How to use the CHOOSE function in Excel

The CHOOSE function selects and returns a value from a list based on a specified index number.

The syntax for the CHOOSE function is as follows:

=CHOOSE(index_num; value1; [value2]; …) 

Arguments:

• index_num (Required):
  • An integer between 1 and 254 that indicates which value to return.
  • Can be a number, formula, or cell reference.
• value1, value2, … (value1 required, others optional):
  • A list of up to 254 values from which CHOOSE selects.
  • Values can be numbers, text, formulas, cell references, or defined names.

USING THE CHOOSE FUNCTION

Consider the following list of names in cells A2:A5:

Example: Return the 3rd Value (Jasmine)

1. Select an empty cell and enter:

=CHOOSE(3; A2; A3; A4; A5) 

1. Press Enter—the function returns Jasmine (the 3rd value).

NOTES & ERROR HANDLING

• Text values must be in quotes, or Excel returns #NAME?.
• #VALUE! Error occurs when:
  • index_num is <1 or >number of values provided.
  • index_num is non-numeric (e.g., text).