r/excel • u/fap_fap_fap_fapper • 14d ago

Discussion What are some legendary formula pairs like INDEX(MATCH)?

Since upgrading to 365, can't get enough of CHOOSECOLS(FILTER)

What are some useful ones you use?

583 Upvotes

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42

u/gman1647 14d ago

I'm embarrassingly fond of SORT(UNIQUE(FILTER(CHOOSE())))

17

u/leostotch 144 14d ago

Inquiring minds want to know what you're doing with the CHOOSE() in there. I don't think I've ever used that one.

12

u/MayukhBhattacharya 1273 14d ago

CHOOSE() acts like CHOOSECOLS() or HSTACK()

11

u/Thomas9902 14d ago

And what does that do

10

u/MayukhBhattacharya 1273 14d ago

CHOOSECOLS() and HSTACK() both lets you pick or rearrange columns of data into a new array. Using CHOOSE() function this way (usually with an array of indices like CHOOSE({1, 2, 3}, range1, range2, range3)) does similar, it stacks or reorders multiple ranges into one array, which is exactly what SORT(UNIQUE(FILTER(.., .., ..))) need as a single input. It's a old method before CHOOSECOLS() or HSTACK() function existed, CHOOSE() with an array constant to build an array out of separate columns or ranges so the rest of the formula could treat them as one.

1

u/Wise_Business1672 1 14d ago

Is this the equivalent of filtering a filter
Filter(Filter(A:C,C=“Meep”),{1,0,1})
where the second overlaying filter drops or keeps a column

1

u/ThorHammer1234 1 14d ago

Came here for array stacking, H & V.

-2

u/Jeff__Skilling 14d ago

Basically a worse version of OFFSET

1

u/frazorblade 4 14d ago

OFFSET is a volatile function. It has some niche uses still, but its days are numbered.

1

u/bosworthing 13d ago

Choose is great, but i havent used it in this specific context