Array Formulas

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An array is defined as "An orderly arrangement". It can be thought of as a collection of data packaged in a container. The individual items in the container can be selected by referring to their location; first, second, and so on.

• Each argument within an array must have the same amount of rows and columns.
• You must enter an array by pushing Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
• You cannot add the {} (braces) that surround an array yourself, pushing Ctrl+Shift+Enter will do this for you.
• You cannot use an array formula on an entire column.

"Have you ever sat in front of your monitor pulling your hair out trying to identify duplicate entries in a list? If so, you should learn about Microsoft Excel's array formulas. In fact, you can use array formulas to perform calculations that are otherwise impossible in Excel, and you can enhance the power of some of the program's existing functions."

Excel's Array Formulas
By Helen Bradley

Chip Pearson:
Introduction To Array Formulas

"Array Formulas are formulas that work with arrays, instead of individual numbers, as arguments to the functions that make up the formula"

Bob Ulmas:
Using Array Formulas in Excel

Daily Dose of Excel:
Anatomy of an Array Formula

Support.Microsoft.com:
Sample Visual Basic macros for working with arrays

Limitations for working with arrays in Excel

When to use a SUM(IF()) array formula



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