Build Dynamic Dashboards and more...with CHOOSE Function
The CHOOSE function is a hidden gem when working on interactive Excel dashboards, custom reports, and smart models. This quick choice returns an item from a list given an index number, which can help dynamically update outputs or automate scenarios, therefore cleansing formulas from bulky nested IFs.
This function can become your first port of call when creating a flexible and responsive worksheet.
📘 What is the CHOOSE Function in Excel?
Syntax:
CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], ...)
- index_num : A number, which selects the value to return.
- value1, value2, ... : An array of values to choose from.
Example:
=CHOOSE(2, "Apple", "Banana", "Cherry")
Returns "Banana", (second value in list).
🛠️ Practical Applications of CHOOSE() in Excel
📌 1. To Respond Dynamically to Various Dropdowns
Can be used with Data Validation or MATCH() to display different values based on user input.
=CHOOSE(A1, "Low Priority", "Medium Priority", "High Priority")
📌 2. Scenario-Based Calculation Selector
=CHOOSE(D1, SUM(A2:A10), AVERAGE(A2:A10), MAX(A2:A10))
Dynamically selects between different calculation modes.
📌 3. Replace Complex Nested IFs
=CHOOSE(MATCH(B1,{"Bronze","Silver","Gold"},0),1000,2000,3000)
Cleaner and faster than IF-ELSE chains.
📌 4. Dynamic Headers or Chart Titles
="Sales Report for " & CHOOSE(C1,"North","South","East","West")
Dynamic labels for customizing visuals.
📌 5. Making Use of INDIRECT() for Dynamic Range Selection
CHOOSE defines which named range is being referred to in the formula
=SUM(INDIRECT(CHOOSE(A1,"North_Q1","North_Q2","North_Q3")))
💡 Pro Excel Tips
- Great with named ranges, INDEX(), or VLOOKUP() to create complex modeling
- Combine with form controls such as radio buttons or dropdowns for fully interactive dashboards
- Use CHOOSE within Power Query M Code for more dynamic transformations
Microsoft Excel's CHOOSE function is an all-around tool for claimants intent on building dynamic, user-friendly, and automated Excel sheets for Microsoft Excel. If you are building reporting templates, budgets, or dashboards, with CHOOSE, scaling and personalising your workbooks becomes trivial.
Once you have seen how powerful the CHOOSE function is in Excel, you will never want to develop a static model anymore. Start applying this function today and transform your working style!
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