows, [columns])` where positive numbers extract from top/left and negative numbers from bottom/right. Perfect for getting top N records or most recent data. Combine with SORT for dynamic leaderboards.
=TAKE(array, rows, [columns])Practical Examples
Basic Top N Records
Extract the first 5 rows from a sales dataset
Bottom N Records (Negative Rows)
Extract the last 3 transactions from a ledger
Specific Columns Extraction
Extract first 10 rows but only first 2 columns
Rightmost Columns (Negative Columns)
Extract last 5 rows and rightmost column only
Dynamic Top N with SORT
Get top 5 products by sales amount
Rolling Window Analysis
Extract last 7 days of data for weekly analysis
Error Handling with IFERROR
Safely handle cases where requested rows exceed available data
Common Errors and Solutions
TAKE cannot extract more rows than exist in array
The absolute value of the rows parameter exceeds the number of rows in the source array. For example, requesting 10 rows when only 5 exist.
1. Verify your source array has enough rows using ROWS(array) 2. Use IFERROR to handle gracefully: =IFERROR(TAKE(A1:C10,20),A1:C10) 3. Calculate dynamically: =TAKE(A1:C10,MIN(10,ROWS(A1:C10))) 4. Check that your array reference includes all intended data
Always validate data size before using TAKE, especially with dynamic sources
Example:
Invalid parameter types or values
Non-numeric values in rows or columns parameters, or using 0 for columns when it's not allowed. TAKE requires integer values for both parameters.
1. Ensure rows and columns are numeric (not text) 2. Use INT() to convert if necessary: =TAKE(A1:D10,INT(E1)) 3. Check for hidden spaces or formatting in cell references 4. Verify parameters are not zero (except rows can be 0 for all rows)
Use data validation on cells feeding into TAKE parameters
Example:
TAKE result blocked by non-empty cells
The dynamic array returned by TAKE cannot spill because there is data in the cells where the result needs to expand.
1. Clear cells in the spill range (area where array needs to expand) 2. Move the TAKE formula to a location with sufficient empty space 3. Use Ctrl+G → Special → Current Array to identify spill range 4. Check for hidden characters or formulas in seemingly empty cells
Place TAKE formulas in areas with clear space to the right and below
Example:
TAKE function not recognized
The TAKE function is only available in Excel 365 and Excel 2021+. Older versions don't recognize this function name.
1. Verify you're using Excel 365 or Excel 2021 or later 2. Update Office to the latest version if using 365 3. For older versions, use alternative: =INDEX(array,SEQUENCE(rows),SEQUENCE(1,cols)) 4. Consider upgrading to Excel 365 for full dynamic array support
Check Excel version before using modern array functions
Example:
Advanced Tips and Best Practices
Combine with SORT for Top/Bottom N
The most powerful use case for TAKE is extracting top or bottom performers after sorting. Always nest SORT within TAKE rather than the reverse for better performance and clearer logic. This creates self-updating leaderboards and dashboards that automatically reflect the latest data.
Use with FILTER for Conditional Extraction
Chain FILTER before TAKE to extract N records from a filtered subset. This is essential for category-specific analysis, like top 5 products per region. The combination provides powerful conditional reporting capabilities.
Dynamic Row Count with Cell Reference
Make your TAKE formulas interactive by referencing a cell for the row count. This allows users to control how many records to display without editing formulas, enabling user-configurable dashboards without VBA or complex logic.
Performance with Large Arrays
TAKE is very efficient, but combining it with multiple resource-intensive functions (like FILTER, SORT, UNIQUE) in complex nests can slow calculation. Test performance with realistic data sizes. For datasets over 100,000 rows, consider using Power Query instead.
Zero Rows for Full Array
Using 0 for the rows parameter returns all rows from the array. This is useful when you want to extract specific columns from all rows without knowing the exact row count. For example, =TAKE(A1:F100, 0, 2) returns all rows but only first 2 columns.
Error Handling in Production
Always wrap TAKE in IFERROR for production dashboards. Source data can change, be deleted, or filtered to empty, causing unexpected errors for end users. Provide alternative values or friendly messages to maintain professional appearance.
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Example Excel formula:
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