{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T10:53:56+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T10:53:56+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-09T18:03:58+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Software","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33618"},"slug":"software","categoryId":33618},{"name":"Microsoft Products","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33642"},"slug":"microsoft-products","categoryId":33642},{"name":"Excel","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33644"},"slug":"excel","categoryId":33644}],"title":"Excel Function Arguments","strippedTitle":"excel function arguments","slug":"excel-function-arguments","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Most of the functions found in Excel require some input or information in order to calculate correctly. For example, to use the AVERAGE function, you need to gi","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Most of the functions found in Excel require some input or information in order to calculate correctly. For example, to use the AVERAGE function, you need to give it a range of numbers to average.</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=AVERAGE(A1:A100)</pre>\n<p>Any input you give to a function is called an argument.</p>\n<p>The basic construct of a function is:</p>\n<blockquote>Function_Name(argument1, argument2,…)</blockquote>\n<p>To use a function, you enter its name, open parenthesis, the needed arguments, and then the close parenthesis. The number of arguments needed varies from function to function.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using functions with no arguments</h2>\n<p>Some functions, such as the NOW() function, don’t require any arguments. To get the current date and time, you can simply enter a formula like this:</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=NOW()</pre>\n<p>Note that even though no arguments are required, you still need to include the open and close parentheses.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Using functions with one or more required arguments</h2>\n<p>Some functions require one or more arguments. The LARGE function, for instance, returns the nth largest number in a range of cells. This function requires two arguments: a cell reference to a range of numeric values and a rank number. To get the third largest value in range A1 through A100, you can enter:</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=LARGE(A1:A100,3)</pre>\n<p>Note that each argument is separated by a comma. This is true regardless of how many arguments you enter. Each argument must be separated by a comma.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Using functions with both required and optional arguments</h2>\n<p>Many Excel functions, such as the NETWORKDAYS function, allow for optional arguments in addition to the required arguments. The NETWORKDAYS function returns the number of workdays (days excluding weekends) between a given start date and end data.</p>\n<p>To use the NETWORKDAYS function, you need to provide, at minimum, the start and end dates. These are the required arguments.</p>\n<p>The following formula gives you the answer 260, meaning that there are 260 workdays between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014:</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=NETWORKDAYS(\"1/1/2014\", \"12/31/2014\")</pre>\n<p>The NETWORKDAYS function also allows for an optional argument that lets you pass a range containing a list of holiday dates. The function treats each date in the optional range as a nonworkday, effectively returning a different result (255 workdays between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, taking into account holiday dates).</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=NETWORKDAYS(\"1/1/2014\", \"12/31/2014\", A1:A5)</pre>\n<p>Don’t be too concerned with completely understanding the NETWORKDAYS function. The take-away here is that when a function has required and optional arguments, you can elect to use the function with just the required arguments, or you can take advantage of the function’s additional utility by providing the optional arguments.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Finding out which arguments are needed for a given function</h2>\n<p>An easy way to discover the arguments needed for a given function is to begin typing that function into a cell. Click a cell, enter the equal sign, enter the function name, and then enter an open parenthesis.</p>\n<p>Recognizing that you are entering a function, Excel activates a tooltip that shows you all the arguments for the function. Any argument that is shown in brackets ([ ]) is an optional argument. All others shown without the brackets are required arguments.</p>\n<img src=\"//sg.cdnki.com/when-an-excel-function-has-more-than-one-argument-separtes-the-arguments-in-the-formula-bar---aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHVtbWllcy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzQ0MTY2Ny5pbWFnZTAuanBn.webp\" width=\"535\" height=\"193\" alt=\"image0.jpg\"/>","description":"<p>Most of the functions found in Excel require some input or information in order to calculate correctly. For example, to use the AVERAGE function, you need to give it a range of numbers to average.</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=AVERAGE(A1:A100)</pre>\n<p>Any input you give to a function is called an argument.</p>\n<p>The basic construct of a function is:</p>\n<blockquote>Function_Name(argument1, argument2,…)</blockquote>\n<p>To use a function, you enter its name, open parenthesis, the needed arguments, and then the close parenthesis. The number of arguments needed varies from function to function.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using functions with no arguments</h2>\n<p>Some functions, such as the NOW() function, don’t require any arguments. To get the current date and time, you can simply enter a formula like this:</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=NOW()</pre>\n<p>Note that even though no arguments are required, you still need to include the open and close parentheses.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Using functions with one or more required arguments</h2>\n<p>Some functions require one or more arguments. The LARGE function, for instance, returns the nth largest number in a range of cells. This function requires two arguments: a cell reference to a range of numeric values and a rank number. To get the third largest value in range A1 through A100, you can enter:</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=LARGE(A1:A100,3)</pre>\n<p>Note that each argument is separated by a comma. This is true regardless of how many arguments you enter. Each argument must be separated by a comma.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Using functions with both required and optional arguments</h2>\n<p>Many Excel functions, such as the NETWORKDAYS function, allow for optional arguments in addition to the required arguments. The NETWORKDAYS function returns the number of workdays (days excluding weekends) between a given start date and end data.</p>\n<p>To use the NETWORKDAYS function, you need to provide, at minimum, the start and end dates. These are the required arguments.</p>\n<p>The following formula gives you the answer 260, meaning that there are 260 workdays between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014:</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=NETWORKDAYS(\"1/1/2014\", \"12/31/2014\")</pre>\n<p>The NETWORKDAYS function also allows for an optional argument that lets you pass a range containing a list of holiday dates. The function treats each date in the optional range as a nonworkday, effectively returning a different result (255 workdays between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, taking into account holiday dates).</p>\n<pre class=\"code\">=NETWORKDAYS(\"1/1/2014\", \"12/31/2014\", A1:A5)</pre>\n<p>Don’t be too concerned with completely understanding the NETWORKDAYS function. The take-away here is that when a function has required and optional arguments, you can elect to use the function with just the required arguments, or you can take advantage of the function’s additional utility by providing the optional arguments.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Finding out which arguments are needed for a given function</h2>\n<p>An easy way to discover the arguments needed for a given function is to begin typing that function into a cell. Click a cell, enter the equal sign, enter the function name, and then enter an open parenthesis.</p>\n<p>Recognizing that you are entering a function, Excel activates a tooltip that shows you all the arguments for the function. Any argument that is shown in brackets ([ ]) is an optional argument. All others shown without the brackets are required arguments.</p>\n<img src=\"//www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/441667.image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"193\" alt=\"image0.jpg\"/>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33644,"title":"Excel","slug":"excel","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33644"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Using functions with no arguments","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Using functions with one or more required arguments","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Using functions with both required and optional arguments","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Finding out which arguments are needed for a given function","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":288828,"title":"Excel 2021 All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"excel-2021-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"],"_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288828"}},{"articleId":265521,"title":"How to Use the XLOOKUP Function in Excel 2016","slug":"how-to-use-the-xlookup-function-in-excel-2016","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"],"_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265521"}},{"articleId":263475,"title":"Notes and File Sharing features in Excel 2016 Update","slug":"notes-and-coauthoring-features-in-excel-2016-update","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"],"_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263475"}},{"articleId":263466,"title":"New Chart & Graphics features on Excel 2016 update","slug":"new-chart-graphics-features-on-excel-2016-update","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"],"_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263466"}},{"articleId":263453,"title":"New Formulas and Functions in Excel 2016","slug":"how-to-use-new-formula-and-functions-in-excel-2016-update","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"],"_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263453"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":true,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281708,"slug":"excel-2019-all-in-one-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119517948","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"],"amazon":{"default":"//www.amazon.com/gp/product/111951794X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"//www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111951794X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"//www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=//www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111951794X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"//www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111951794X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"//www.amazon.de/gp/product/111951794X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"//catalogimages.wiley.com/images/db/jimages/9781119517948.jpg","width":250,"height":350},"title":"Excel 2019 All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b><b data-author-id=\"9027\">Greg Harvey</b></b> has authored tons of computer books, the most recent being <i>Excel 2007 For Dummies, Windows Vista For Dummies Quick Reference,</i> and <i>Excel Workbook For Dummies.</i> He started out training business users on how to use IBM personal computers and their attendant computer software in the rough-and-tumble days of DOS, WordStar, and Lotus 1-2-3 in the mid-80s of the last century. After working for a number of independent training firms, he went on to teaching semester-long courses in spreadsheet and database management software at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.<br /> His love of teaching has translated into an equal love of writing. <i>For Dummies</i> books are, of course, his all-time favorites to write because they enable him to write to his favorite audience, the beginner. They also enable him to use humor (a key element to success in the training room) and, most delightful of all, to express an opinion or two about the subject matter at hand.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9027,"name":"Greg Harvey","slug":"greg-harvey","description":" <b>Greg Harvey</b> has authored tons of computer books, the most recent being <i>Excel 2007 For Dummies, Windows Vista For Dummies Quick Reference,</i> and <i>Excel Workbook For Dummies.</i> He started out training business users on how to use IBM personal computers and their attendant computer software in the rough-and-tumble days of DOS, WordStar, and Lotus 1-2-3 in the mid-80s of the last century. After working for a number of independent training firms, he went on to teaching semester-long courses in spreadsheet and database management software at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.<br /> His love of teaching has translated into an equal love of writing. <i>For Dummies</i> books are, of course, his all-time favorites to write because they enable him to write to his favorite audience, the beginner. They also enable him to use humor (a key element to success in the training room) and, most delightful of all, to express an opinion or two about the subject matter at hand.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9027"}}],"_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/281708"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"]},{"key":"isbn","values":[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-631b800e09c48\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = 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Most of the functions found in Excel require some input or information in order to calculate correctly. For example, to use the AVERAGE function, you need to give it a range of numbers to average. Any input you give to a function is called an argument. The basic construct of a function is: To use a function, you enter its name, open parenthesis, the needed arguments, and then the close parenthesis. The number of arguments needed varies from function to function. Some functions, such as the NOW() function, don’t require any arguments. To get the current date and time, you can simply enter a formula like this:Function_Name(argument1, argument2,…)
Using functions with no arguments
Note that even though no arguments are required, you still need to include the open and close parentheses.
Using functions with one or more required arguments
Some functions require one or more arguments. The LARGE function, for instance, returns the nth largest number in a range of cells. This function requires two arguments: a cell reference to a range of numeric values and a rank number. To get the third largest value in range A1 through A100, you can enter:
=LARGE(A1:A100,3)Note that each argument is separated by a comma. This is true regardless of how many arguments you enter. Each argument must be separated by a comma.
Using functions with both required and optional arguments
Many Excel functions, such as the NETWORKDAYS function, allow for optional arguments in addition to the required arguments. The NETWORKDAYS function returns the number of workdays (days excluding weekends) between a given start date and end data.
To use the NETWORKDAYS function, you need to provide, at minimum, the start and end dates. These are the required arguments.
The following formula gives you the answer 260, meaning that there are 260 workdays between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014:
=NETWORKDAYS("1/1/2014", "12/31/2014")The NETWORKDAYS function also allows for an optional argument that lets you pass a range containing a list of holiday dates. The function treats each date in the optional range as a nonworkday, effectively returning a different result (255 workdays between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, taking into account holiday dates).
Don’t be too concerned with completely understanding the NETWORKDAYS function. The take-away here is that when a function has required and optional arguments, you can elect to use the function with just the required arguments, or you can take advantage of the function’s additional utility by providing the optional arguments.
Finding out which arguments are needed for a given function
An easy way to discover the arguments needed for a given function is to begin typing that function into a cell. Click a cell, enter the equal sign, enter the function name, and then enter an open parenthesis.
Recognizing that you are entering a function, Excel activates a tooltip that shows you all the arguments for the function. Any argument that is shown in brackets ([ ]) is an optional argument. All others shown without the brackets are required arguments.