THE FUNCTION WIZARD A function is inserted into a spreadsheet either by typing it directly into the active cell; or in the formula bar; or by using the INSERT FUNCTION option in Excel. The latter automates the process, ensuring that you get arguments in the right order. It also provides links to the Help page (which includes examples of how the function is used). There are several ways of accessing the INSERT FUNCTION dialog box: + Use the INSERT menu, select the FUNCTION option; ‘+ Use the shortcut - SHIFT + F3; or © Click on the INSERT FUNCTION icon next to the formula bar. BY Cle Est Yew Inert Fama Teds De Cohau say s2e- oval -0-\pru = ook Using the Function Wizard 1. Make sure you are in the cell where you want to place a function, then open the INSERT FUNCTION dialog box by one of the methods listed above. 2. The INSERT FUNCTION dialog box will appear. The different areas are explained on the next page. foe ‘arch or a fines or set category: eccorarded sFO(type_tent) ‘S\Administatvellnformation TechnologyiGustomer Sewces Managemenfeducaton and Training TeariGurrentraning Page 2 Modulos\Advanced ExcaiAavanced Excel formulas and funetone oea) Type a brief description of what you want to do — then click on GO. Excel will search for functions that might perform the job; or b) Ifyou prefer, and if you know the name of the function, you can drop down a list and select a category. If you aren't sure which category your function is in, select ALL. To make scrolling to your function quicker when you are in the ALL category: ‘+ Click somewhere in the “SELECT A FUNCTION’ area of the dialog box; ‘+ Type in the first two or three letters of the name very quickly. For example if you type VLO quickly, it will return VLOOKUP. If you type it slowly, you will get the functions starting with the letter "V", then when you type “L” the list will change to the functions beginning with the letter *L". If you used the function recently, select the MOST RECENTLY USED category — this is a convenience list of your recently used functions. ©) Abrief description of the selected function, d) Allink to take you to Excel's comprehensive help menu for further details on the selected function, this includes examples of use. 3. Once you have found the function you require, select it then click on OK. 4. The FUNCTION ARGUMENTS dialog box appears. Most of the time you will be required to enter the arguments yourself, some however, as in the following screenshot, will look at your data and try and make an educated guess as to what range / data etc you would enter. Fermi Bor cotance Dialog zaseaso7 0h ‘cumont argue) Cuan acu The data in the text box can be changed by either: = Clicking in the formula bar in the main excel window in and changing the data; ‘SAdminisvatvelsormation Techaalogy/ Customer Sewees Managementeaucaton and Training TeariGuvent Trang Page Modulos\Advanced ExcaiAavanced Excel formulas and funetone oe= Dragging over cells behind the FUNCTION ARGUMENTS dialog box (the dialog box can be moved to make viewing easier — just click and drag on the title bar); or = Temporarily collapsing the FUNCTION ARGUMENTS dialog box by clicking on the COLLAPSE DIALOG icon. This will then allow you to select larger ranges without hindrance. When you have selected the range/data click on the restore button (see screenshot below). tion Arguments Click here to restore the FUNCTION ARGUMENTS dialog box 5. When you have finished filing in all the arguments required in your function, click on OK. Restoring the Function Arguments dialog box in order to edit a function 1. Click in the cell where the function is. 2. Click on the INSERT FUNCTION icon (the fx button) to restore the dialog box. fe =SUM(A AS) 5 ia Do Shortcut for entering a function You can access your most recently used functions without having to go through the INSERT FUNCTION dialog box. 1. Make sure you are in the cell where you want the function to be. Instead of clicking on the FX icon to start your function, type an equal sign (=). You will see the function that was last used in the space where the cell address normally shows. 2. Either click on the function name (ifit is the one you want to use), or click on the drop down arrow next to the function name to see the list of recently used functions. ‘SivAdministatvelntomation Technalogy/ Customer Sewees Managementéaucaton and Training TeariGuvrent Trang Page 4 Modulos\Advanced ExcaiAavanced Excel formulas and funetone oe